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They would store acorns in large clay pots called "ollas" so they would have a sure food supply when they returned to that location. Their grinding stones would be turned over and left behind when they moved, because they were too heavy to carry along.
Nowadays, things have changed drastically: "I never dreamed that I would be driving a Cadillac and be part owner of a casino," Beaver said. He is now in the construction business and has built the new muse;m and cultural center, the gas station, fire station and school. The Barona children have their choice of going to the Barona School or to public schools. Their schooling begins with the Head Start program and goes through the twelfth grade. The children are taught the Iipay language. Classes at the cultural center teach them about their heritage, such as basket making, clay pots fired in the open fire pit, building shelters and their history of sharing.
Josephine Romero is the oldest tribal member and Boxy Phoenix teach the language. They do not embrace the name "Kumeyaay," which means "People of the Cliffs," because it was given to them by someone else, preferring "Iipay" which means "The People."
-- This article appeared in the East County Californian, Jan. 29, 2001.
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