The Land Does Not Belong to Us; We Belong to the Land

We started our day off with delicious food from Leo and Caro, as we have for the past few days. We then headed off for Baja, California to meet the Kumiai people, learn about their culture, and make some crafts.

 

While there, our guide, Samuel, led us on a trail and spoke about the rich history of the Kumiai people, their land, and some of the cultural practices, which included medicinal treatments involving acorns crushed with a big stone. We learned that they were chased off of the valley that they used to reside on to the lower parts of Mexico that they now live on. Usually, Native land is left alone around the border, but we learned that the land was indeed separated, thus making them one of the few tribes separated by the border.  After a short hike, we got to visit a museum of historical artifacts, like acorn baskets and old games that were played. We then had lunch, which was made locally, and had the chance to visit the gift shop, filled with things made by the local women that helped support the community.

 

After that, we had a craft making lesson where we all made our own necklaces made up of dried pine needles. We then wore them while enjoying a dance ceremony led by future singers in the tribe. We were asked to join, which we gladly did, but not before Joaquin showed off his ballet skills to the kids. We then made our way home, and on the way, we enjoyed a beautiful sunset that overlooked the ocean. We then had another delicious meal with our speaker, Lacey, an immigration lawyer. After dinner, we got to ask questions about the immigration process and about what she has seen and experienced as a lawyer in this line of work. 

 

We ended the night off with a T.E.A.M reflection, and lot of laughs.    

Loretta and Laurencia Ebong