Climate Science Alliance Supports the Neh’atem Yuchiwiva Cahuilla Fall Basket Weaving Gathering

On November 16, 2025, the Climate Science Alliance team supported the Neh’atem Yuchiwiva Cahuilla Fall Basket Weaving Gathering, hosted by the California Indian Basketweavers Association and the Cahuilla Band of Indians.

Photo by Raya Salgado

We recently had the privilege of supporting a remarkable day of cultural practice and community. On November 16, 2025, the Climate Science Alliance team participated in the Neh’atem Yuchiwiva Cahuilla Fall Basket Weaving Gathering, hosted by the California Indian Basketweavers Association (CIBA) and the Cahuilla Band of Indians.

People in full fire suits manage a cultural burn. Flames and smoke can be seen amongst juncus plants

The effects of the cultural burn on the juncus. Smoke and burned patches can be seen.

Photos of the cultural burn held a few days prior by Starla Madrigal

The day began at the juncus patch, located on a Cahuilla Tribal member’s land, to visit the location of a cultural burn that was conducted just a few days prior. This cultural burn had been in planning for several years, as an intentional effort to bring fire—a natural, necessary component of this landscape—back to the juncus patch. We heard from the Tribe’s Emergency Operations Manager, who described the burn methods—including the pre-burn fuels reduction and post-burn monitoring—and the interagency partnerships that made this historic day possible. Local knowledge holders also shared their insights into cultural burn practices, directly linking land stewardship to the materials used in weaving, and demonstrated how to properly gather the juncus. 

People gather to listen to the Emergency Operations Manager

A hand gathers juncus

People stand gathering juncus with their backs to the camera

The Emergency Operations Manager gestures to the land while two people listen

Photos by Raya Salgado

We then joined over 80+ attendees at the Cahuilla Tribal Hall for a full day of weaving from 9am to 5pm. The dedication of the teachers and the participants, many of whom brought their own materials and projects, created an atmosphere of vibrant, shared purpose. With hands busy weaving, attendees heard from Alliance partner and advisor, Dr. Megan Jennings with San Diego State University, who demonstrated a spatial decision support tool that was created through a NASA-funded project to enhance our understanding of the vulnerabilities and impacts of wildfire and shifting fire dynamics in southern California. Dr. Jennings also touched on forest conservation strategies developed in partnership with the US Forest Service. Integrating socioeconomic data, environmental health information, and metrics of fire danger and risk, these tools and resources can serve southern California's Indigenous communities to advance fire preparedness planning in support of Tribal resilience. 

Photos by Raya Salgado

For us, the day was a profound learning experience. Our team left feeling inspired and thankful for the trust and partnership of CIBA and the Cahuilla community. We look forward to the next time we can gather, learn, and weave these connections stronger.

Photos by Raya Salgado