Despite lacking an abundance of mainstream recognition, the world of contemporary and traditional American Indian arts is thriving in the Bay Area. This fall, the public has several opportunities to celebrate the creative work of local Native groups—the Ohlone/Costanoan, Coast Miwok, Pomo, and Wappo people call the region home. From museum exhibits to American Indian cinema to community events, there is no shortage of opportunities to celebrate the rich history and legacy of the California’s American Indian community.
8th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration
Sept. 12
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, San Jose
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Less than a century ago, traditional Native American dances were banned by the United States and Canadian governments, with most traditional gatherings happening underground in order to avoid persecution. Today, intertribal dances are performed at public gatherings like the American Indian Heritage Celebration in San Jose. In addition to dances from Aztec and California groups (Amah Mutsun and Mi-Wuk), the traditional Big Time and Powwow event hosts an American Indian marketplace with arts, crafts and food vendors, and is also free to the public.
Precious Cargo: California Indian Cradle Baskets and Childbirth Traditions
Through December
California Indian Museum, Santa Rosa
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Known for their Pomo Language revitalization program and for a long-standing exhibit on California Yahi Indian, Ishi, the California Indian Museum in Santa Rosa celebrates the return of the Precious Cargo: California Indian Cradle Baskets and Childbirth Traditions exhibit which will run through the fall and winter. The collection features baskets and traditional cradle baskets from Pomo, Miwok, Mono and Chumash weavers, some of which are over 100 years old. Because cradle baskets are rarely made for collectors, this collection features many authentic, traditional pieces on display.
Museum of the American Indian
Through Dec.
Novato
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Located at the site of a Coast Miwok village in Novato, Marin County’s Museum of the American Indian celebrates Native American day Sept. 12 with free admission. The museum currently hosts two exhibits, the first being Ambassadors, which showcases lithographs of commissioned portraits of tribal leaders who journeyed to Washington D.C. for peace negotiations between 1821 and 1842. The original portraits were destroyed in a fire at The Smithsonian, but the 30 surviving lithographs are on display at the museum through the end of December. The other exhibit features the work of artist Edward Willie (Pomo, Walkiki, and Wintu). Willie received a Traditional Arts Grant from Creative Work Fund in 2011 and created the Kay Key Ya Project at the museum, which showcases traditional Pomo dance regalia.
21st Annual Indigenous People’s Day Powwow and Indian Market
Oct. 10
Civic Center Park, Berkeley
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For 21 years, American Indians around the Bay Area have gathered in Berkeley to reclaim Columbus Day with an annual Indigenous People’s powwow and traditional Indian market. Intertribal groups, along with non-indigenous attendees, gather at Civic Center Park for a day of traditional dances and music for the powwow. The adjoining market place is full of contemporary and traditional Native American arts, crafts, and food(!) that can be purchased.
40th Annual American Indian Film Festival
Nov. 6 – 14
San Francisco
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The American Indian Film Institute has brought the best in American Indian cinema to audiences since 1975. Featuring award-winning films like Smoke Signals, Frozen River, Tiger Eyes, Horse Tribe and Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner, the festival celebrates 40 years this November with a fantastic lineup. It’s nothing but high quality features, shorts, documentaries, animation, music videos and experimental films. Also, by attending the festival, you’re also supporting the institute’s work with marginalized American Indian youth — expect some of their pieces in the lineup. Tickets on sale Oct. 1.
Indigenous People’s Sunrise Ceremony
Nov. 26
Alcatraz
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A meaningful alternative to modern day Thanksgiving festivities, the Alcatraz Sunrise Ceremony takes place each year, commemorating the 1971 occupation of Alcatraz by the tribe of all nations. Inspired by the action and commitment to empower American Indians and to reclaim sovereignty, dancers from several American Indian groups come together for a pre-dawn ceremony on the rock. The event is free but ferry tickets to and from Alcatraz can be purchased through Blue and Gold Fleet ferries.
