Lorene Sisquoc, a dedicated steward of Native history and culture, stands among the rich artifacts of the Sherman Indian Museum, preserving and sharing Indigenous stories for future generations. (Brenda Flowers)
Born at Parkview Hospital in 1960, Lorene's roots in Riverside run deep. She grew up on the campus of Sherman Indian High School, where her grandmother taught, later returning in 1982 to begin a 43-year career dedicated to preserving and sharing Native American culture and traditions.
Starting as a dormitory attendant, Lorene's passion for cultural preservation led her to the Sherman Indian Museum, eventually becoming the school's Cultural Traditions Leader in 2000. She was a part of developing cultural programming, managing the museum, and establishing both a Culture Center and Language Center for students.
Beyond Sherman, Lorene co-founded Mother Earth Clan Cultural Programs in 1985 with Cindy Alvitre to provide accurate Native American history education throughout Southern California. Recently, she served as a consultant and producer for the documentary Pá'Čapa: A Mt. Rubidoux Story. A mother of three adult children, grandmother to nine grandchildren, and great-grandmother to one, Lorene is retiring May 9th from Sherman and will continue with Mother Earth Clan and Nex'wetem: Southern California Indian Basket Weavers, continuing her lifelong mission of preserving Native traditions.
What does Riverside mean to you? Riverside means home. It means community. It means a lot because I think of my ancestors here from way back. This is the land they walked on, and then also the place they were in, like at Sherman or other boarding schools, which is not easy. It's a place they also went through hard times.
What is your Mt. Rubidoux summit count (estimated)? Probably three.
What is your favorite restaurant outside Downtown? Olivia's in Arlington. They already know my order when I walk in - the lunch combo L2: A chile relleno and a ground beef taco.
What is the most beautiful building in Riverside? The Sherman Indian Museum. As a little girl, I used to come get the mail here at the post office in the building too.
What is your favorite Riverside non-profit organization? The Riverside Museum Associates Multicultural Council.
The Festival of Lights: Every year on opening night or maybe on a Tuesday? I enjoy it! We used to take students there often. I enjoy taking my family, especially when we have little grandkids. I don't always make it to the opening, but we do go sometimes.
What is your go-to sandwich in town? Backstreet and D’elias - roast beef on wheat.
What is your idea of a perfect weekend day in Riverside? Enjoying live music at Fairmount Park (when they had it), browsing a local farmers market, and one day, visiting the Museum of Riverside when it reopens.
Do you call it the Galleria or Tyler Mall? Tyler Mall. I used to walk there as a kid/teenager.
What is one place in Riverside you would bring back if you could? The Arlington Theater. That's where I saw Rocky debut and a lot of other movies. It was a big deal!
If you could put one message on a billboard on the 91, what would it be? "Everything is sacred. All things are alive." That's part of our Mother Earth Clan 11 ways to live by, and that's our number one.
Finally, tell us what you’re working on right now and how our readers can support your efforts—whether it’s a project, passion, or cause close to your heart! I’m involved with Mother Earth Clan Cultural Programs, which I co-founded in 1985. We provide educational presentations on Native American history and culture across Southern California, promoting cultural identity and environmental stewardship through workshops, youth programs, and community outreach. Learn more at motherearthclan.org.
Neighbor of the Week is our way of celebrating the hidden heroes of Riverside—those who go above and beyond to make our community stronger, kinder, and more vibrant. We believe every remarkable Riversider deserves their story told. Know someone who’s making a difference? Nominate a Neighbor of the Week
