2026 Kumeyaay Language ('Iipay/Tipai) Convening

On Saturday, May 23rd, Kumeyaay Community College (KCC) hosted the 2026 Mat'aayum Aa Kwaachemuyuuw Kumeyaay Language Convening on the Barona Reservation — a gathering dedicated to recognizing, revitalizing, and strengthening the presence of both the 'Iipay and Tipai dialects.

The convening brought together approximately 40 community members representing 9 of the stateside Kumeyaay bands, alongside participants from 2 Baja communities. For a day, relatives from across the region came together under one roof — not just to talk about language, but to live in it, practice it, and pass it between generations.

Why We Gather

Language is more than vocabulary. It carries our history, our worldview, and our relationships to one another and to the land. Events like this convening exist because revitalizing the Kumeyaay language takes more than individual effort — it takes community. Bringing together speakers, learners, and knowledge-keepers from both 'Iipay and Tipai communities creates space for connection, shared learning, and collective momentum that no single band or family could build alone.

What We Heard

Following the event, KCC gathered feedback through participant surveys to better understand the impact of the convening and to guide future language revitalization efforts.

A few clear themes emerged:

• Deep appreciation for the language work KCC is doing across the community.

• A stronger sense of connection to Kumeyaay culture and identity among participants.

• A safe, welcoming space where people felt comfortable engaging with the language, whether they were fluent speakers or just beginning their learning journey.

  
  

Participants also offered valuable direction for the road ahead. Community members asked for more cultural programs and language resources reaching middle and high school aged students, recognizing that reaching younger generations early is key to the language's long-term future. Others shared ideas for tangible learning materials — tools that community members can take home and use to continue learning and preserving the language in their day-to-day lives.

This feedback isn't just a wrap-up of one event — it's a roadmap. KCC will carry these insights forward as we plan future programming and resources.

Gratitude

A gathering like this doesn't happen without generosity and hard work behind the scenes.

We're deeply grateful to The Prebys Foundation for the generous support that made this convening possible.

Special thanks go to Priscilla Ortiz, KCC Program Coordinator, and Nicholas Smith, KCC Language Coordinator, for their dedication in planning and facilitating the event from start to finish.

We also extend our sincere gratitude to KCC Board Member Manuel Navarro and the Barona Tribe for their generosity in hosting and their continued championing of this important work.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 Mat'aayum Aa Kwaachemuyuuw Convening was a reminder of what's possible when the Kumeyaay community comes together with a shared purpose. As KCC continues its language revitalization efforts, the voices and feedback of participants will remain central to shaping what comes next — from expanding programming for young people to developing new tools that support learning at home and in the community.

The language is alive because our people keep it alive. We look forward to continuing this work together.