Native Women Lead History Hike at Mt. Rubidoux Nov. 16

Four Native women will lead a free history hike at Mt. Rubidoux on Nov. 16, building on momentum from their April documentary screening about the mountain's indigenous history.

The 11 a.m. event organizers include Rosy Aranda, a Cahuilla/Serrano descendant and fifth-generation Riversider; Blossom Maciel, Fort Sill Chiricahua Apache/Mountain Cahuilla descendant; Dr. Daisy Ocampo Diaz, Caxcan; and Lorene Sisquoc, Fort Sill Apache/Mountain Cahuilla descendant.

"Everyone knows the story of colonization," Aranda said. "This is meant to uplift local Native voices and inform the general public that we are a thriving community that should not be discussed in past tense."

The self-guided hike will focus on the Cahuilla village history and the importance of the mountain, river and plant life that sustained the Cahuilla people who have called Riverside home "since time immemorial," according to Aranda.

Following their documentary screening, the organizers have seen increased opportunities for involvement in City projects and consultation with local tribes.

"Because of the overwhelmingly positive response to our short film, we have been able to be a part of many projects around the city and more importantly the local tribes of Riverside County have been approached to consult as well," Aranda said.

The Inland Empire includes 13 federally recognized tribes, with 12 in Riverside County. Nine of those are Cahuilla tribes, Aranda noted.

Collaborating organizations include the Native American Land Conservancy, Soboba TANF, the office of District 1 Supervisor Jose Medina, and the California Native Plant Society.

Participants should be comfortable hiking up the mountain. The organizers' documentary about Mt. Rubidoux's indigenous history is available on YouTube.

The free event begins at 11 a.m. Nov. 16 at Mt. Rubidoux Park, 4706 Mt. Rubidoux Drive.