Volunteer Lecture Series: Cultural Awareness & Respectful Engagement on Cahuilla Lands

This interactive workshop given by Friends’ Board Member Sienna Thomas invites participants to deepen their understanding of the cultural landscape of the Coachella Valley and surrounding desert regions — lands that have been home to the Cahuilla people since time immemorial.
As volunteers and educators who guide visitors through these landscapes, we have an opportunity and responsibility to share information in ways that are respectful, accurate, and mindful of the living cultures connected to this land.
During this session, participants will explore practical ways to incorporate Cahuilla history and perspectives into guided hikes and educational programs while maintaining cultural respect and awareness.

Topics will include:
• Understanding the purpose and limitations of land acknowledgements
• Recognizing the desert as a cultural landscape, not just a natural one
• Ways to appropriately reference Cahuilla people, history, and presence during hikes and programs
• How to avoid stereotypes, outdated language, and common misconceptions
• Respectful approaches when discussing cultural sites, sacred places, and traditional practices
• Understanding that not all knowledge is meant to be shared publicly
• Strategies for responding thoughtfully to visitor questions about Indigenous culture
• Building stronger relationships with local tribal communities
• The role volunteers can play in supporting respectful interpretation of the land

Participants will also engage in guided discussion and reflection about how cultural awareness strengthens outdoor education and helps create welcoming spaces for tribal youth, community members, and visitors from diverse backgrounds.
This session will include time for questions, discussion, and shared learning.

The lecture will be held in the Friends’ Conference Room.

You must be a current volunteer to attend.

Questions? Contact Allison at astrong@desertmountains.org