home  select a topic arts & literature education & learning history & culture home & how-to kids & family local focus news & public affairs science & nature highlights heritage & diversity african american american indian local heroes resources tv asian pacific american disability culture latino lgbt women immigration in focus california stories programs a-z   about KQED   support KQED   the guide online   email newsletters   DTV transition   KQED store   help & FAQ   contact info American Indian Heritage 2004 Local Heroes: Quirina Luna-Costillas, Mutsun Language Foundation Honoree Quirina Luna-Costillas is co-founder, president and language director of the Mutsun Language Foundation. She is also a member of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Council and the Mutsun Language Committee, which develops language learning materials for the Amah Mutsun tribe. Luna-Costillas has been a prominent leader in the Costanoan community for nearly a decade. She has been researching tribal genealogy in the effort for federal recognition. Her research has uncovered many cultural practices, including tribal ceremonies, basketry and music, and she educates her own children and her community in Mutsun heritage. She is one of three authors of 'tcususYmin mootRe yuu tooter'--Dr. Suess's 'Green Eggs and Ham' translated into the Mutsun language-which is currently awaiting permission for publication. Luna-Costillas volunteers for the John P. Harrington Transcription Project at U.C. Davis, where she transcribes field notes about Costanoan dance ceremonies. She is also an apprentice basket weaver, a traditional singer and a guest speaker at many tribal and public events. back to main American Indian Local Heroes page American Indian 2004 Local Heroes Lisa Carrier and Quirina Luna-Costillas Mutsun Language Foundation Carmen A. Foghorn American Indian Graduate Program, U.C. Berkeley Martin Waukazoo Native American Health Center American Indian 2003 Local Heroes Don "Little Cloud" Davenport Smoke Johnson Ruth Villasenor Kathy Wallace American Indian 2002 Local Heroes Sandra George Medi-Cal Program, City & County of San Francisco Ruth Hopper Native American Studies Program University of California, Berkeley Nelson Jim Clinical Director, Family & Child Guidance Clinic Native American Health Center Mark Owens Program Facilitator Marin Abused Women Services, Men's Program Paul Owns the Sabre Artist Patrick Orozco Chairman, Pajaro Valley Ohlone Indian Council Honor in Memoriam Virgil Cross Guns Northern Traditional Dancer Millie Ketcheshawno Executive Film Producer American Indian 2001 Local Heroes Gilbert Blacksmith Medicine Warrior Dance Troupe Dr. Leslie Gray Executive Director and Founder, Woodfish Institute Deni Leonard Founder and Chairman, United Native Depository Corporation Michael Smith Executive Director, American Indian Film Institute Helen Waukazoo Medicine Executive Director, Friendship House Association of American Indians American Indian Heritage Features & Resources American Indian Resources American Indian Local Heroes Educator Resources site map | terms of service | privacy policy Copyright © 1994-2008 KQED. All Rights Reserved.		SPONSORED BY: