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San Diego, CA
Native Educational and Wellness Tour
June 28-July 6

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Now in its 8th year, this is our longest running program, offering a “holistic, indigenous, approach to education.” We weave wellness, culture, leadership and academic enrichment into a life-changing experience. Explore San Diego’s best Universities, Colleges, Native Communities, and environments with nationally recognized instructors and mentors. Inter-Tribal scholars and staff from across the state and nation gather to exchange knowledge and share respect for Native culture. Group size is limited to 13 students, with trained staff chaperone ratio 2:5.

Day 1: University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
Arrival Day. After Greetings and Orientation, participants check-into “dorm rooms.” UCSD sits on high bluffs aside majestic views of the Pacific Ocean. This was once an important Native village site. Today it marks the starting point for our educational journey in knowledge of self, others and greater horizons. *Airport pick-up, if needed, will be provided by our staff.

Day 2: University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
Start the morning on the beach with the options of yoga and surfing. After breakfast on campus, participants will begin a seminar in Music, Culture, Language, and Writing (MCLW) taught by Scholar in Residence, Composer and Performer: Dr. Alan Lechusza (La Jolla/Luiseno, Cahuilla, Maidu). Working together, students break down the boundries of western education, opening new horizons of self-expression and thought. After lunch, we take a guided tour of the campus. Next, we will construct Genograms (like a family tree) to look into our ancestry and roles for the future. After dinner, we take in the natural beauty of Torrey Pines State Park on a tour of Coastal Indigenous Science led by Purdue University. We observe the plants and earth that we must help preserve for future generations, and enjoy the sunset over the Pacific before returning to campus.

Day 3: University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
After morning refreshments, we take a trip down to UCSD’s world famous Scripps Institute of Oceanography and Birch Aquarium. World-renowned scientists will guide our tour and help us understand our vital relationship with the ocean and its life. We’ll have lunch in the park overlooking the beach, then launch our Kayaks around La Jolla Cove. Students will have an opportunity to snorkel in the protected waters of the calm bay and cove. A short time to practice surfing and body-boarding skills will also be an option. Purdue University staff will teach us the subtle importance of coastal geology. We finish the evening fire-side on the beach with local Cultural Story-Tellers and Bird Singers refreshing our coastal spirit.

Day 4: San Diego State University (SDSU)
We pack up and take a short drive to San Diego State University, where we’ll be hosted by Indian Health Council’s Native American Research Center for Health (NARCH) and SDSU School of Public Health and Exercise Sciences. As we experience the second branch of the California’ State University “CSU” System, we note the differences, similarities and advantages. We spend the morning exploring the School of Public Health, and after lunch we tour the SDSU Campus. We’ll take time to rest and experience SDSU “Dorm-Life,” before continuing our Music and Writing Seminar.

Day 5: San Diego Reservation Tour: Barona, Viejas, La Jolla Reservation Camping
We embark on a Tour of three of San Diego’s 17 Indian reservations for a day of hosted events and visits. We stop at the award-winning Barona Cultural Center, where Ipay and Kumeyaay culture is restored. During a Mock Tribal Youth Council, students take on the role of Tribal Leaders, gaining experience in sovereign decision-making on behalf of the community. After lunch, we head to the mountains where the water still flows through Native hands. We set up camp at La Jolla Indian Reservation Campground and refresh ourselves in the shaded river. Before, sundown, we continue our Music and Writing Seminar. Dr. Lechusza joins us fireside with his ensemble for a live performance and discussion.

Day 6: La Jolla Reservation Campground, Indian Health Council, Inc. Clinic
After a light breakfast, Purdue University and local tribal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lead us on a walk, observing the subtle importance of the land. For lunch we head down the mountain to the Rincon Reservation. IHC hosts us as we explore career possibilities in health. Afterwards we visit the Teen Center at All Tribes Charter School and spend a couple hours in Cooking Class, led by a world-traveled chef. Students learn about Culinary Arts, how to identify quality organic produce, and how to work as a team to prepare food for better health. After we fill up, we return to the Campsite for relaxation, burnt marshmallows, and cultural story-telling.

Day 7: Pala Reservation, Cal State San Marcos, UC San Diego
We leave campsite and head down the Mountain. We take time for morning Recreation before a Cultural Center Tour at Pala Reservation. The Tour opens our eyes to advanced thinking on how balancing gaming revenue can benefit youth and community. After speaking with leaders and youth, we drive back to UCSD. We take rest and after dinner continue our seminar in Music and Writing. Inspired by our days together, we take this night to share each of our cultural backgrounds.

Day 8: UC San Diego, Pechanga Reservation Pow-Wow
The previous days illustrated the road to college, professions, tribal leadership and environmental careers. We will take a moment to discuss the paths to achieving our career goals on our individual journeys. We will then take off to the best 4th of July Powwow on the west coast at Pechanga Reservation. In respect, our group will attend, meet and see dancers and Native folks from across the nation. Then, it’s time to relax and watch the fireworks spectacular in the sky.

Day 9: UC San Diego; Departure for Home
Our tour and personal journey with you ends for now as you transition and continue on your path of success, enlightened, and refreshed in mind and spirit. We will have a Lunch Recognition of participants and wish everyone well as we continue to make a better world for ourselves, our families and future generations. Airport drop-off is provided by Staff.

Questions? Call (760) 301-0992 or email us at: TribalRelations@gmail.com

* Daily itinerary subject to change.