Southern Californian Native Basketry and Food

Facilitated by educators Dr. Theresa Ambo and Abe Sanchez, this hands-on workshop begins with an overview of the coil style basketry of Indigenous communities throughout Southern California. Engaging directly with baskets, you will hear about the techniques for creating, and their uses, including in food preparation.

Afterwards, Ambo and Sanchez will share about the uses of edible native plants, and you will have the opportunity to enjoy food that incorporates acorn and chia, key ingredients in Indigenous cuisine in the area. All participants will receive the recipes to take home with them.

This event is ideal for anyone interested in an introduction to Southern California Native basketry and regional food traditions. Join us for learning, tasting, and connecting with California's natural heritage through its unique and resilient native flora.

Dr. Theresa Ambo is of Gabrielino/Tongva ancestry and born and raised in Los Angeles County. She was a part of the inaugural cohort of students to participate in the Nohaaxre Miyii Pokuu’ (‘Weaving as One’) program, representing a group dedicated to revitalizing traditional basketry.

Theresa is also an associate professor in American Indian Studies at UCLA. Her primary research examines historical relationships and contemporary partnerships between Native Nations and public universities. She also collaborates with community members and colleagues to examine settler land acknowledgment statements and histories of universities. Theresa holds a B.A. in American Indian Studies, an M.Ed. in Student Affairs, and a Ph.D. in Education from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Abe Sanchez (Purepecha) is a promoter in the revitalization of Indigenous arts and Native food as well as an accomplished basket weaver, with expertise in Southern California Native American coil style and techniques.

He has expressed and shared his expertise in the reactivation and preservation of this important cultural art form. For the last 28 years he has been teaching numerous tribal affiliations, including revivification projects with the Santa Ynez Chumash, Obispeño, Barbareño and Ventureño Chumash, and Tongva (Gabrielino). His ongoing commitment in the renewal of this culturally significant craft has empowered him to become a representative for some Native American communities in the rebirth of traditional basketry for numerous years.

Sanchez has lectured, consulted and worked with many public and private institutions on basketry topics such as the Heard Museum, Phoenix, Museum of Northern Arizona, Institute of the American Indian Arts (IAIA), New Mexico, and the Autry Museum of the American West, Los Angeles. He has lectured and taught workshops at the University of California, Los Angeles, California State University, Fullerton, and California State University, San Marcos.

This program is part of Endless Wellspring, a series of free public programs co-presented by Los Angeles Nomadic Division (LAND) and the Gabrielino-Tongva Springs Foundation at Kuruvungna Village Springs.

Meaning “a place where we are in the sun,” Kuruvungna is the site of a natural spring and an ancestral Tongva village in Tovaangar, present-day Los Angeles. Stewarded by the Gabrielino-Tongva Springs Foundation, the two-acres of land features ponds, gardens, and a cultural center dedicated to the life and history of the Tongva people.

In recent years, the Springs has undergone immense ecological restoration through a collective community effort to care for and maintain the sacred site. Reflecting that work, Endless Wellspring is centered around the theme of regeneration, bringing together Native artists and educators to engage with the natural elements and ongoing life and history of Kuruvungna. From hands-on art making workshops to performances, and garden tours, we look forward to seeing you at the Springs this summer.

Endless Wellspring is organized by Mercedes Dorame, artist and Gabrielino-Tongva Springs Foundation board member, and Christopher Mangum-James, LAND deputy director, with support from artist and scholar Lili Flores Aguilar.

This series is made possible in part by the LA County Department of Arts and Culture as part of Creative Recovery LA, an initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan. Generous support provided by Art of Recovery, an initiative of the City of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs, and the West Los Angeles Sawtelle Neighborhood Council through a Neighborhood Purpose Grant. Special thanks to Walton Chiu.

Graphic by Jimena Gamio.