Celebrating Heritage: Indigenous Peoples’ Day Shines at Cerro Coso’s Mammoth Campus

On Monday, October 14th, Cerro Coso Community College’s Mammoth Campus celebrated the rich and diverse cultural groups of Eastern Sierra! The event featured live demonstrations and workshops by local Native guests, including the esteemed Parker Family, renowned for four generations of masterful basket weaving. The family’s tradition was led by Dr. Julia Parker, an acclaimed basket weaver and cultural educator.

Attendees were also treated to vibrant cultural presentations by the AkaMya Culture Group, sharing songs, dance, and storytelling that brought the heritage and spirit of Native traditions to life.

Kimberly Blackwell, ESCC Site Director, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the success of the event, saying, "We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Parker Family, the AkaMya Culture Group of Big Pine, and the Mammoth Lakes Foundation for their continued support. We would be remiss if we did not extend a special thank you to Elizabeth Root, Scholarship Coordinator at the Mammoth Lakes Foundation, for her outstanding efforts in coordinating this incredible event. We hope this becomes an annual tradition!"

Leticia Gonzales, Cerro Coso Native American Student Success and Support Program Coordinator remarked, "It was a wonderful day celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day, surrounded by community members and Indigenous artists who showcased their rich heritage and culture. The experience was both engaging and truly memorable."

Learn more about Dr. Julia Parker and her extraordinary work.

To explore the cultural contributions of AkaMya, visit their website www.akamya.com.

Caption: (top) Local Native guests perform a live demonstration.