California Indians Come Together to Celebrate Official State Holiday

Traditional dancers from southern, central and northern California highlighted a celebration of California Native American Day, which has now been designated a permanent state holiday. The event was free and open to the public, taking place in the Lower Commons at California State University, San Bernardino on Friday Sept. 25, beginning at 6 p.m. and ending at 9 p.m. Dozens of California Indians journeyed from throughout the state to share regional dances and songs with those in attendance. Favorite Native American foods such as Indian fry bread was available for purchase along with craft items from onsite vendors. Additionally, children were invited to make their own Clapper Stick, a rhythmic instrument that is traditional to central Californian tribes and join with singers from the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians of the central Sierra Nevada region. The California Native American Day celebration was sponsored by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and CSUSB.