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Storytellers on the Road: SOUTH
The proud Ajachemem warrior surveys his domain. Clad in traditional rabbit furs, his flowing hair tied back with a band woven from yucca fiber, his feet bare, and clutching his handhewn bow, the warrior creeps about. Then he stops, reaches into the pouch at his back, and retrieves his snack--a can of Coke Classic.
"Running Grunion," also known by his European name of Abel Silvas, is an Ajechemem/Juaneno from San Diego. Silvas has entertained children and adults for more than eleven years with his comedic portrayal of Southern California Indian heritage. His story of how Coyote got his black tail, told with the capable help of children recruited from the audience, had attendees in stitches. And his list of things stolen from California Indians, including most of the Beach Boys tunes, brought tears of sorrow and joy.
"What inspires me is the history of the Southern California tribes and how [tribal] recognition has been put on the back burner while newcomers put labels...