You are invited to a public community gathering in honor of the exhibition Fire Kinship: Southern California Native Ecology and Art. Our second PST ART show, Fire Kinship challenges the attitudes of fear and illegality around fire, arguing for a return to Native practices in which fire is regarded as a vital aspect of land stewardship, community well-being, and tribal sovereignty. Highlighting the knowledge and expertise of the Tongva, Cahuilla, Luiseño, and Kumeyaay peoples, the exhibition—on view through July 13, 2025—presents a living history of communities past and present.

The Fowler Museum mourns the tragic loss of life and devastation caused by Southern California wildfires. We are deeply grateful to firefighters, first responders, and tribal nations for their heroic efforts. In this critical moment, Fire Kinship: Southern California Native Ecology and Art offers valuable lessons in Indigenous fire stewardship and ecological resilience. We hope it will inspire reflection, healing, and sustainable rebuilding.

The evening will begin with a welcome from a local California Indian community, followed by a reception, and opportunity to view the exhibition and reflect on the role of fire stewardship in our communities.

Image: Firing of Summer Herrera’s péshlish tó’xat pí’ piyévla (painted clay pottery in Payómkawichum language). Photo by Summer Herrera