Barona Cultural Center and Museum Hosts Kumeyaay Astronomy Lecture

The Barona Cultural Center & Museum will present a lecture on Kumeyaay Astronomy with Kumeyaay historian Michael Connolly Miskwish and special guest Harry Cuero, Jr. The lecture is scheduled for Wednesday, February 12 from 6 until 8 p.m.

The Kumeyaay lecture will explore how the Kumeyaay/Diegueño people utilized rock structures and constellations as tools to predict seasonal change and manage land resources. Mr. Connolly will share his research on the astronomy of this fascinating people including the terms for celestial events, constellations, observatories and practical uses. As a former Councilman for the Campo Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, Mr. Connolly has worked extensively in Kumeyaay history and authored two books on the subject. He utilizes his degrees in economics and engineering to reintroduce traditional environmental management into modern land conservation. Mr. Connolly is currently an adjunct faculty at San Diego State University in the American Indian Studies department.

Harry Cuero, Jr. will share songs associated with the constellation ‘emuu (big horn sheep) and its importance to the spiritual beliefs of the Kumeyaay/Diegueño people. Mr. Cuero has been a bird singer for over 25 years and served many positions of tribal government in the Campo Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, prior to being elected Vice Chairman. Mr. Cuero has studied the meanings behind traditional songs and their relationship to Kumeyaay cosmology and other teachings. He is an active participant in cultural heritage preservation as well as a teacher and mentor to younger singers.

Admission is free but space is limited. Please call 619-443-7003 ext. 219 to make a reservation.