The Pasadena Public Library is proud to participate in the nationwide celebration of Native American Heritage Month throughout November.. Recognizing the significant contributions and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Native people, the library has planned a series of engaging programs and crafts. These events, open to children, teens, and adults, aim to both entertain and educate attendees about Native American heritage.
EVENTS
Native American Poetry
Join the Pasadena Rose Poets for an evening of Native American poetry. The poets and poetry showcase the universal and particular approaches Native American authors have taken to writing about diverse, indigenous cultures. For ages 18+. To attend, sign-up at https://Pasadena.Evanced.Info/Signup/EventDetails?EventId=9094.
Monday, Nov. 6, 5 p.m., Zoom
Navajo Nation Basket Weaving
Explore Navajo weaving methods and learn the technique involved in weaving a basket. Take home a Navajo history kit and watch a specially prepared video on the Library’s YouTube channel, https://www.Youtube.com/user/PasadenaLibrary that goes along with the kit. For ages 9-13. To attend, sign-up at https://Pasadena.Evanced.Info/Signup/EventDetails?EventId=9222.
Thursday, Nov. 9, 4 – 5:30 p.m., Jefferson Branch Library, 1500 E. Villa St.
Cultural Exploration – Healing Practices of the Rumsen Ohlone People
Rumsen Ohlone Indigenous Embrace is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to bring community healing through Indigenous celebrations and cultural experiences while preserving and sharing the Ohlone’s practices and teachings. Located in Hesperia, serving the high desert area, they host sacred healing ceremonies, children’s activities, educational presentations, and community gatherings. Presented by Richard Quiroga, a descendent of the Rumsen Ohlone People and the Director of R.O. Indigenous Embrace. For ages 9 and up.
Saturday, Nov. 11, 3 p.m., Lamanda Park Branch Library, 140 S. Altadena Dr.
Storytime – Stories to Share
Join us for a special storytime in celebration of Native American Heritage Month featuring children’s picture books written by Native authors. For ages 3-5 and their caregivers.
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 10:30 a.m., Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E. Washington Blvd.
Adult Book Club – Hill Avenue Book Group: The Lost Journals of Sacajewea by Debra Magpie Earling
Join us on Zoom to discuss The Lost Journals of Sacajewea by Debra Magpie Earling –available on hoopla with your library card at https://www.hoopladigital.com/ebook/the-lost-journals-of-sacajewea-debra-magpie-earling/15830447. To attend, sign up at https://Pasadena.Evanced.Info/Signup/EventDetails?EventId=9030.
Saturday, Nov. 18, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Zoom
Film Screening – Missing Matoaka: The True Story of Pocahontas
In this alternative audio track played over a common movie about Pocahontas – or to use her real name, Matoaka – she is the narrator and setting the historical record straight. Her story that was originally told as a romantic adventure, is in reality the story of one of the first documented Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women – the first of many sisters.
Saturday, Nov. 18, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E. Washington Blvd.
Cultural Exploration – Danza Mexikah Cultural Presentation
Join us for a musical celebration with Kalpulli Temachtia Quetzalcoatl. You’ll be moved by their ancestral drums and dance. Let their ancestral smoke connect you to their purpose as you listen to what they have to share about the importance of indigenous and First Nation people, past and present. For all ages
Saturday, Nov. 18, 3 – 3:45 p.m., Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.
Adult Book Club – Octavia E. Butler Science Fiction Book Club: The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
Pasadena Public Library, Octavia’s Bookshelf and The Huntington Library have partnered to bring a unique book club to Pasadena where we read and discuss the works of Octavia E. Butler and other Science Fiction authors of color. For Native American Heritage Month, our sci-fi book will be The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline. The Marrow Thieves is a YA Science Fiction about how North American Indigenous people are exploited in a future dystopia where their bone marrow is needed to save the world from madness. For adults. To attend this program, sign up at https://Pasadena.Evanced.Info/Signup/EventDetails?EventId=9261.
Saturday, Nov. 18, 3 – 4:30 p.m., Jefferson Branch Library, 1500 E. Villa St.
Art Class – Native American Mini-Pottery Making
In homage to Native American Heritage Month, we invite you to recreate their remarkable clay pots traditionally used to store food and water. Get ready to unlock your creative potential as we mold, shape, and personalize these miniature masterpieces. Supplies are limited! For ages 5-19. To attend, sign-up by calling (626) 744-7270.
Monday, Nov. 20, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., San Rafael Branch Library, 1240 Nithsdale Rd.
Author Talk – Dr. Steven Hackel Presents Junipero Serra, California’s Founding Father
Join the hour-long discussion with author Steven Hackel, as he discusses his complex, authoritative biography tells the full story of Father Junipero Serra whose life and legacies continue to be both celebrated and denounced. Based on exhaustive research and a vivid
narrative, this is an essential portrait of America’s least understood founder. Discussion is followed with a Q&A. For ages 9 and up.
Saturday, Dec. 2, 3 p.m., Lamanda Park Branch Library, 140 S. Altadena Dr.
CRAFTS
Take & Make: Iskiate – A Natural Energy Drink
Learn how to use chia seeds to make an energizing and refreshing Iskiate (Chia Fresca) drink. Chia is a plant that has been used for centuries by many indigenous peoples throughout the Americas for its valuable food source and medicinal purposes. Reserve a kit at https://CityOfPasadena.Libwizard.com/f/Iskiate_Energy_Drink. Sign-ups begin on Wednesday, Nov. 1. Kits can be picked up at Hastings Branch Library. While supplies last.Wednesday, Nov. 1
Take and Make – Cherokee Arrowhead Necklace
Learn how the Cherokee Nation uses the ancient method of Flinknapping to make various stone tools, including arrowheads. Then, make a Cherokee-inspired arrowhead necklace to honor the tradition. All materials provided. For ages 8+. Reserve a kit at https://CityOfPasadena.Libwizard.com/f/ArrowheadNecklace. Sign-ups begin on Wednesday, Nov. 1. Kits can be picked up at Jefferson Branch Library. While supplies last.
Wednesday, Nov. 1
Take and Make – Woven Mini-Basket
Basket-weaving is one of the widest spread crafts in the history of any human civilization, so what are you waiting for? Join in the fun and make a mini-basket! Reserve a kit at https://CityOfPasadena.Libwizard.com/f/Woven_Mini_Basket. Sign-ups begin on Monday, Nov. 13. Kits can be picked up at Hastings Branch Library. While supplies last.
Monday, Nov. 13
Pasadena Public Library’s Native American Heritage Month programs are sponsored by The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library. For more information, call (626) 744-4066.
