Program Description
Details/Detalles
Participants will learn how to use natural materials to create a doll or small mat. Talking about how important it is to protect the health of the environment around us and how to use materials that do not harm or pollute the earth. Not only will they learn a skill to apply to other materials, but they will hear a different perspective into our relationship with the earth and each other. This is a fun class that will build dexterity, plant knowledge and understanding of the world around us.
Our Special Guest is Maria Elena “Mia” Lopez: “Bringing people together from kinder to graduate school, and professionals of all types, to acknowledge our traditional land where they live, go to school, and work, is an honor and a responsibility.” Chumash Culture Bearer, Lecturer, & Educator | Founder of Sun’an Protection, Arts, and Cultural Education (SPACE) A culture bearer, lecturer, and cultural educator with decades of experience working as an expert in Chumash cultural education and Chumash natural and cultural resources protection. Ms. Lopez is an enrolled member and former Chair of the Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation (“Coastal Band”). She has served as an effective leader and liaison between the Coastal Band and city, state, and federal government entities and businesses. She is also a hands-on cultural educator for K-12 students and a university lecturer on contemporary and historical Chumash life, cultural practice, and protection. Maintaining connections with Mia’s ancestral villages and non-human relatives is very important to her. She’ll walk you through the historical truth of this territory, where we are today, and where we are headed unless we can pay heed and take real immediate action in healing ourselves and healing our earth. Mia’s goal is to help her community heal through cultural and spiritual wellness practice and continue to educate the public. Mia has served on Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation’s Chumash Marine Science Education Advisory Team (CMSEAT) and as a Cultural Educator since 2014. She also, serves as a Board Member for the American Indian Health & Services which completes the circle of care for her community by providing physical and mental wellness.
Disclaimer(s):
Participants in this event may be photographed by Library staff. These photos may be used in promotional or educational publications, including in print, social media, and presentations. Please see staff if you do not consent to having your photo taken. Staff will obtain individual, signed photo releases of photographs that contain only an individual as opposed to a group.