As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of Idyllwild Arts, the Native American Arts Center is holding a series of Thursday evening engagements from January to April where we will meet in person to learn more about the history of Native American Arts at Idyllwild Arts and explore goals for the future! We are thrilled to host these in-person engagements in the newly renovated Birchard Building, which is now the official home of the Native American Arts Center. Be sure to mark your calendars and join us for evenings full of inspiring stories, light appetizers and beverages. The Michael Kabotie Lecture series is named after Native Arts summer faculty program collaborator, Michael Kabotie, 1942-2009, (Hopi). Michael’s inquisitive and trickster spirit lives on in these compelling conversations that Michael advocated for greatly during his time at Idyllwild Arts.

To culminate our spring Michael Kabotie Lecture Series, we will welcome tribal members and leadership from the Cahuilla Band of Indians and Santa Rosa Cahuilla Band of Indians, as well as others from the community, to share about the importance of cultural and land stewardship in these ever-evolving times. Even in what is a very tumultuous time, there remains an enduring and strong connection between people and land that supports cultural healing and growth. This conversation will be a community-led discussion and celebration in recognition of Earth Day 2026.

We welcome attendees to join us for a meal at 5:30 pm and time to enjoy nature before we start the program at 7 pm.

We are honored to welcome:  

• Chairman Steven Estrada | Tribal Chairman, Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians
• Mercedes Estrada | Council Member, Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians 
• Michael Madrigal | President, Native American Land Conservancy
• Daniel Salgado | Strategic Advisor, Tribal Gaming, Policy, Economic Development, & Intergovernmental Relations, former Tribal Chairman of Cahuilla Band of Indians
• Adrian Salgado | Cahuilla Cultural Knowledge Bearer
• Rosemary Morillo | Former Chairwoman of Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

Related Events

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  80 Years of Native American Arts – A Program Dedicated to Indigenous Artistic Excellence | Spring Michael Kabotie Lecture Series

  January 22 @ 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm PST
• 

  The Confluence of Beauty – Cultural Intersectionality and Individualism in Art and Beadwork with Mikailah Thompson | Spring Michael Kabotie Lecture Series 

  February 19 @ 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm PST
• 

  Ataloa, A Beautiful Song Sung to Promote Native Arts and Culture with America Meredith | Spring Michael Kabotie Lecture Series 

  March 26 @ 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm PDT