Dance, Art and Storytelling: Native American Festival Returns to Antelope Valley Indian Museum
Contact:
Peggy Ronning
Museum Curator III
(661) 946-3055
LANCASTER – California State Parks’ Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park (SHP) invites the public to join its annual Native American Celebration on Oct. 18 and 19. The event will feature captivating performances, 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 Chumash/Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indianselders Ted and Dennis 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: Saturday, Oct. 18, and Sunday, Oct. 19
11 a.m.– 4 p.m.
COST: $10 for those over 12 years old; free for children 12 and under.
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 Street East. 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), 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 (Chumash/FernandeñoTataviam Band of Mission Indians).
- 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.
- Flint Knapping Demonstration: Watch the fascinating process of making arrowheads with expert Mike Thompson.
- Art, Crafts and More: Explore and purchase handcrafted Native American jewelry, beadwork, gourd art, and crafts created by 11 Native artists. The FernandeñoTataviam Band of Mission Indians will share information about their resources and programs.
- 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.
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 are in need of 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. Follow the museum on Facebook at facebook.com/AVIndianMuseum.
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.
(From left to right) Chumash/Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians storyteller Ted Garcia, (center) Kaelene Ashmore (Diné) demonstrating fancy shawl dancing, and (right) Sage Romero (Paiute/Taos Pueblo) demonstrating the hoop dance at the park’s 2024 Native American Celebration. Photos from Friends of the Antelope Valley Indian Museum SHP.
Subscribe to California State Parks News via e-mail at NewsRoom@parks.ca.gov
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.