Cole’s District 2 Forum to Highlight Native American Voices and Perspectives

Pasadena Councilmember Rick Cole is bringing together Native American leaders to explore the importance of Indigenous knowledge, cultural preservation and the perspectives Native communities bring to today’s environmental and social challenges.

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the histories, experiences and contributions of Native American communities. But for Councilmember Rick Cole, the occasion also presents an opportunity to bring greater attention to the voices of Indigenous leaders and their perspectives on the challenges facing communities today.

At 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 18, at Santa Catalina Library – 999 E Washington Blvd, Cole will host a District 2 Issue Forum featuring a panel discussion with distinguished Native American leaders, with a particular focus on the Native American community in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley.

The discussion comes at a time when mounting environmental threats and unprecedented social challenges have renewed questions about how communities approach land stewardship, cultural preservation and their relationship with the natural world.

The panel will feature Floraina Three Hawk, a medicine woman and spiritual teacher, and Dr. Kimberly Johnson, a tribal leader of the Gabrieleno Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians. Both panelists bring distinct perspectives rooted in Indigenous traditions, community leadership and cultural knowledge.

The forum is intended to create space for a broader conversation about the history and continued presence of Native Americans in the Pasadena area, the importance of preserving Indigenous culture and the perspectives Native leaders can offer as communities confront the challenges of the present and future.

Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion. Those unable to attend in person can join through an online webinar at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88215008909.

For more information, reach out to 2 Liaison Megheti DerBoghossian, (626) 744-4742 or mederboghossian@cityofpasadena.net.