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Sycuan Cultural Museum Opens In January
Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Credit: Courtesy of Sycuan Casino
Above: A collection of Kumeyaay baskets displayed at the new cultural museum in El Cajon.

GUEST:
Cody Martinez, chairman, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation
The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation will open a museum in El Cajon in January to highlight the culture and history behind some of San Diego’s first inhabitants.
The museum, located on a prehistoric site known as the Kumeyaay Village of Matamo near the Sycuan Casino complex, features hundreds of Kumeyaay artifacts, an archive collection of oral histories and textual records, and educational materials, including a wall-length timeline outlining more than 12,000 years of Kumeyaay history.
“The Sycuan Tribe is extremely proud to open to the public our new Cultural Resource Center and Museum,” stated tribal Chairman Cody Martinez in a press release.
“The history and spirit of the village of Matamo courses through and infuses the facility, exhibits and programs that will be offered here. We encourage all Native Americans -- and all San Diegans -- to visit and learn about Kumeyaay history and culture through viewing of these ancient artifacts, accessing a comprehensive collection of scholarly research, and enjoying programs and services that will foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich Kumeyaay culture.”
The Kumeyaay Nation is spread over 13 bands in San Diego County.
The museum is scheduled to open weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, starting next month.
Martinez discusses the role of the museum in the preservation of the Kumeyaay culture Tuesday on Midday Edition.
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