Crafton, San Manuel Hosts Native Learning Experience for Local Students

Publish Date: Nov. 9, 2023

Local fourth and fifth graders were invited to participate in a special learning experience at Crafton Hills College focused on the region’s first people.

The Waa’t program is a three-day event hosted by the Yucaipa-based college and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (SMBMI) whereby students learn about the cultures, lifestyles, and histories of the Native Americans who inhabited the Inland Empire region.

Much of the region, including Yucaipa, is part of the Serrano ancestral territory.

Yucaipa takes its name from the ancient Serrano village of Yukaipa’t. Understanding these connections is vital to the culture of America’s first people, their heritage, and connection to the land. The Tribe wishes to share this with all those who call the area home.

Since 2005, CHC and the SMBMI have partnered to host Waa’t, growing it from a two-day event to three to accommodate its popularity, allowing children from more local schools to participate. This year’s program ran from Nov. 7 through 9. Prior to its start – and to kickoff Native American Heritage Month – Crafton officials announced on the College’s social media outlets a Land Acknowledgement Statement to honor the Tribe’s strong ties to the area.

“Our histories and stories are intertwined in this space,” the statement reads, “and by sharing  them in culturally appropriate ways, Crafton Hills College hopes to honor and celebrate our indigenous neighbors and partners.” 

One way college officials hope to do that is through events like Waa’t, said Michelle Riggs, CHC’s director of institutional advancement. “From the Crafton campus, students can see the fertile valley below and the space allows for the Tribe to create a village so that attendees can see how indigenous people lived in the hills of [the area],” she said.