Culture
Acorns to Oaks is a community group developed by the Jamul Indian Village of California focused on the prevention of teen pregnancy, alcohol and drug use, and to educate the next generation of Tribal leaders on their heritage and culture. Acorns to Oaks also serves as a volunteer group that works with many local organizations. This page catalogs some of the organizations recent activities.
ACORNS TO OAKS NEARING COMPLETION OF TRADITIONAL DRUM
Acorns to Oaks, the organization founded by Tribal Chairwoman Erica Pinto and her brother, Executive Council Member Chris Pinto, have nearly completed a Native American drum making project. The project serves the organization’s mission to educate young Tribal members on their heritage and culture.
Though not a cultural practice of the Kumeyaay in San Diego, drums have an important role in Native American history. They believe the beating of the drum represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth. Playing drums connects you to the Earth and the Great Spirit.
“The kids are excited to see the progress of the drum,” said Executive Council Member Chris Pinto. “They are so close they can almost hear its beat. The kids are taking great pride in crafting an instrument that’s culturally accurate and looks impressive. They have set a goal and they are accomplishing it.”
Acorns to Oaks hopes to finish the drum in the coming months.
ACORNS TO OAKS PREPARES FOR ALL SOULS DAY
All Souls Day occurs every November 2 and is one of the most important days of the year for Jamul Indian Village of California. In reverence of their ancestors, Tribal members clear the Reservation’s cemetery of shrubs and decorate the headstones with colorful flowers. When night comes, Tribal members light candles and place them near the headstones. As Vice Chairman Kenny Mesa explains, “It’s like turning on a light for our ancestors.”
Acorns to Oaks, the organization founded by Tribal Chairwoman Erica Pinto and her brother, Executive Council Member Chris Pinto, worked with the Tribe’s younger members in October to create the paper flowers for All Souls Day. The kids learned about the traditions of the Tribe and their heritage and culture. This was one of many days spent creating flowers, as it takes them multiple days throughout the year to complete the flowers needed to decorate the graves to honor their ancestors.
“I’m proud of the hard work these kids have done in honor of their ancestors,” said Chairwoman Pinto. “We know our ancestors are guiding us to carry on these traditions for generations.”
In 2014, the Jamul Indian All Souls Day video was created to capture the spirit and historical perspective of the day.