Barona Cultural Center & Museum

Barona Cultural Center & Museum Living Treasure (2011)

Josephine “Sister” Curo Romero is the 2011 recipient of the Barona Cultural Center & Museum Living Treasure award. The award goes to an elder selected by his or her peers in the Kumii Tepchuurp, Barona Circle of Elders, for contributions to the preservation of the Barona Band of Mission Indians’ culture and language. In 2010, the inaugural awardee was Caroline Mendoza.

Over the past several decades, Josephine “Sister” Curo Romero has made significant contributions to the Barona Tribe. Sister served as Chairwoman for the Barona Band of Mission Indians from 1976 to 1980. Under her leadership, the Tribal government started to take the first steps toward gaming. Sister served on Council several times as well as on numerous Barona Tribal Committees. She is a great supporter of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Kateri Tekakwith, a Parish on the Reservation and also sings in the choir. Sister is also a founding member of the Kumii Tepchuurp, Barona Circle of Elders. Sister was instrumental in founding the Barona Museum. Her advice, knowledge, and history are invaluable to the Museum exhibitions and activities. She was especially helpful with the Tribal History exhibition for the 75th Anniversary of the Reservation, being five years-old when the Reservation was established.