To honor and commemorate California’s Native Elders, the State Indian Museum will host the 35th annual “Gathering of Honored Elders” on-site at the Museum on Saturday, June 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.   During the special event, sponsored by the California Indian Heritage Center Foundation, the State Indian Museum and California Indian community honor the Elders—the keepers of the traditions—for their role in passing down the important history and culture of Native California people.

In addition to complimentary admission for the special “Community Day,” a sponsored lunch will be provided to the tribal Elders and authentic Indian tacos will be available for purchase by Museum visitors.  Native American dancers, guest speakers, community service organizations, and arts and crafts vendors will be on hand to enrich the experience.  An official proclamation from the Governor’s office in celebration of the contributions of California’s Indian people will be shared by Cynthia Gomez, Tribal Advisor, Office of Gov. Edmund G. Brown, Jr.   Also, the event will include door prize drawings of unique, native-made arts and crafts donated by local Native artisans. 

The Gathering of Honored Elders event is co-sponsored by California State Parks, California Indian Heritage Center Foundation,  Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, Buena Vista Rancheria, Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk, Hutuanape Foundation and Trinidad Rancheria.

The special event hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. but the Museum is open as usual until 5 p.m. on “Community Day.”  For more information, call 916-324-0971 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/indianmuseum.