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Native American Heritage Takes Center Stage With November Celebration in Pasadena

Month-long celebration highlights Native cultures and traditions across city libraries

Published on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 | 4:52 am
 

The City of Pasadena Public Library is launching a comprehensive celebration of National Native American Heritage Month this November, dedicated to recognizing the important contributions of Native people while celebrating their rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories.

The citywide initiative, sponsored by The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library, aims to provide immersive educational experiences through a series of free programs spanning multiple library branches.

At the heart of the programming is an innovative outdoor “storywalk” at Jefferson Branch Library, 1500 E. Villa St., where visitors can experience “Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story” by Kevin Noble Maillard while walking through the grounds. Operating Monday through Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., November 2 through 30, the program culminates in an indoor scavenger hunt where participants can learn about the tribes mentioned in the story. Those who complete the hunt can earn a take-home fry bread cooking kit, available while supplies last.

Cultural authenticity will take center stage on November 9 at 3 p.m. at the Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd., where Kalpulli Temachtia Quetzalcoatl will present Danza Mexikah, a performance featuring ancestral drums and traditional dance. The ancestral smoke ceremony will connect attendees to the group’s purpose as they share insights about the importance of indigenous and First Nation peoples, past and present.

For younger participants, the Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E. Washington Blvd., will host a specialized storytime on November 13 at 10:30 a.m., exclusively featuring picture books authored by Native writers. The program is tailored for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers.

Adult programming includes a poetry evening at Lamanda Park Branch Library, 140 S. Altadena Dr., on November 18 at 5 p.m., where the Pasadena Rose Poets will present works highlighting diverse indigenous cultures through Native American poetry. This event is specifically designed for ages 18 and older.

The celebration extends to hands-on cultural activities across multiple locations. From November 1-15, the Hastings Branch Library invites community members to create posters honoring local indigenous lands, with finished works to be displayed and shared with the community throughout November. Starting November 12 at 10 a.m., the Hill Avenue Branch Library, 55 S. Hill Ave., will offer dream catcher craft kits for ages 9 and older, while supplies last.

Additionally, a Chippewa-inspired baked pumpkin treat workshop for ages 6 and up (with adult assistance) begins November 1, with registration available at https://cityofpasadena.libwizard.com/f/Pumpkin.

The City’s economic development initiatives will complement the cultural programming through a social media campaign spotlighting Native American-owned businesses in Pasadena. Local Native American business owners can submit their enterprises for feature consideration through Bit.ly/SmallBizVidPasadena.

All programs are free and open to the public, though some craft activities require advance registration and have age restrictions. Residents can find updated information through the City’s social media channels on Facebook and Instagram (@CityOfPasadena), and Twitter (X) (@PasadenaGov).

For additional information, residents can visit CityOfPasadena.net or contact the City Service Center at (626) 744-7311 during business hours, Monday through Friday.

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