The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum marked its 25th anniversary with the annual Dinner in the Canyons Gala at the beautiful Andreas Canyon reservation site. The Museum was created when the leaders of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians saw a need to preserve their tribal heritage.
The Museum’s Board of Directors greeted festively attired guests as they gathered at sunset on the Indian Canyon site overlooking the valley for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. As the sun fell behind the mountains, guests proceeded into an oasis of palms for an elegant sit-down dinner that featured sunflower centerpieces with purple linens on long tables amidst the red and purple-lit palms.
A dinner of watermelon and feta salad, Chicken Cordon Bleu and beef short ribs was served while Jeff Grubbe, tribal chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, spoke of honoring past trial leaders and welcomed everyone to a beautiful evening under the stars.
Awards were given to the original Tribal leaders who, as appointed initial directors, signed the incorporation papers to create the Cultural Museum in 1991. Honorees included Mildred Browne, Debrah M. Purnel. Barbara Gonzales Lyons, Dana Prieto, Richard Milanovich, and Anthony Andreas Jr. Prior to the award, Tristan Milanovich, daughter of Richard Milanovich, gave a history of the museum and its importance.
Guests enjoyed native entertainers, Dark Water Rising from North Carolina. The group is a two-time Native American Music Award winner.
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
219 S. Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760-323-0151
www.accmuseum.org
Photography By: Gregg Felsen
