Native American Celebration Returns this Oct. 17-18 to Antelope Valley Indian Museum
Contact:
Peggy Ronning
Museum Curator III
(661) 946-3055
Performers at last year’s Native American Celebration: (from left to right) Kaelene Ashmore (Diné), Caitlin Ashmore (Diné), Smoke Dancer Survarious TwoKnives (Mohawk).
LANCASTER – California State Park’s Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park (SHP) invites the public to join its annual Native American Celebration on Oct. 17 and 18. The weekend celebration will feature traditional songs and dances, captivating traditional storytelling, and arts and crafts exhibitions celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Native American peoples.
The event will kick off with a blessing by Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians/Chumashelder Ted Garcia. Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy performances and a variety of interactive activities.
Here are details about the event:
WHAT: Native American Celebration
WHEN: 11 a.m.– 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17, and Sunday, Oct. 18
COST: $10 for those over 12 years old; free for children 12 and under.
California fourth-grade students attending a public school and their families can attend for free with the Free Fourth Grade Pass. Learn more about the pass and how you can download it at parks.ca.gov/4thGrade.
WHERE: Antelope Valley Indian Museum SHP, 15701 East Avenue M, Lancaster, CA 93535
DIRECTIONS: From State Route 14 in Lancaster, go east on Avenue K to 150th StreetEast. Turn right and go south for two miles to Avenue M. Turn left and go east on Avenue M for one mile to reach the museum.
Below are some of the activities attendees can enjoy:
- Music and Dance: Enjoy hoop dancing by Sage Romero (Paiute/Taos Pueblo) and Caitlin Ashmore (Diné), traditional songs by Kaelene Ashmore (Diné), Aztec dancing by Danza Azteca Xochipilli, Iroquois Smoke Dancers, and music from Blue Star, a Northern Style drum group.
- Native Storytelling: Listen to traditional Chumash stories told by Ted and Dennis Garcia (Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians/Chumash).
- Hands-on Activities: Get involved in the traditional skill of clay working and learn how to pound acorns and pine nuts at the touch table in Joshua Cottage.
- Art, Crafts and More:Explore and purchase handcrafted Native American jewelry, beadwork, ceramics, gourd art, and crafts created by Native artists.
- Traditional Native Cuisine:Don't miss the chance to try frybread, available for purchase from the Wildhorse Native American Association.
In addition to the performances and activities, visitors can alsotour the museum, with knowledgeable docents on hand to provide insights. Mark your calendars for this enriching celebration of Native American culture and community.
This event is part of the Arts in California Parks program, which brings together artists, culture bearers, California Native American tribes, and diverse communities with the goal of making nature accessible and enjoyable for all Californians.
Pets are not allowed in the museum. Service animals are welcome per California State Parks' Service Animals Policy.
California State Parks supports equal access. If you need special accommodation or need more information,please call the museum at (661) 946-3055 (711 TTY relay service).
Visit the museum website at avim.parks.ca.gov or follow the museum on Facebook.
About Antelope Valley Indian Museum SHP
Antelope Valley Indian Museum SHP showcases over 4,000 objects created by the Native American peoples of Southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico. Visitors also enjoy the museum’s nature trail, gift shop and picnic area.
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California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.