American Indian Center hosts events showcasing history, culture
November marks Native American Heritage Month – a time to commemorate the cultures, traditions, histories, and contributions of indigenous peoples across the United States. At Dominguez Hills, the American Indian Center (AIC) is hosting events this month to highlight the legacy of native and indigenous communities.
The AIC aims to provide an inclusive, label-free space for all people who identify as native or indigenous. The center kicked off Native American Heritage Month on Nov. 17 with a craft-making event. Attendees created their own dreamcatchers and beaded bracelets. A dreamcatcher is made using different types of feathers and beads, and according to some traditions, they are used as protective charms against bad thoughts or dreams.
“I had a lot of fun creating these crafts, and I enjoyed learning about Native American culture and symbolism in the crafts we made,” said junior Arianna Orellana, who attended both events.
On Nov. 21, the AIC partnered with the Farmers Market to distribute seedlings of native California plants. Students were invited to learn more about how the plants are used for food, medicine, clothing, and during traditional ceremonies. Another activity involved grinding corn in clay pots.
The AIC was founded by Cheryl McKnight in 2011 as the “American Indian Initiative.” The AIC is a part of the Service Learning, Internships & Civic Engagement (SLICE), which works to create bridges between CUSDH and communities in the Greater Los Angeles and South Bay areas.
The center was later renamed to better incorporate the identities of people who describe themselves as Native American and American Indian. However, AIC program director Francisco Checkcino said some people would rather avoid using those terms.
“Some people prefer to be called by whatever their tribe is,” Checkcinco said. “My tribe is Assiniboine … I’m multicultural, so I don’t have a preference on what I am called, as long as it’s not derogatory or insensitive.”
The AIC not only serves as a hangout, but a place where students can access free printing and food pantry services. There are also resources available for anyone to learn more about Native American and indigenous cultures and histories, including books, DVDs, and hand-woven baskets. Still, Checkcino said the AIC is working to create its own space and identity independent of SLICE.
Checkcinco said he hopes to learn more about lineage tracing directly from McKnight so that he can help other students.
“We want the center to be a place to hang out, a place to meet people, a place to know more about culture, a place to hang out with people with similar interests.”
