SWC News Center
Honoring Heritage, Building Community: SWC Launches Haw Kemyulk Native American Learning Community
By Ko Inouye - November 15, 2025
When SWC student, Lily Cibrian, first stepped onto Southwestern College’s (SWC) campus, she did not expect to find a space that felt like home. As a descendant of both the Yaqui and Aztec peoples, Lily had grown used to walking between worlds — balancing her Mexican and Native American identities in spaces that rarely reflected both.
That changed when she participated in SWC’s inaugural Pow Wow, later joining Haw Kemyulk, the college’s new Native American Learning Community, launched through the Native American Student Success and Support Program (NASSSP).
Robert “Bobby” Wallace, a member of the Barona Band of Mission Indians explained, "In short, Haw Kemyulk, meaning "water sweet," comes from the ancient history of the Kumeyaay's travels along this waterway since the beginning-and from the sights, smells, and magic of the hummingbirds that still grace the hills of this beautiful place called Southwestern College today."
When SWC hosted its first Pow Wow, Lily found herself reconnecting with mentors who had guided her since childhood — including Carla and Chuck Cadotte, who taught her dances and helped make her regalia. “It felt like things came full circle,” Lily said. “To see people who watched me grow up and now to help plan the 3rd Annual Pow Wow on my own campus—it makes me feel proud.”
Lily’s connection to her culture runs deep. She has been a Jingle Dress dancer since she was just one year old, starting in the “Tiny Tot” category. The jingle dress, a healing dance born from a father’s dream for his ill daughter, represents strength and resilience—values Lily carries proudly. Her regalia, handmade with the help of her family and mentors, features hundreds of jingles sewn with care, each one symbolizing a prayer for healing.
At home, cultural expression was often private. Lily and her family would make ribbon skirts, shawls, and regalia together, smudging monthly with sage and honoring Hispanic traditions such as Día de los Muertos with ofrendas. But being open about her Native identity outside of family circles was difficult until high school, where diversity encouraged her to embrace all parts of who she was.
Now a student of Haw Kemyulk, Lily is learning not just about history, but about herself. In class discussions, she finds space to share her perspective and explain the cultural meaning behind traditions like the Pow Wow. “When we watched last year’s Pow Wow video, I could tell people were curious but didn’t know how to ask,” she shared. “I wanted to help them understand, to make it okay to ask questions.”
Her professors, including David Salomon, have helped create an environment where students can explore difficult topics — such as the legacy of residential and boarding schools — with compassion and care. “David helps us see the deeper meaning behind our history,” Lily said. “It’s emotional, but being in a space with people I trust makes all the difference.”
For Lily, Haw Kemyulk is not just a class or a program—it is a community. It is where she plans to attend her first Talking Circle, take part in cultural ceremonies, and connect with peers who share her identity or want to learn more about Native culture.
Looking ahead, Lily plans to transfer to California State University San Marcos, where she was inspired by the university’s Native American exhibits and resources that reflect her mixed heritage. She hopes to earn a degree in communications and one day become the first Native American woman commentator for WWE, following in the footsteps of her late grandfather who shared that passion. She’s also considering teaching AVID in high school, helping other students prepare for college and find their own paths.
Her advice to other students is simple but powerful: “Don’t be afraid to learn who you are. Even if you’re still figuring it out, that’s okay. Join a community, ask questions, use your voice—because it’s never too late to find your place.”