Rupert Costo facts for kids

Rupert Costo (born 1906, died 1989) was a Cahuilla writer and activist. He also worked as a publisher and helped others through his giving. He helped start the American Indian Historical Society (AIHS). He also co-founded the Indian Historian Press, a publishing company. Rupert Costo had many jobs, including farmer, cattle rancher, and surveyor. He was also an engineer for the California Division of Highways for almost 20 years.

Early Life and Education

Rupert Costo was born in Hemet, California. He grew up on the nearby Cahuilla Reservation.

In the 1920s, he went to Riverside City College. Later, he studied at Whittier College. He also attended the University of Nevada.

Career and Activism

Helping the Land

Rupert Costo played a key role in creating the Anza Soil Conservation District. This group helps protect soil and natural resources. Today, it is known as the Elsinore-Murrieta-Anza Resource Conservation District.

Standing Up for Native Americans

Costo was a leader on the Cahuilla Reservation for over 20 years. He spoke for his community for eight years. He also worked in Washington, D.C., for two years. There, he fought for Native American land rights. He was also a member of the American Indian Federation in the late 1930s.

In 1950, he helped create the American Indian Historical Society. This group wanted to share accurate information about Native American lives. They worked against common stereotypes. With his wife, Jeannette Costo, he started two publications. One was a scholarly journal called The Indian Historian. The other was a popular magazine called Wassaja.

The Costos also started the Indian Historian Press. This company published books about the Native American experience. They released about 59 different book titles.

Rupert and Jeannette Costo also spoke out against efforts to make Father Junipero Serra a saint. They believed he treated Native Americans badly.

Supporting Education in Riverside

Rupert Costo and his friend, Judge John Gabbert, helped bring a university to Riverside, California. They worked to convince the University of California to build a campus there. This campus is now the University of California, Riverside.

Personal Life

Rupert Costo married Jeannette Henry Costo in 1954. Jeannette was a reporter for major newspapers. She was also an activist for Native American causes. She identified as being of Eastern Cherokee descent.

Rupert Costo was honored as the Riverside Community College Alumni of the Year.

Legacy

Rupert Costo passed away on October 20, 1989. He died at his home in San Francisco, California.

The Costos had a large collection of books about Native American history. In 1986, they gave this collection to the University of California, Riverside Libraries. A special teaching position, the Costo Chair in American Indian History, was named in his honor at the university.