Despite the recent buzz surrounding California Indians in
relation to Indian gaming, many people are unaware of the culture
behind the tribes.
Hollister – Despite the recent buzz surrounding California Indians in relation to Indian gaming, many people are unaware of the culture behind the tribes.
The Mutsun Language Foundation, founded by members of the Amah Mutsun tribe, wants to change that.
In conjunction with California State Parks, the nonprofit foundation will host its fourth annual Native People’s Fall Gathering on Saturday.
The goal of the event is to educate the public about California Indian tribes and dispute false assumptions that tribes are at odds with each other, said Quirina Luna-Costillas, the foundation’s co-founder and president.
“The event is more for educational purposes because many people don’t know a lot about these tribes,” she said.
Jennifer Morgan, the festival’s founder, says that until recently, Mutsuns didn’t even know a lot about their own culture. “I started meeting all these Mutsuns who were just in the middle of learning to speak their language, teaching it to their children,” she said. “They want to keep their culture alive.”
A variety of cultural traditions will be featured at the festival including basketry, jewelry making, fire making and traditional California Indian dancing and food. Demonstrators come from tribes throughout the state including the Amah Mutsuns, Miwoks, Maidus and Chumases, Luna-Costillas said.
The event will take place at the San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area, off Highway 152 between Los Banos, Hollister and Gilroy, an area that used to be a Mutsun-speaking village, Luna-Costillas said.
The Amah Mutsun and the Miwok tribes have been in the news lately.
A splinter group of the Amah Mutsun tribe is trying to gain federal recognition through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which could take several years. The tribal band recently made an agreement with land owner Wayne Pierce to develop 3,500 acres of the 6,500-acre Sargent Ranch.
If the tribal band were granted official recognition it would keep 500 acres for its members’ homes, businesses and a cultural center, and Pierce could develop his portion of the land. The remaining 3,000 acres would stay open space.
Meanwhile, the Miwoks have been working with investors from Game Won and attorney Phillip Thompson to build a casino in San Benito County, south of Gilroy.
Despite rumors that the Amah Mutsuns and the Miwoks are squabbling, Luna-Costillas said the two tribes enjoy a peaceful relationship.
The gathering will take place from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free, and day-long parking is $6 per car.
Staff Writer Jessica Quandt contributed to this report
Katie Kniekerk is a staff writer. Reach her at 408-842-6400 or [email protected]
