The Santa Clarita Public Library will host a launch event for the Yawáyro: Indigenous Awareness and Literacy Development program at the Old Town Newhall Library on Tuesday, November 5, at 6 p.m.

Yawáyro, meaning awareness, is a joint collaboration between the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians and the Santa Clarita Public Library.

The program consists of book kits, which include stories that recognize Native American heritage and culture, including that of the Tataviam tribe, which has roots here in Santa Clarita.

At the event, Tataviam and Chumash Elder Dennis Garcia will share stories, discuss his heritage and perform traditional dances and songs. All are invited to attend this special event to celebrate the launch of Yawáyro.

After applying for the Talk Story Grant from the American Indian Library Association and the Asian Pacific Americans Library Association, the Santa Clarita Public Library was selected to receive funding to curate a selection of books that center on Indigenous cultural awareness.

The grant will now allow the Santa Clarita Public Library to provide the local community with books and accompanying discussion questions that highlight California Indian, Native American, Alaska Native and Indigenous Western Hemisphere cultures.

Dennis Garcia gives a presentation on Chumash traditions at the Hart of the West Powwow at William S. Hart Park in Newhall, September 27, 2014. | Photo: Leon Worden.

The books have been organized into kits that will be circulated between all three Santa Clarita Public Library branches and local Tataviam tribal offices. Through the Yawáyro book kits, the city and the Santa Clarita Public Library hope to bring awareness to Native American cultures, promote literacy and celebrate the diversity in the Santa Clarita community.

The Santa Clarita Public Library has three branches in Canyon Country, Old Town Newhall and Valencia. Each branch offers engaging programming, resources and events for all ages to effectively serve the Santa Clarita community.

Community members are encouraged to take time to explore the book kits offered through the Yawáyro program.

The Santa Clarita Library’s Old Town Newhall branch is located at 24500 Main Street, Newhall 91321.

To learn more about the program, please contact Senior Children’s Librarian David Janning at 661-799-6158 or djanning@santa-clarita.com.