3/28/14 - SCIC's All Hands Staff Meeting at Sherman Indian High School in Riverside, CA

An SCIC all hands staff meeting was held at Sherman Indian High School. This event was hosted by Southern California Indian Centers "Transition to College Project" (STCP) which is located at Sherman Indian High School for the benefit of the students residing on campus and is funded by the US Department of Education's Demonstration Grants for American Indians. The STCP program improves student academic achievement in preparation for college by creating new educational support systems in critical academic, behavioral and cultural areas. Throughout the year students are exposed to Native Leaders in ART, Business, and Education in an effort to expose them to the diversity within Indian Country. This event included a tour of the campus and lunch that was prepared on campus by the Student's Gourmet Chef and Restaurant Training Program. The meal was superb and was made memorable by the special time the staff was able to share with the students on campus. SCIC continues to support American Indian Students in our service areas.

3/09/14 - SCIC's Education Component Youth Long Distance Running Team (Los Angeles Marathon)

The ASICS Los Angeles Marathon was held on Sunday, March 9, 2014. The Southern California Indian Center’s Education Component participated for the 17th year. The SCIC marathon group consisted of eight runners (five students, and three adults) who are pictured below.

2014 SCIC/Students Run L.A. Group, (from left to right): Isabel Satala, Peter Sanchez, Kevin Passi, Amanda Passi, Alendra “Middy” Logan, La Valerie Joe, Cody Tsosie, and Virginia Arvizu-Sanchez

These participants began training during September 2013 and participated in races each month, one 5K, one 10K, one 15K, two Half Marathons, and one 30K Race, finalizing with the Los Angeles Marathon. Each participant showed their commitment and motivation throughout the past six months, which culminated at the 2014 Los Angeles Marathon. Thank you to each of these marathon participants for achieving something that only a small percentage of people all around the world have accomplished, and that is to complete a marathon. Congratulations!

3/1/14 - Southern California Indian Center receives donations from the CIHA (Torrance, CA)

The California Indian Hobbyist Association (CIHA) Hethushka (War Dance) organization has a long standing relationship with the Ponca Hethushka Society located in White Eagle Oklahoma. The Poncas have given the right to the CIHA Hethushka organization to perform their formal War Dance. Ponca singers have been coming from Oklahoma every March to sing for the CIHA Hethushka. CIHA participants assembled food baskets and the organization collected money for use as part of the CIHA Hethushka ceremony. In accordance with the Hethushka tradition the food baskets were placed around the singers before the start of the Saturday night dance session. After the second set of War Dance songs were complete, the CIHA Hethushka leader, Kysee Tsuji stood and spoke about this tradition and what it means to their organization. SCIC Planner and Grant writer Walter Ahhaitty was then given the opportunity to express himself on behalf of SCIC. In addition, SCIC board member Jean Begay also poke words of gratitude to the CIHA for their act of kindness and civic responsibility. In keeping with the tradition of helping those who are less fortunate in the community, Mr. Tsuji presented a monetary gift to Walter Ahhaitty on behalf of SCIC and the Hethushka members in full straight dance regalia collected the dozens of food baskets that were placed around the drum before dancing started and loaded them into the SCIC van.

From left to right: Walter Ahhaitty, SCIC Board members Tahna Begay and Jean Begay, Kaysee Tsugi

2/14/14 - Southern California Indian Center participates in Herb Alpert's Malibu Sculpture rededication

Herb Alpert, nine-time Grammy winner makes history with his newest bronze "totem" sculpture, on February 14, 2014 as the City of Malibu's first official permanent art exhibition and the Southern California Indian Centers (SCIC) singers and dancers were a highlight of the ceremony. Although it was erected in July of 2013, the 17-foot tall bronze sculpture "Freedom," was honored with the unveiling of a brand new dedication plaque. "Freedom" was created Alpert in honor of the Chumash people whose traditional area includes the City of Malibu. A special Pendleton Blanket was placed on Herb Alpert's shoulders by SCIC Operations Manager and Board Secretary, Starr Robideau. A traditional plains tribal warrior's dance and then a social round dance in the spirit of friendship, often referred to by non-Indians as "the friendship dance" was sung and danced in Alpert's honor. Significant media was present which included the Los Angeles Times, local ABC TV affiliate Channel 7 and Huffington Post which all had interviewed SCIC Executive Director Paula Starr and Operations Manager and Board Secretary, Starr Robideau. Most famous for anchoring the Tijuana Brass band, writing several hit songs in the late '50s, founding A&M records, discovering the Carpenters, and shepherding  a host of musical talents like The Police and Joe Jackson, Alpert is also a well respected sculptor and painter.

SCIC had a significant presence and was well received at this unique event. In addition to Herb Alpert, Sting and Darryl Hannah, a number of other entertainment luminaries were present. A number of the audience members led by Herb Alpert took part in the friendship dance.

The full story is here in this link... https://herbalpert.herbalpertpresents.com/entries/city-malibu-honors-herb-alpert-his-totem-sculpture-freedom/