MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION, BANNING, CALIFORNIA — In the early 1900s, American Indians were not considered United States citizens. As thousands of newcomers continued pouring into California, traditional Indian life ways were disappearing, and many communities’ land, food and water sources were lost. California Indian people were desperately poor and systematically denied even basic civil or legal rights.

But California Indian people have never withdrawn from the fight to be treated fairly. Indian people, including leaders from Morongo Reservation, united to form the Mission Indian Federation. They struggled for autonomy and civil rights, and their influence over the lives of all American Indian people was far-reaching.

A special program starting at 6:30 p.m. April 22 at the Morongo Indian Reservation will explore the start of the Federation, and why this organization is still affecting lives today. Author and Indian cultural historian Deborah Dozier will read from, “Standing Firm: The Mission Indian Federation Fight for Basic Human Rights.”

The Morongo Community Library’s continuing Morongo Rez Readers series will share photos and stories about the formation of this important organization. Tribal members are invited to share their memories.

This first 2007 event in the popular Rez Readers series will feature desserts and coffee at Morongo Tribal Hall, 11555 Potrero Rd. The program highlights Native American authors and encourages the community to read and to engage in discussions about reading. Area Native American authors in previous programs have included Ernest H. Siva, Pauline Murillo, and Lisa Patencio. Also featured have been languages and songs from the first cultures of Southern California including Cahuilla, Serrano, and Luiseno nations.

“Standing Firm” is published by Ushkana Press, the publishing arm of Dorothy Ramon Learning Center, Inc., a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) public-benefit corporation dedicated to saving and sharing Southern California’s Indian cultures, traditions, languages, history, and traditional arts.

Because space is limited, the program encourages those interested in attending to RSVP to the Morongo tribal office at 951-849-4697 to share in a memorable evening.

Source: Morongo Band of Mission Indians