River Sessions 2025: Kiki'ing with the River

Transforming 51 miles of the LA River/ Paayme Paxaayt with ART, NATURE and COMMUNITY.Each month we visit new sites along the River with artists, Indigenous Culture Bearers and local experts: Look for surprises around the bend!In 2023, our first year of River Sessions, we visited sites along the River in the spirit of Hyonaayn’ar -- a Tongva word that means both teacher and student. We listened to and learned creative tactics from many artists and indigenous cultural practitioners who work regeneratively with their communities and the River. What emerged is that the River is trying to heal herself --and our communities need healing too.Understanding and expressing emotions is a pathway to healing. Art can help us deepen our understanding of the emotional impact that the channelized River has upon us. Towards the goal of healing ourselves and the River, we will discover this year how art can connect us to our feelings. We will take time on our River Sessions for creative field research guied by poets, artists, and indigenous cultural practioners.