EARTHSONGS OF TUXUUNGA: THE PLACE OF THE OLD WOMAN ​​

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Earthsongs of Tuxuunga is a children’s book written and illustrated by Evelyn Hum Serrano with guidance from Indigenous Culture Bearers Tina Orduno Calderon and Lazaro Arvizu Jr. The book shares teachings from the land known as Tuxuunga (modern-day Big Tujunga and the surrounding areas), drawing on the wisdom of the Indigenous peoples who have lived in relationship with this place for countless generations. Evelyn resides in the Sunland–Tujunga community, and the writing emerges from firsthand experiences participating in local land rematriation efforts and learning directly from Indigenous culture bearers. Through stories, songs, and illustrations, the book invites young readers to deepen their connection with the land, animals, and plants, and to cultivate a sense of care, kinship, and stewardship.

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The project was created as an educational resource for teachers and students in Sunland–Tujunga elementary schools, with copies donated to local elementary and middle schools as well as the community library. In addition to the illustrated stories, the book includes voice recordings by Indigenous Culture Bearer Tina Orduno Calderon, who shares an original song and a reading of the illustrated glossary in Tongvé, the language of the region. Earthsongs of Tuxuunga supports place-based learning while honoring the living cultural heritage of the land.​

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This project was made possible by the California Arts Council's California Creative Corps Artist and Culture Bearer Fellowship.