Nov. 19 Daily Briefing: Tribe’s curriculum success, Film Fest award, Desert X, and more

Welcome to Tuesday. If you’re a fan of Desert X, the biennial art exhibition that showcases site-specific installations throughout the Coachella Valley, you’ll want to mark March 8 through May 11 of 2025 on your calendar. That’s when the next exhibition takes place. Organizers said yesterday that “the exhibition will reflect on the desert’s deep time evolutions, challenging us to glean wisdom from its vast knowledge.” Keep up to date with all the plans at desertx.org.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Me and My Shadow” by Frank Sinatra

LEADING OFF

Innovative curriculum inspires Native American education nationwide

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians kicked off its “Knowledge: Knowing and Sharing” speaker series earlier this month, discussing the development and impact of a curriculum which has reached thousands of students since its implementation in 2018.

Driving the news: The series’ inaugural lecture highlighted the collaboration between the tribe and the Palm Springs Unified School District in developing a contemporary curriculum. 

• The initiative, one of the first in the nation, aims to immerse students in the rich heritage of the Tribe through hands-on learning and direct engagement.

By the numbers: The curriculum has already educated over 17,000 students since its implementation, with thousands learning in classrooms and visiting Indian Canyons for field trips annually.

Bigger picture: The success of the Agua Caliente curriculum is inspiring other Native American tribes and educational institutions to adopt similar programs. It has expanded beyond Palm Springs, with other school districts and the Idyllwild Arts Academy incorporating it into their studies.

• The program received the Honoring Nations Award from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government in 2021 for its innovative approach to Indigenous education.

Community benefits: Beyond the classroom, the curriculum aims to foster long-term respect and understanding for the tribe and its members among students and the broader community. The effort is seen as a step towards greater acknowledgment and visibility of the Tribe’s ongoing presence and contributions.

• The curriculum’s development was a collaborative effort between the Tribe, the school district, and school district’s foundation, avoiding external consultants to ensure authenticity and direct involvement.

What they’re saying: “We wanted our membership to know that we are putting ourselves out there for people to learn about us and to know that we are still here, said Tribal Councilmember John R. Preckwinkle III. “We’re not invisible anymore.”

Dive deeper with our complete story

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Broadband Meeting
3 p.m. | Convention Center
Join us for an in-depth discussion on the current state of the broadband infrastructure, service quality, and affordability in the City of Palm Springs. Your input will be instrumental in shaping the future of connectivity in our community.

COD Neighborhood Meeting
6 p.m. | James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center
COD and the city invite you to a resource community meeting focused on Free Early College opportunities for high school students, information on Extended Opportunity Programs & Services, and internship employment opportunities for students. Light refreshments will be served.

Introduction to Reiki
3 p.m. | Public Library
Join instructor Lisa Botts at the Library as she guides us through the basic principles of meditation and mindfulness. This class will be focused on understanding the principles of Reiki.

La Toya Jackson
5 p.m. | Oscar’s
Join in on an in-depth interview with the entertainer live on stage along with clips, conversations, and stories. ($89 – $159)

Melba Miller’s Jazz Oasis
5:30 p.m. | Cultural Center
Join songstress Melba Miller and special guests for an evening dedicated to serious listeners and lovers of Jazz. ($22)

Road Reconfiguration Meeting
5:30 p.m. | Demuth Community Center
The second round of community outreach meetings has been scheduled by the engineering department to solicit resident input on the following road reconfiguration projects, which are designed to calm traffic and provide safer pedestrian and bike accessibility.

Sustainability Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
This Palm Springs commission meets on the third Tuesday of every month. An agenda, when available, will be available here.

VillageFest Board
5:30 p.m. | Palm Springs City Hall
The VillageFest Board consists of seven members appointed by the City Council. The Board typically meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.

SAVE THE DATE

• “Paddles for a Cause” Pickleball Tournament on Saturday.
  
  
• 2024 Wild Turkey Trot in Downtown Palm Springs on Nov. 28.
  
  
• Martha’s Village & Kitchen’s Thanksgiving Day 5K in Palm Desert on Nov. 28.
  
  
• Friendsgiving at Play Lounge & Cafe on Nov. 28.
  
  
• WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens starts on Nov. 29.
  
  
• Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus: Disney Pride In Concert starts on Nov. 30.
  
  
• 2024 Dance with Miss Lindsay at Annenberg Theater on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.
  
  
• Mary Poppins at Palm Canyon Theatre starts on Dec. 1.

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AND FINALLY …

📽️ Angelina Jolie will be honored with the Desert Palm Achievement Award – Actress at the upcoming Palm Springs International Film Awards for her role in Netflix’s “Maria,” it was announced Monday. [Variety]

🚨 A 32-year-old man from Yucaipa was killed in a rollover crash over the weekend on Highway 111 in Palm Springs. [KESQ]

🗳️ Greg Wallis continues to widen his lead over Palm Springs City Councilmember Christy Holstege in the race to represent Assembly District 47 in the California Legislature. [Redlands Daily Facts]