Education & Cultural Learning Department
Ačaam Together
A Sheriin’ (Red) Program
Ačaam (sing) Together Program
A Program of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians
Reinforcing Fernandeño Tataviam language-use through music, focusing on contemporary seasonal songs and traditional instruments. Each of the seasonal songs will be demonstrated at the community event held within that season. Open to all ages!
Through this Program, you will:
Learn the Fernandeño Tataviam Language
Support Traditional Lyrics in Contemporary Songs
Become confident in cultural practices
Honor seasonal changes through song
All songs are written and composed by Fernandeño Tataviam Headsinger Mark Villaseñor, descendant of San Fernando, Simi, and Santa Clarita Valleys.
Begin Program
Ačaam Tamrra
Winter Song
Pronounced: acham tom-rdah
Winter has arrived and the world begins its slumber. All creatures in the world move at a slower pace of life. The journeying spirits begin their ascent to the upper world when the sun dies and is reborn. Animals are sleeping and the Fernandeño Tataviam Peoples gather with the families of their village. They sing songs for the coming solstice and eat acorn pililis, or acorn biscuits, to sustain them through the Winter. The songs for Winter have traditionally been incredibly special for the Fernandeño Tataviam People as important aspects of our gatherings and integral for the passing on of traditions.
Next Song: Spring
Ačaam Yaamava’
Spring Song
Pronounced: acham yaah-muh-yah
Yaamava’ (Spring) breathes life into the world around us. Warmth from the sun invites the Bear Dancers to gather and prepare for their first ceremonies of the year. Our people become more active during this time with hunting, fishing, and gathering. Thanks is given to tamit (sun) for returning to the world and ensuring the change of seasons. We sing this Spring Song to commemorate the importance of the sun in our culture, which influences Tribal peoples, ways of life, and the availability of certain foods.
Next Song: Summer
Ačaam Terngava
Summer Song
Pronounced: acham turn-gah-vah
Terngava (Summer) is the most active time of the year for many people today. Summer was also one of the most active times traditionally for our Ancestors. Hunting, gathering, and holding ceremonies, the Summer Solstice was one of the biggest events in our traditional calendar. Many songs are sung celebrating the ancestors, the creator, the sun, and many others. In line with tradition, the summer song we will learn together and will keep our culture alive.
Next Song: Fall
Ačaam Chaweyh
Fall Song
Pronounced: acham cha-way