A Letter from Mildred Browne, Board Chair

What an exciting time for all of America with the opening of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC on September 21st, 2004. Since its first year, hundreds of thousands of Native and non-Native people alike have walked proudly through the exhibition halls of this significant new cultural landmark. Our tribe, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and staff from the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum have had the privilege of visiting as well, and were reminded of our own Agua Caliente heritage and culture, and how we could lose it forever if we do not take steps to Preserve the Native Spirit of the Desert.

During our visits, many stories were told of how important it is to preserve the Native culture so that all may benefit from its lessons and gifts. We were reminded of the decision to burn our ceremonial house and how the tribe decided not to select a new leader to pass on traditional ways. As the house burned, much of our history and identity went with it.

Today, there is a new energy and revitalization within the Agua Caliente people and our culture. Both young and old are taking steps to build a new, state-of-the-art museum that tells our story and preserves the Cahuilla culture for the Coachella Valley, Southern California, and the nation.

You can join our effort, one we have worked on for sixteen years now and are very close to making a reality. On April 20, 2005, we held a press conference on site to announce the future location of our beautiful, energy-efficient building in the heart of Palm Springs, where the new Museum will make a spectacular architectural contribution to civic life along the Tahquitz Canyon Way corridor. We have established a professional staff and a growing collection of Cahuilla materials gathered mostly from families, friends, and tribal members. We have educational programs that are reaching hundreds of school children every month, exhibitions at universities and at our current Museum… and, equally exciting, we have formed a partnership with the Smithsonian Institution that will bring world-class exhibitions, objects, and programs to Southern California.

And so, as we move towards the opening of the new Museum, projected for late 2008, we invite you to share our excitement and pride by becoming a Founding Member. Not only will 100% of your membership contribution be matched by the tribe’s challenge grant, but your membership will also give you benefits now to enjoy the Museum and be part of its growth and evolution.

The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, will truly be an amazing experience for people of all ages and backgrounds. Exploring the 8.65 acre museum and gardens, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the Cahuilla experience through bilingual interactive and multimedia storytelling and exhibits. There will be a sophisticated research library and archives, a children’s library with books by Native authors, an increased capacity for our educational programs, outreach to school groups and the community, and hands-on workshops teaching traditional Cahuilla crafts. The 150-seat theater will feature some of the best Native American lectures, films, music, and dance. Our Museum shop will offer authentic Native American art and crafts (offered at a discount to members).

You’ll also be able to experience traveling exhibitions of national and international importance from the Smithsonian, the new National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC, and other institutions from around the world.

Jones & Jones Architects & Landscape Architects, one of the principal architects for the National Museum of the American Indian and widely recognized as a “very green” architectural firm, has been selected to  design the Museum.  Using natural building materials, the future structure will reflect elements of Cahuilla culture that will include traditional architecture, basketry, and pottery.

But becoming a founding member is about much more than building a beautiful Museum. It is about becoming an integral part of the effort to reclaim and preserve the cultural heritage of the Agua Caliente and Cahuilla people before it is permanently lost. Most important, it is about helping create a vibrant and vital legacy for the future in our community.

We offer our gratitude for your participation in this exciting endeavor. Support our efforts to Preserve the Native Spirit of the Desert and join as a member today.

Ahchama (thank you)!

Mildred Browne, Chair, Board of Directors