Events

Join us for an illuminating talk with Kumeyaay author Michael Connolly Miskwish, who will explore the traditions and ancient knowledge of Kumeyaay Cosmology. This lecture immerses you into a world of cultural stories, stars, and the deep-rooted sky wisdom of San Diego’s original people. Through Connolly’s book, Maay Uuyow: Kumeyaay Cosmology, we invite you to explore the Kumeyaay people's understanding of the universe's origins and their enduring connection to the land. Cost: $15; SDAC Members & Tribal Members $5 Register for Kumeyaay Cosmology Talk About the Presenter Michael Connolly Miskwish is a member of the Campo Kumeyaay Nation. In 1990, he helped establish and directed one of the first tribal Environmental Protection Agencies in the U.S. Michael researched and implemented traditional environmental practices in contemporary land and resource management. He worked on environmental policy for the National Congress of American Indians, National Tribal Environmental Council, the Good Neighbor Environmental Board and several US EPA advisory committees. His work on issues of taxation policy and impediments to sustainable tribal economies is nationally recognized. He has authored many papers on tribal economics, Kumeyaay history and resource management. He has three published books on Kumeyaay history and cosmology. He has curated exhibits on Kumeyaay culture and history for the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., and the Museum of Us in San Diego, California. In 2006 he was the recipient of the John Montgomery Education Award by the Congress of History of San Diego and Imperial Counties and, in 2017, was inducted into the Kumeyaay Kuseyaay Association. Michael’s formal education includes a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering and a Master of Arts in Economics. He is an adjunct faculty in American Indian Studies at San Diego State University. He served 17 years in elected office for the Campo Kumeyaay Nation. He currently consults with tribal governments and governmental agencies on topics of economics, resource management, taxation and education. He works directly with the Kumeyaay Diegueno Land Conservancy and Kumeyaay Community College. He continues to write and lecture on Kumeyaay history and culture.

This talk will focus on amazing geological forces and events from the last 200 million years that have shaped the San Diego County we see today. From regional tectonics to massive volcanism, uplift and erosion, and the many current infrastructure challenges San Diego currently faces, Mike Thacker will tell the story behind our broad mesas, dramatic coastlines, canyons, and wide valleys. Attendees will be sure to come away with a deepened understanding of and appreciation for the geological history of our unique region. Cost: $15, SDAC Members $5 About the Presenter Mike Thacker is a retired Senior Staff Research and Development Scientist at Thermo Fisher Scientific. He has a B.S. in zoology from San Diego State University and studied anthropology and archaeology at University of California Santa Barbara, Palomar College, and San Diego State University. He is a volunteer teaching assistant for Palomar College archaeological excavation field school and survey programs and a former member of the Board of Trustees for the San Diego Archaeological Center. Mike is passionate about his home of San Diego and leads interpretive hikes for the San Dieguito River Park and San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy. His interest in geology has motivated his study of the geology of the San Diego region for the last 16 years.

Create your own pine needle and juncus reed medallion. Participants will be taught how to identify and prepare the crafting material as well as how to bring those items together using the coil weaving method, a traditional Kumeyaay basketry technique. This method is one of the cornerstones of Kumeyaay culture and craftsmanship, serving as the foundation for storage baskets, food-processing trays, baby cradles, and many other woven items used in daily traditional life. All supplies and light refreshments are included. Ages 13+. Cost: $50; SDAC Members & Tribal Members $40 About the Instructor Haawka! Neve Luna is a Kumeyaay descendant and San Diego native who grew up on the San Pasqual Reservation in Valley Center, California. She received her B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Oregon and now works at the San Diego Archaeological Center as the Tribal Outreach Coordinator. Neve develops Indigenous-based educational programs to strengthen the Center's engagement amongst Tribal youth and other diverse communities. With every project, lecture, or community partnership, Neve is dedicated to preserving the culture of the Kumeyaay People while inspiring local residents to appreciate San Diego's rich history.

Celebrate the creativity, craftsmanship, and living traditions of Indigenous artists at the Indigenous Artisan Market, a free community event hosted by the San Diego Archaeological Center. Browse a diverse selection of handmade artwork, jewelry, textiles, pottery, carvings, cultural crafts, and other unique creations offered directly by Indigenous artisans from across the region. This family-friendly event provides an opportunity to meet talented makers, learn about the stories and traditions behind their work, and support Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs. Whether you're searching for authentic one-of-a-kind gifts or simply looking to enjoy a day of culture and community, the Indigenous Artisan Market offers something for everyone. Visitors are also encouraged to explore the museum while enjoying a vibrant marketplace dedicated to honoring Indigenous heritage, creativity, and cultural expression. If you are an Indigenous artist who would like to participate, please contact aniesley@sandiegoarchaeology.org.