Robert Levi, an elder of the Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Tribe of California, died August 29. He was 89.
Levi was a keeper of traditional Cahuilla bird songs. "The songs tell about the birds, how they started out on their journeys ... looking for the land of plenty, where they were going to settle," he told The Riverside Press-Enterprise in a 1993 interview.
Levi taught the bird songs to tribes in southern California. "We owe a lot to him for preserving the culture for the next generation. It is because of him that my nephews and sons will continue singing those songs," James Ramos, the chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, told the paper.
Levi was born and raised on the Torres-Martinez Reservation. He served in World War II.
Get the Story:Desert Cahuilla elder, bird song teacher Robert Levi, dies (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 9/7)
pwpwd Relevant Links:
Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians - http://www.torresmartinez.org
