In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, Kumeyaay leaders in San Diego are actively engaged in efforts to preserve their language and raise awareness about the challenges facing Indigenous communities, particularly regarding missing and murdered Indigenous people. This month-long observance serves not only to honor the past but also to foster a commitment to cultural education and community advocacy.
Revitalizing the Kumeyaay Language
Stan Rodriguez, chair of Kumeyaay studies at Cuyamaca College, emphasizes the importance of language in maintaining cultural identity. “Language is what identifies us, and songs tell a narrative,” he states. Rodriguez, along with a new generation of educators like Nicholas Calloway Smith, is dedicated to bringing the endangered Kumeyaay language back into daily use after decades of suppression.
Historically, the Kumeyaay language faced significant challenges due to the impact of boarding schools, which aimed to eradicate Indigenous cultures. Rodriguez explains, “The boarding school system was designed to create a void that could be filled with Western values.” The struggle to reclaim the language is seen as an act of resistance against that legacy, and Rodriguez draws parallels to successful language revitalization efforts in other cultures, noting, “When Israel was created, they revived Hebrew after it had not been spoken for over a thousand years. So it can be done.”
Smith, a Kumeyaay educator and linguist, shares his efforts to learn and teach the language, highlighting its unique structure. He explains, “Kumeyaay describes things based on their functions rather than just naming them. This reflects our worldview and connection to the universe.” Through engaging methods such as interactive classes and community events, Smith aims to immerse the next generation in their linguistic heritage.
Addressing Violence Against Indigenous Communities
Simultaneously, the Kumeyaay community is confronting a pressing issue: the alarming rates of violence against Indigenous people. MIP San Diego, a coalition formed to address the crisis, is working to improve responses to missing and murdered Indigenous individuals. Danielle Bush, the program director at MIP San Diego, highlights that systemic issues have historically left Indigenous communities vulnerable to violence.
According to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indigenous communities experience murder and violent crime rates significantly higher than the national average. Summer Elliott, a housing services liaison at the Strong Hearted Native Women’s Coalition, notes that challenges such as jurisdictional boundaries often hinder effective law enforcement responses. “San Diego County has 18 reservations, and each has different legal jurisdictions, leading to gaps in the investigation of crimes,” she explains.
Since its inception, MIP San Diego has significantly expanded its initiatives, now involving 13 tribes. The coalition has organized awareness campaigns, including over 40 billboards highlighting the issue, and plans to conduct search and rescue training in collaboration with local law enforcement. Bush emphasizes, “We are working to raise awareness about domestic violence, sexual assault, and the systemic issues that contribute to the missing and murdered Indigenous people crisis.”
Both Rodriguez and Smith stress the importance of community involvement in these efforts. They advocate for a comprehensive education that combines traditional knowledge with contemporary advocacy to create a more informed and empowered community.
As Native American Heritage Month continues, the Kumeyaay community’s commitment to preserving their language and addressing pressing social issues highlights their resilience and dedication to future generations. With collaborative efforts from all sectors, there is hope for both cultural revival and the protection of Indigenous lives.
