Kuhmii Uuyaaw (Elder Knowledge)

The Kumeyaay Cultural Revitalization and Healing Project delved into the use of culture as a means to combat substance abuse in San Diego tribal communities. The project documented the stories of Kumeyaay Elders, highlighting how cultural practices can enhance treatment outcomes and reduce substance use and related behaviors.

As part of this project, the Indigenous Regeneration and The Yumans produced the Kumeyaay Elders Series. The series features interviews with Kumeyaay Elders and sheds light on their experiences with cultural practices and their impact on substance abuse.
The series was directed by Lacey Cannon, Nocturnes Films, Cyrus Sutton, Chris Alvarado, and Richard Bugbee. Filming was done by Cyrus Sutton, Nocturnes Films, and Leia Marasovich.

To access more interviews with Kumeyaay Elders, visit theyumans.com, where you can find nine additional expanded interviews.

  • Lacey Cannon
    Director
  • Lacey Cannon
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 28 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 1, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    150,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Lacey Cannon

Lacey Boyer Cannon

Founder and Executive Director for Indigenous Regeneration

Chickasaw & Cherokee

Lacey Cannon is the Executive Director for Indigenous Regeneration. She was married into the Waipuk Clan on the San Pasqual Reservation for 17 years, and has two Kumeyaay sons.

Lacey has overseen and designed 17 acres of educational land restoration projects on the San Pasqual Indian Reservation. She is responsible for program development and implementation, capacity building, garden design, daily functions of IRG, curriculum development, marketing, strategic planning and community relationship building. She also sat on the San Pasqual Cultural Committee and teaches permaculture to the youth. Her background also includes extensive experience in organic farming, cycle work, native plants, crafting, business and marketing, event production and regenerative agriculture. Her most recent work is the restoration of the 7-acre lake in Jacumba Hot Springs. Her design work with Richard Bugbee is a featured exhibit at The Museum of Design in Atlanta Georgia, and set to debut Spring 2022.

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Director Statement

It was a blessing to work on this project with The Yumans and our Kumeyaay community. My hope is that my children will have access to this beautiful elder knowledge for years to come.