By Raveena Rahman, Nov. 26, 2o24
Cal Poly Pomona is celebrating Native American Heritage month by hosting events such as Day of the Dead Celebration, discussion with a Native plant educator, a Harvest dinner, and workshops such as beading circles and weaving baskets.
The events and workshops are being held throughout the month of November to honor Native culture and allow students to learn about the traditions and history behind it.
The Native American Student Center partnered with PolyTransfer to host a basket-weaving event that welcomed students from all cultural backgrounds and taught students how to create their own baskets at the Rain Bird BioTrek Garden Nov. 13.
“We decided to collaborate and bring in the support of our transfer students,” said Atiana Seyed, assistant coordinator for transfer students. “PolyTransfer tends to represent a lot of underrepresented minorities, so we ultimately wanted to expand that outreach.”
The event had a big turnout. Initially there were seven students attending, but as the event went on, around 20 more students showed up.
During the event, NASC provided students with two buckets filled with round reeds and water. One bucket contained reeds that were already knotted in the basket pattern for the base, and students can follow the same pattern to complete the basket. Those who wanted to start from scratch were prompted to pick out eight strands of reed from the other basket.
Graduate student Alex Armendariz, event facilitator and NASC member majoring in regenerative studies, demonstrated how to weave a basket to attendees.
“Coil basketry is one of the most common practices and involves a few different materials,” said Armendariz. “Juncus, yucca and deer grass are dyed and used to add designs to the baskets.”
He further explained that among other purposes, basket weaving was used for storage, cooking, gathering, ceremonies and to create dolls in Native culture.
He said basket weaving is still being used universally today, as these baskets can be found at local stores and museums.
“I think cultural events and traditional events are valuable because they bring cultural awareness to campus,” said NASC’s Retention Coordinator Madi Garcia. “It brings some kind of representation and comfortability for them to indulge in these traditional practices. It’s bridging community and academics for native scholars.”
Garcia explained graduation and success rates for Indigenous American students is low, but NASC aims to provide support and a community for these students by connecting them with school resources that allow them to have a higher chance to succeed at CPP.
Sociology student Lucy Lopez claimed she began working for NASC about a month ago and the weaving– baskets event was the first ever cultural event she attended.
“Growing up, my mom has always encouraged me to learn about our culture and implemented it in our household,” Lopez said. “I’m excited to learn more about it on my own, especially at a campus that is inclusive and honors my culture.”
Lopez believes these types of events bring students together and spread awareness about different cultures and she hopes to attend other events held throughout the month.
Garcia described the discussion with plant educator Nicholas Hummingbird, held Nov. 21 is where students can learn about America’s climate and the role indigenous traditions played in it. NASC collaborated with the Office of Interdisciplinary Ethnic Studies Teaching and Scholarship, to host Hummingbird.
Garcia stated the Reconstructing Harvest Day Dinner on Nov. 28 is the most important event of all and is held annually at CPP.
“We have a collaboration with Professor Sandy Dixon for the dinner to talk about the significance of what big American commercial lies and capitalistic holidays mean to native people, especially with the history and trauma behind it,” Garcia said.
CPP also hosted a BioTrek Ethnobotany Tour Nov. 21 and will be hosting a Centerpointe Luncheon Nov. 28 and Nov. 30 and a “Rez Dogs” Community Dialogue Nov. 29 in honor of Native American Heritage month.
“It’s important that we build relationships with people beyond just the Native community,” Armendariz said. “We intend to not only build relationships with our non-native allies, but to educate them. Giving an opportunity to practice and learn about things that are specific to our culture creates a sense of belonging and strengthens our identity as a Native student at Cal Poly (Pomona).”
