Native Americans Bless Ganesha Park at Tree Carving Dedication Ceremony
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Issue No. 94 Thursday, May 25, 2017 www.lanuevavoz.net Native Americans bless Ganesha Park at tree carving dedication ceremony By Alex Le Through a collaborative effort, people you’re not here when the Centuries before, an ancient that heritage now has been re- book says that we died in the ear- village of Toibingna was located kindled and will forever be re- ly 1900s and we’re gone? We’re in Pomona’s Ganesha Park with membered at the historic park. not gone. We’re still existing.” the remains of indigenous Na- A ceremonial tree carving She said she was hopeful the tive American tribes buried on dedication ceremony – complete new exhibits at the park would its land. The Costanoan Rumsen with Native American prayers revitalize that silenced history. and Gabrieleños once were its for blessings, songs, the tra- Pomona Cultural Arts Com- inhabitants. However, they were ditional burning of sage and a mission Chairwoman Nancy removed along with their his- traditional dance around a bear Leaño said that the new sculp- tory once the colonists arrived. carving – was presented last ture brings “more appreciation for our park and our history.” Pomona’s homeless plan in place, year-round “I am very happy that we’re shelter may open as early as December honoring the tribes and just Pomona’s efforts at working bringing out the art in our com- on the issue of homelessness are munity,” she added. well under way and are already Pomona City Councilmember paying off with the completion of Photo by Alex Le Robert Torres, whose district BLESSING THE CARVING OF THE BEAR+HQUL0DVFRUURRI/D9HUQHRI3RPRQD·V “A Way Home,” a new strategic Costanoan Rumsen Carmel tribe of Native Americans, blesses the new wood carving of a includes Ganesha Park, gave plan with an entire laundry list of EHDUODVWPRQWKLQ3RPRQD·V*DQHVKD3DUNXVLQJWUDGLWLRQDOEXUQLQJVDJHLQDQDEDORQH special thanks to Debra Martin, shell fanned by an eagle feather during dedication ceremonies. strategies – along with plans that former city councilmember for are under way for building a new month in Ganesha Park by mem- the indigenous tribes. the area, for her efforts over the year round homeless shelter, ac- bers of Pomona’s Cultural Arts More than 200 people at- past two years on the wood carv- cording to Benita DeFrank, the Commission, honoring the rich tended the ceremony, including ing project. city’s neighborhood services di- history of the indigenous peoples Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval, “We’re with brothers and sis- rector. who once presided over the land. Pomona City Council members, ters here,” said Pomona Mayor DeFrank took her message of The monumental wood city commissioners, tribal lead- Tim Sandoval. “Today’s event the city’s progress in the area carving of a bear, which Na- ers, and representatives of com- is really about community.” of homelessness to the Pomona tive Americans recognize as a munity organizations. “It’s not a single individual Chamber of Commerce at its %HQLWD 'H)UDQN 3RPRQD·V QHLJKERU- symbol of a healer, now stands “This is tribal ancestor terri- that makes this possible, it’s so hood services director, updates Po- proudly in front of the park as a tory of our people,” said Gabri- many people working together,” monthly networking luncheon PRQD&KDPEHURI&RPPHUFHRQFLW\·V at Mr. D’s Diner in Pomona this strategic plan on homelessness at this permanent emblem of the loca- eleño-Tongva tribal elder Julia Sandoval added. 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La Nueva Voz • Thursday, May 25, 2017 • 3 4 • Thursday, May 25, 2017 • La Nueva Voz Dedication ceremony... from pg. 1 The ceremony was a “spiri- ness for the future of +LVÀQDOSUD\HUZDV thing was turned into beautiful tual healing event,” Martin said indigenous tribes in- a prayer to the trees. carvings.” as she thanked “Big John” Ma- spired by Pomona. “Natural redwoods “The plan is to have fourth honey, the wood carving artist “History – culture – are like a family,” DQG ÀIWK JUDGHUV FRPH DQG YLV- who created a total of 14 wood recognized is a great Cerda said. “They all it and learn the history of the carvings spread throughout Ga- step forward, because grow together and take tribes,” Martin said, adding that nesha Park. Martin said that one during the ’30s, ’40s, care of each other,” residents also will be able to of the carvings, named “Dream- ’50s, ’60s, the last referring to the sig- visit and learn the rich heritage ing,” the largest dream catcher in century, they did ev- QLÀFDQFH RI WKH EHDU behind Ganesha Park. North America, is located across erything to (cause) ex- that was carved from The language for the plaque McKinley Avenue from the en- tinction and destroy the a redwood tree, sym- that explains the history of the trance to Gate 1 at Fairplex. culture,” Banks said. bolically representing various Native American tribes “I’m proud to say that the “It makes me feel good Pomona and the Native represented in the area, accord- newly constructed Ganesha Park then that this century American tribes. ing to Villanueva, was a result of wood carvings are complete and … we’re beginning to Michael Whitehorse a compromise. will stand as an ongoing tribute build on our culture Aviles of the Gabriele- Members of the tribes contrib- WRRXUÀUVWQDWLRQVWKDWKDGIRU- and our heritage.” ño tribe thanked all the uted their input and Sandoval merly resided in Ganesha Hills “Water is life,” tribes and non-tribal himself – with the assistance of and Pomona Valley,” Martin Banks said, adding that members for uniting Councilman Gonzalez – created added. indigenous peoples of for this momentous WKHÀQDOODQJXDJHWKDWZDVXVHG “Every part of this endeavor WRGD\ VWLOO DUH ÀJKW- event and performed “It’s time to start the healing,” ZDVÀOOHGZLWKKHDUWDQGVRXOWR ing against many who one last prayer to the Chief Cerda said. “It’s a beau- create a healing day for the City not only want to take ancestors of all the tiful thing that we’re able to put of Pomona and today is the day,” away their water but tribes. that bear here as a healing pole she added. also threaten their live- Photo by Alex Le Artist and wood for the people of Pomona and the She gave special recognition lihood. DEDICATION CEREMONY