Author to Discuss Book About Modern-Day Chief

From a press release:

Author and historian Dr. Mary Contini Gordon will discuss the long-lasting impact of recently-deceased Chumash Chief Charlie Cooke at the Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center on Sunday, Nov. 16 in two separate sessions at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

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Gordon recently authored “TIQ SLO’W: The Making of a Modern Day Chief,” which tells the story of the late cowboy, truck driver and war veteran’s collaborative leadership on behalf of Native American communities.

“He rediscovered and promoted his lost heritage, which included several Indian nations,” Gordon said.

She will discuss his contributions to modern-day activities, preservation of ancient grounds and promotion of conservation efforts at sites within the Santa Monica Mountains, especially King Gillette Ranch and Rancho Sierra Vista.

Dennis Garcia, Chumash elder, will start the morning talk with a Chumash blessing and add his perspective to the story. Current Chumash Chief and Dennis ‘ brother Ted Garcia, who succeeded Cooke, will do the same for the afternoon talk.

The event will include photographs and several specially maps prepared by Gordon relating to Cooke’s contributions.

Reservations for the free event should be made at samo@wnpa.gov or by calling 805-370-2302.

Gordon will repeat the event at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18 at Woodland Hall, Temescal Gateway Park in Pacific Palisades, as part of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority’s Chautauqua Series (reservations not required).

The visitor center is located on the grounds of King Gillette Ranch in the Calabasas area (26876 Mulholland Highway).

PHOTO Charlie Cooke, pictured here at Rancho Sierra Vista in Newbury Park, made a lasting impact in how Native American stories are told in the Santa Monica Mountains. Courtesy of National Park Service.