Delfina Cuero

About the Author

Delfina Cuero was a resilient Kumeyaay elder whose life bridged the traditional world of her indigenous ancestors and the challenges of mid-20th-century California. Born in 1902 near the San Diego-Tijuana border, she navigated the impacts of colonization, displacement, and cultural erosion while preserving vital knowledge of her people's practices. In her later years, Cuero collaborated with anthropologists to document her experiences, offering profound insights into Kumeyaay lifeways, medicinal plants, and survival strategies. Her autobiography, published posthumously, stands as a testament to her ethnobotanic expertise and unyielding spirit, illuminating the often-overlooked voices of Native American women and their enduring connection to the land.