Memorial Dedication Honors Former Chairwoman of San Pasqual Band of Kumeyaay

Dorothy May Tavui died nearly two years ago, but her impact at Poway’s Kumeyaay-Ipai Interpretive Center lives on.

In fact, the center recently received a visit from a couple whose daughter never forgot the former chairwoman of the San Pasqual band of Kumeyaay Indians.

“[Their daughter] remembered Dorothy so well from being a third grader in her class,” said Suzanne Emery, vice president of the Friends of the Kumeyaay, a group dedicated to preserving the tribe’s history.

The class is just one of many offered at the center, which encompasses five acres and works to educate the public on Kumeyaay culture and heritage through hands-on activity. This one begins with an opportunity for children to handle artifacts before they’re led hillside to an acorn grinding mill.

“Here would be this imposing Native American Indian grinding and milling acorns and talking to them,” Emery said of Tavui, a woman who commanded respect.

To honor Tavui, the Friends of the Kumeyaay and the city of Poway are hosting a memorial library dedication at the center. The event will take place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8, and officials say will feature native blessing and a bird singer. For more information, call 858-668-1292.

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the center as "Tip-Ipai." Patch regrets the error.