The Dragonfly Gala is an annual community gathering to celebrate Native American cultures. For more than 20 years, the gala has brought together people from across the San Gorgonio Pass to enjoy a barbecue, hands-on displays and exhibits, music and a silent auction.
During the 2025 event, taking place on Saturday, Aug. 9, the nonprofit Dorothy Ramon Learning Center will honor those who have saved and shared the beautiful and timeless arts of basketry.
Attendees from throughout the region will gather in the evening at Morongo Community Center on Morongo Reservation to honor the Southern California basketweaving group Nex’wetem for high-soaring achievements in preserving local Native American basket-weaving traditions.
Native American baskets are more than a beautiful Indigenous art form. Throughout time, baskets have helped define traditional daily and ceremonial life, and the people’s relationships with the landscapes and each other. According to gala organizers, Nex’wetem has worked tirelessly to revive these arts and help them thrive.
The 2025 Dragonfly Gala will feature a pit barbecue dinner by Willie Pink, an Indigenous Culture Bearer renowned for his cuisine. Cultural displays will be presented by California Indian Basketweavers’ Association, Nex’wetem, San Manuel Education Department, Morongo Cultural Department and more. Attendees will also enjoy bird singing and dancing, flute music and other traditional local Native American music. The silent auction will be filled with a wide variety of Native American and eclectic jewelry and art.
Traditional bird songs are part of the beloved Dragonfly Gala’s annual celebration of Native American cultures.
A highlight of the Dragonfly Gala is the Dragonfly Exchange, in honor of the gala’s namesake. Elder Ernest Siva (Cahuilla-Serrano), the leader of Dorothy Ramon Learning Center, will sing a Native American lullaby that can call a dragonfly to come — if one has an open and calm heart. Participants are welcomed to bring a handmade, artistic dragonfly (be creative!) to share, and take home someone else’s. This practice is meant to uplift the community and share the peaceful heart that calls in the dragonfly.
Organizers ask everyone to RSVP by Aug. 7, via phone or email, so that the gala will have enough meals for attendees. Those who RSVP can pay at the door, or purchase a suit or table via Paypal: info@dorothyramon.org (please add 3% to cover the processing fee). Checks payable to DRLC can be mailed to PO Box 1510, Banning, CA 92220. Sponsorships are available.
