The Malki Museum honors Dr. Katherine Siva Saubel with the following statement:
Scholar. Preservationist. Historian. Author. Educator. Activist. Elder. Mentor. Leader. Collaborator. Storyteller. Inspiration. Friend.
There is no shortage of words to describe Dr. Katherine Siva Saubel. Attempting to summarize all she accomplished in her 91 years would take countless pages. And our fortune that she left us such a rich legacy is immeasurable.
Dr. Saubel was tenacious in her efforts to preserve Cahuilla culture, from the language to the songs to plant use and traditional practices as well as the preservation of sacred sites and traditional gathering places. In all her work she passionately advocated for our natural world and the importance of our connection to it. Many have benefited from her generosity in sharing her wealth of knowledge, in person and in written and recorded accounts.
We will miss this remarkable woman’s unbreakable spirit, her infectious laugh and brilliant smile, and her unwavering strength and leadership. She has taken a whole world with her, but lives on in her teachings, her stories and in the hearts of those who loved her.
Qwáyill písh chemchéxwenipa’ pish’é’ñishllukatem, Chémñuku’, ‘é’ cheme’wáykini’i’ ‘eháwawayñi’ pén ‘emímyaxay písh. ‘Áy ‘esáwaaqalipa’, ‘ángapa’ ‘ichemnánalwe písh cheme’mámaywap súpulmi’ písh michemwáykinipi’.
When we were hungry for knowledge, we turned to Mrs. Sáwvel pá’ Kík for help, and she fed us her language and culture. Although she is gone, let us continue to turn to her for inspiration, so that we might now feed others.
Thank you, Katherine.
Mú’ chemqál – We are still here.
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In remembrance of Dr. Katherine Siva Saubel, the Malki Museum will be closed Tuesday, November 8.
The Museum has also set up a webpage for those who wish to honor Dr. Saubel by sharing their thoughts, stories and experiences - just click here to read or add your own comments.
Donations in Dr. Saubel’s memory may be made to the Malki Museum, either online or to the address above.
