SAN DIEGO — A replica of a traditional Kumeyaay dwelling can now be seen at Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá.
Located southeast of the fountain in the central parking lot, the “ewaa” was constructed as an Eagle Scout project by Athaniel Khrischard Almera, a 17-year-old member of the parish.
An ewaa is a dome-shaped hut that was typically constructed out of willow branches and tules by the Kumeyaay for the winter months.
“Their main purpose is usually to shelter at least one or two families,” Almera explained, adding that they were also used for storage and tribal gatherings.
Almera, who attends Kearny High School, completed his project under the guidance of Deacon Andy Orosco of the Diocese of San Bernardino, who is a Kumeyaay elder from the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, and with the assistance of many volunteers, including fellow members of Boy Scout Troop 53 and their parents.
In November of last year, Almera reached out to Janet Bartel, volunteer museum facilitator and docent coordinator at Mission San Diego, in preparation for the project. Almera and his team of volunteers worked on the project between April 10 and May 18, spending a total of eight days to construct
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