Calling all local artists...as part of an ongoing “Arts in the Parks” effort, Northern California artists -- of all ages and skill levels -- are invited to participate in a special “open air” painting event on the grounds of Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park.  The State Indian Museum and California State Parks present a special “Plein Air Day” on Saturday, May 12 beginning at 10 a.m.  Free to participate and to watch the mesmerizing artistry-in-action, the day is designed as an opportunity for the community to embrace nature, support the arts and appreciate the beauty of the historic, park-like setting.   Interested artists are encouraged to register early and the first 25 artists to regi

Sacramento State’s University Union UNIQUE Programs is pleased to announce a live performance featuring Mary Youngblood at the University Union Ballroom on Tuesday, April 24, 2012. Native American Mary Youngblood, half Seminole and half Aleut, is the first woman to professionally record the Native American Flute, and the first woman to win not just one, but two Grammy Awards for "Best Native American Music Album". In addition to Mary’s two Grammy Awards and three nominations, she was the first woman to win 'Flutist of the Year' in both 1999 and 2000. She also won 'Best Female Artist' in 2000 at the Native American Music Awards (NAMMYS). With five unique and accomplished albums under her b

On Saturday, April 14, beginning at 1 p.m., the Sacramento History Museum is proud to present a special guest lecture by April Farnham -- former collections manager and historian at the Maidu Indian Museum and current Sacramento History Museum docent -- who will discuss her research and findings about California indigenous peoples in Sacramento's early history.  The Sacramento region includes the ancestral homelands of the Nisenan Maidu as well as Miwok, and Southern Wintun (or Patwin) tribal groups.  Individuals from these groups played a significant role in Sacramento's history from the early 1800s well into the turn of the century; however, their names have been largely forgotten or ne

The State Indian Museum is proud to offer basket weaving demonstrations by Dixie Rogers on two upcoming Saturdays, March 3, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.   Mesmerizing to watch and fun to learn, Dixie Rogers is a traditional basket weaver from the Karuk tribe and uses a technique called Closed Half Twist-Twined With Overlay.   She incorporates a number of native California plants into her intricate and original basket creations.  There is no cost for these special demonstrations although regular Museum admission prices do apply.  For more information about this special event or other activities and events happening at the State Indian Museum, visit www.parks.ca.gov/indianmuseum.     About the S

Culminating the Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos festivities this year, La Raza Galería Posada, Sacramento’s not-for-profit Latino art and cultural center, brings the Panteon de Sacramento (Sacramento’s Cemetery) to life.This is a two day/night outdoor display of fifty large, colorful altares. The altares will be available for public viewing on Saturday October 29 and Sunday October 30. Families, individuals, area artists and local not for profit organizations will build the altares for public display.Theatre, music, poets and children's workshops are all part of the two-day event. In Sacramento, Día de los Muertos has been celebrated since the early 1970s, commensurate with the Galería’

The State Indian Museum is proud to host Anthony Platt, Author and Professor Emeritus at California State University, Sacramento, for a special lecture and book signing event on Saturday, November 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  In his engaging and informative style, Platt will thoughtfully explain the history and long-term consequences of more than 200 years of collecting and looting the sacred grave sites of California Indians.  In addition, Platt will be on-hand to sign copies of his recently released book titled Grave Matters: Excavating California’s Buried Past, that will also be available for purchase on-site that day.  There is no cost for this special lecture and book signing although

Get ready for the new autumn season by visiting the State Indian Museum during an educational and fun-filled “Acorn Day” on Saturday, October 15 (from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) that celebrates the acorn, a traditional dietary staple of California Indians.  Part of the month-long ARTOBER effort that highlights the arts in Sacramento, guests to the State Indian Museum will enjoy learning about the time-honored tradition of preparing acorn for food and sampling traditional acorn mush and flat breads.  Children can participate in Native games, traditional arts & crafts, and hands-on table activities.  Then, as a special treat from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m, special guest and master basket weaver Dixie Roger

For the upcoming fall season, the State Indian Museum needs positive and enthusiastic community volunteers to embark on an exciting and educational journey as State Park docents. The State Indian Museum is located on the grounds of Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park.  Applications are now being accepted for volunteer positions and comprehensive training is provided.  Interested volunteers must apply and be interviewed in advance. Once selected, the qualified applicants will participate in a seven-week training series that begins in October. A background in Native California culture is not required and a variety of volunteer positions are currently available, both on weekdays and weekends. 

Sponsored by the State Tribal Liaisons of California, the Department of Justice, the State Indian Museum and California State Parks, the 44th Annual Native American Day Celebrating Honored Elders event on Thursday, September 22 has been combined with the State Indian Museum’s Honored Elders Day for 2011.   The free event will take place on the south steps of the State Capitol from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is devoted to honoring the Elders who maintain Native culture, including stories, languages, and traditions for today and for future generations.  Guests will enjoy cultural demonstrations, compelling guest speakers, the Tule River Color Guard, traditional games, music and dancing, artisans

In an effort to honor and commemorate California’s Native Elders, the State Indian Museum will host the 34th annual “Gathering of Honored Elders” on Saturday, June 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.   During this special event each year, 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—which will include the ever-popular authentic Indian tacos—and is also available for purchase by Museum visitors.  Native American dancers, com

California State University Sacramento’s Serna Center and La Raza Galeria Posada present an afternoon Festival of Native American Films on Sunday, March 6 from 2pm to 4pm at Hinde Auditorium on the campus of CSUS. Admission is free, donations gladly accepted. Three original films, presented courtesy of Native American Public Telecommunications located in Lincoln, Nebraska will be screened for the first time in Sacramento. Special guests Shirley Sneve, Director, Native American Public Telecommunications and producer Luke Griswold-Tergis (Smokin' Fish) will be on hand to introduce the films and answer questions from audience members. Smokin' Fish, (2011, a work in progress) will have it’s C

A more appropriate emcee than Mama Cobb could not be found for the Folklorico Latino de Woodland’s 24th Anniversary dance showcase. Aside from the dancers, what a performance she put on. Throughout the course of the evening, she charmed the audience with her stories and insights from her long and storied career. She spoke sometimes in English, sometimes Spanish and even threw in a few Nahuatel phrases. Nahuatel being the language of the Aztecs. Mama Cobb provided insights into the regional Mexican folk dances, stole a kiss from the feature trick roping cowboy, completed two costume changes, and inspired a new generation of Mexican folk dancers. As easy as it looked, the audience had no i

Immigration is obviously both a hot button topic and the hot potato of American politics.  It's also the focus of three short documentaries that play at the Crest Theatre on Tuesday evening on the fifth day (of ten) of the 11th Annual Sacramento Film & Music Festival.  Coincidentally, all three films were made by students at either Berkeley or Stanford and they complement each other to form a fascinating program. "Iraq in the US" has a unique Sacramento connection, focusing on the lives of Iraqi refugees who have been relocated here to build new lives.  "New American Soldier" tells the stories of several green card holders who joined the US military to become eligible for citizenship - co

Thursday, Sept. 24 Noon - 1:30 p.m. California's Department of Education will be holding a company picnic on the lawn of the Capitol. About 200 people are expected. 5 - 7 p.m. American Society for Public Administration will be holding a reception at the firefighters' memorial. About 50 people are expected to attend. 6:30 - 8 p.m. The Marine Corps band will be performing on the west steps of the Capitol to an expected 50 people. Friday, Sept. 25 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. A Native American Day Celebration will be held on the south steps of the Capitol. It will feature speakers, music and dance. About 300 people are expected to participate. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The Sacramento chapter of the national

Practice your Gourd Dance and dust off your drums — it's time for a pow wow. The 15th Annual Sacramento Pow Wow begins Friday, Aug. 14 in O'Neil Park (715 Broadway) and will continue through Aug. 16. "A pow wow," according to Master of Ceremonies Thomas Phillips, is a "coming together or gathering of our American Indian people for ceremony, song, dance and feasting." Although pow wows were created by the Algonkin tribe as a designated time and place for ceremony, it has evolved into today's meaning. In Phillip's eyes, pow wows now signify "a venue for preserving and maintaining our rich and colorful culture to pass down to the next generation." University students were the first to recog

California State Indian Museum presented the 32nd annual Gathering of Honored Elders. It is devoted to honoring the elders who keep the traditions, stories, languages, and cultures of Native California alive for the generations that follow them. Honoring the Elders through dance and song were: Aztec Dancers (Sacramento), Pomo Dancers, Miwok Dancers (Ione), Maidu Dancers (Auburn), Me-Wuk Dancers of Tuolumne, Huatanape (Shingle Springs), Grindstone Dancers (Elk Creek) Coastal Pomo Dancers (Talmadge).  They were very colorful and authenticate. Photos | Kati Garner