By MELISSA EISELEIN, The Press-Enterprise

Fall Gathering at the Malki Museum in Banning on Saturday was a celebration of Native American tradition.

The event included bird singing, basket weaving and lectures on the historical lifestyle of the Inland area’s early inhabitants.

“We hold it this time of year to celebrate that season of food gathering,” said Kevin Siva.

Traditionally, food was gathered in the spring and fall.

Springtime foods included agave cactus, which was roasted and tasted like squash.

In the fall, the ripened acorns were gathered and made into mush, said Siva, a member of the local Mountain Cahuilla.

Malki Museum, which is on the Morongo Reservation, helps raise money for scholarships as it promotes cultural awareness of Southern California Indian tribes.

The museum was founded by Siva’s aunt, Katherine Siva Saubel, of Banning.

Lorene Sisquoc, cultural and traditions leader at Sherman Indian High School in Riverside, talked to museum visitors about games young Cahuilla children played and the foods they ate.

After her discussion, Sisquoc, who is Apache and Mountain Cahuilla, cooked up a dish of yucca blossoms and corn. The vegetable succotash was among several dishes available for tasting.

The museum promotes greater use of traditional foods, including cactus, beans and corn in a modern diet to combat health problems, she said.

Many health problems, such as diabetes, that Native Americans have suffered from over the past 50 to 75 years is from not eating traditional foods said Sisquoc, of Riverside.

Cathy Chmel, of Cherry Valley, was among the non-Indians who came to the celebration to learn about the local culture.

Chmel nibbled on rose hips and tasted manzanita berries and native tobacco before enjoying a meal of traditional foods that included sautéed cactus.

“I’ve always been interested in Native American culture, issues, crafts and foods,” Chmel said.

As people ate their meal, Dave Soza, a Valley Cahuilla who lives in Hemet, showed off the traditional rattles that he made from gourds and palm seeds.

Soza then brought out his homemade flute and played a tune for fellow flutist, Richard Falcon, of Hemet.

Malki Museum is open to the public on weekdays and during special events, including the Agave Harvest in April and the Fiesta in May.

“We want people to know that we are still here and we are still part of the land,” said museum board member Tonita Largo. “The museum has a lot of pottery, baskets, books and jewelry.”

Reach Melissa Eiselein at 951-763-3462 or meiselein@PE.com

Malki museum
The museum on the Morongo Reservation displays baskets, pottery and other historic Native American artifacts.
Address: 11795 Fields Road, Banning
Open: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Information: 951-849-7289

© 2008 Press-Enterprise Company

Posted on October 19th, 2008 by hunwut
Filed under: Culture, Healing, Museum, Reservations