Celebrating Indigenous Culture and Sovereignty: A Week of Events
September 20, 2024 – The community is invited to join a week-long series of events showcasing Indigenous cultural practices and encouraging meaningful conversations around tribal sovereignty and self-determination. Hosted in collaboration with the Mariposa Arts Council and the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation, these events offer an opportunity to explore contemporary cultural tribal practices and address the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation's ongoing efforts to secure federal recognition, which has been stuck in the petition process with the Bureau of Indian Affairs' since 1981. This series explores how democratic ideals are strengthened when Tribal Nations are recognized by the federal government and Indigenous sovereignty is supported.
These free, community-oriented events will feature a variety of hands-on cultural demonstrations, educational panels, and artistic workshops designed to deepen understanding and celebrate Indigenous traditions. Tribal and non-Native community members are encouraged to engage in dialogue, learn, and grow together while celebrating the rich traditions of the Indigenous peoples of Mariposa.
Guidelines for Attending Public Indigenous Events:
- Please ask for permission before taking photos.
- Refrain from touching traditional regalia, cultural items, or hair.
- Respectfully avoid questions about blood quantum or tribal enrollment status.
Event Schedule:
Monday, September 30
Indigenous Democracy Town Hall
Location: County Board of Supervisors Chambers | 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
Join a panel discussion on tribal sovereignty and democracy, featuring local Native leaders including Shona Medinas, Heather Bernikoff, Irene Vasquez, and members of the Southern Sierra Miwuk tribal council. The event will provide insights into tribal governance, current programs, and the significance of sovereignty, followed by a facilitated Q&A session.
Tuesday, October 1
Guided Walk: First Foods and Cultural Materials
Location: Arts Park | 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M., 5:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M.
Explore the Mariposa Creek Parkway with Indigenous land stewards Tara Fouch-Moore, Sandra Chapman, and Sharon Whitefawn. Learn about traditional First Foods, medicines, and cultural materials being reintroduced along the creek. Participants are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy Elderberry tea (which will be provided) during the walk.
Wednesday, October 2
Cultural Arts Day: Inter-Tribal Workshops
Location: Arts Park | All Day
Enjoy hands-on cultural workshops, including sourberry mash making, petroglyph painting, crafting Indigenous games, and Miwuk songs. Events will take place from 10 AM – Noon and 5 PM – 7 PM, offering attendees the chance to learn and create with local Native artisans.
Thursday, October 3
Call to Action: Supporting Federal Recognition Efforts
Location: Mariposa Library | 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.
A public discussion on national and local tribal history, the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation’s petition for federal recognition, and ways the community can support their efforts. The session will include a facilitated letter-writing campaign to advocate for petition #82 in favor of federal acknowledgment.
Friday, October 4
Intertribal Dance and Cultural Arts Celebration
Location: Arts Park | 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
Celebrate Indigenous culture through a vibrant display of intertribal dance and artistic cultural presentations. Featured Culture Practitioners include Genevieve Lemaster, Val Shadowhawk, Kazzy Cunningham, Tony Morrow and the Aztec Dance Group among others. Enjoy food from the Mariposa Fry Bread Company and complimentary samples of First Foods.
Full details for these events can be found at www.mariposaartscouncil.org. This program is funded by Americans for the Arts Cultural Week of Action initiative.
The Arts Council, is an incorporated not-for-profit organization, created to promote and support all forms of the cultural arts, for all ages, throughout Mariposa County and is supported in part by the County of Mariposa, the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, and the California Arts Council, a state agency.
Source: Mariposa Arts Council
