Native American Heritage Month (Photo – hocolibrary)
Pasadena Public Library joins libraries across the country in celebration of Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the important contributions of Native people and celebrate their rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories.
By News Desk
Throughout November, children, teens, and adults alike are invited to take part in an array of programs and crafts designed to delight and inform.
All programs and events listed here are free and open to the public. Programs and events are extremely popular. Registration may be required. Check program and event listings for details.
- Native American Poetry
Monday, Nov. 6
5:00 pm
Zoom
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 this link.
- Navajo Nation Basket Weaving
Thursday, Nov. 9
4:00 – 5:30 pm
Jefferson Branch Library
1500 E. Villa St.
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, that goes along with the kit. For ages 9-13. To attend, sign-up at this link.
- Cultural Exploration – Healing Practices of the Rumsen Ohlone People
Saturday, Nov. 11
3:00 pm
Lamanda Park Branch Library
140 S. Altadena Dr.
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+.
- Storytime – Stories to Share
Wednesday, Nov. 15
10:30 am
Santa Catalina Branch Library
999 E. Washington Blvd.
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.
- Adult Book Club – Hill Avenue Book Group: The Lost Journals of Sacajewea by Debra Magpie Earling
Saturday, Nov. 18
10:30 – 11:30 am
Zoom
Discuss The Lost Journals of Sacajewea by Debra Magpie Earling–available on hoopla with your library card. To attend, sign up at this link.
- Film Screening – Missing Matoaka: The True Story of Pocahontas
Saturday, Nov. 18
11 am – 12:30 pm
Santa Catalina Branch Library
999 E. Washington Blvd.
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.
- Cultural Exploration – Danza Mexikah Cultural Presentation
Saturday, Nov. 18
3:00 – 3:45 pm
Hastings Branch Library
3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.
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.
- Adult Book Club – Octavia E. Butler Science Fiction Book Club: The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
Saturday, Nov. 18
3:00 – 4:30 pm
Jefferson Branch Library
1500 E. Villa St.
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. Sign up at this link.
- Art Class – Native American Mini-Pottery Making
Monday, Nov. 20
2:30 – 3:30 pm
San Rafael Branch Library
1240 Nithsdale Rd.
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.
- Author Talk – Dr. Steven Hackel Presents Junipero Serra, California’s Founding Father
Saturday, Dec. 2
3:00 pm
Lamanda Park Branch Library
140 S. Altadena Dr.
Join the hour-long discussion with author Steven Hackel, as he discusses his complex, authoritative biography which 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.
Crafts
- Take & Make: Iskiate – A Natural Energy Drink
Wednesday, Nov. 1
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 this link. Sign-ups begin on Wednesday, Nov. 1. Kits can be picked up at Hastings Branch Library. While supplies last.
- Take and Make – Cherokee Arrowhead Necklace
Wednesday, Nov. 1
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 this link. Sign-ups begin on Wednesday, Nov. 1. Kits can be picked up at Jefferson Branch Library. While supplies last.
- Take and Make – Woven Mini-Basket
Monday, Nov. 13
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 this link. Sign-ups begin on Monday, Nov. 13. Kits can be picked up at Hastings Branch Library. While supplies last.
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