Centuries-old traditions will be on display next month as part
of the Fifth Annual Native California Peoples’ Fall Gathering.
Staff Report
Gilroy – Centuries-old traditions will be on display next month as part of the Fifth Annual Native California Peoples’ Fall Gathering.
The Oct. 15 event, held at San Luis Reservoir, will feature demonstrations on how to make arrowheads, baskets, soap-root brushes, miniature tule boats and shell-bead necklaces. Members of the local Amah Mutsun tribe also will perform traditional dances and storytelling.
The event represents a collaboration between local Indians and the state’s park system.
“We welcome having the Mutsun Native Peoples’ Fifth Annual Fall Gathering and are delighted to have them share their skills with our park visitors,” Park Superintendent Dennis Imhoff said.
The Mutsun Ohlone/Costanoan Indians historically lived in the area stretching from the Monterey coast over Pacheco Pass to the east. Many of their descendants are working to keep their traditional practices and language alive. This year’s event is sponsored by the Mutsun Language Foundation, the Four Rivers Association and California State Parks.
The gathering will take place off of Highway 152 at the San Luis Creek Recreation Area exit, between Los Banos and Gilroy. The event, which will last from 10am until 4pm, costs $6 per vehicle.
Details: Jennifer Morgan at (209) 826-1196 ext. 534, or visit mutsunlanguage.com or parks.ca.gov/events.
