BROWNS VALLEY, Calif. September 27, 2016 – Thousands of tribal members and supporters are now gathering in North Dakota to stop the Dakota Pipeline and to protect their water and culture. Locally, Tsi Akim tribal members and supporters are gathering October 6-10, to celebrate and support the rights and culture of all indigenous people. This free, public, outdoor event, Indigenous Peoples Days (IPD), is one of the largest inter-tribal events of its kind in the country, and is open to everyone who feels a kinship with the indigenous world.
For nineteen years, the Tribe and supporters have assembled dancers, musicians, storytellers and cultural educators from all over the world to enhance our views on nature and community. Chairman Ryberg quotes, “Indians have the responsibility, to those ancestors who fired arrows against cannons and survived against overwhelming odds, to make that survival meaningful.” IPD encourages healing through coming together and connecting to the land and its history.
For our youth, the event begins with two days of interactive native education (Thurs/Fri). This year, in addition to the Nevada City Opening (Thurs 6 pm, at Pata Panaka, Burton Ranch), is a Marysville free Opening/Fundraiser (Fri 6 pm), which includes entertainment, warm food and raffles. All day Saturday focuses on traditional native ceremonies, including The Calling Back The Salmon Ceremony, feasting and festivities.
In honor of our ancestors, Sunday is devoted to a day of “Talking Circles”, stories and music, ending with the Richard Prout Memorial Dinner.
Weekend highlights will include workshops on “Revitalizing Indigenous Food and Medicine”, a community drum hosted by Eli Painted Crow, visiting traditional Elders, and vendors offering Native and handmade arts & crafts. Food will also be available.
This event, IPD, is located at 5390 Highway 20 in Browns Valley, California, Sycamore Ranch Park “Kulu Fishing Village”. A live radio broadcast on Sunday will be hosted by long time supporter, Community Radio KVMR FM, 89.5, Nevada City (www.kvmr.org).
On Monday in the KVMR studios, IPD will air a full day of indigenous programming. The Tribe also acknowledges the support of Yuba County.
IPD is a drug and alcohol free, family oriented event. Donations are encouraged. Saturday and Sunday meals are potluck style so please bring a favorite dish to share.
For the latest information and a detailed schedule or to volunteer or donate to the program, please visit the website www.indigenouspeoplesdays.org or contact IPD media representative Jennifer Robin (530) 368-7270, thejiffer@gmail.com.