American Indian Celebration at Antelope Valley Indian Museum

The annual American Indian Celebration at Antelope Valley Indian Museum returns on October 21 and 22, 2017, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults (cash only). Children age 12 and under are free. Parking is free. Proceeds from the event will be used by Friends of the Antelope Valley Indian Museum to support museum programs.
 
The dance arena will feature the Buffalo Creek, a Northern Style drum group from the Los Angeles and Temecula area founded in 2015. The members of Buffalo Creek represent tribes from throughout the United States. The lead singer and Drum Keeper is Brendon Youngbear Urdanivia (Navajo/Tewa).
 
This year we welcome Michael Angelo Runningwind (Seneca/Chiricahua Apache) as our Master of Ceremonies. Michael is an 8-year USMC combat veteran. He has been on the Pow Wow Trail since the age of 15, and he will share his knowledge with visitors as he announces the dances.
 
Native dancers are encouraged to join us and should contact the museum at 661-946-3055 prior to October 20 for complementary admission.

                        
 
On Saturday, October 21, at 2:00, there will be an honoring ceremony for Paul Begay (Navajo) who was killed in a tragic accident on Highway 14 in May, 2017. Paul was known to museum visitors as the artist who made the beautiful gourd dream catchers sold in the museum gift shop, and he staffed the family jewelry booth at the Celebration while his wife made fry bread. Paul grew up on the Navajo Reservation in Monument Valley, but he lived in the Antelope Valley for many years while working as a Registered Nurse for Los Angeles County.
 
Ted and Dennis Garcia will return this year to share traditional stories from their Chumash culture. Native flute player John Spirit Wolf Rivera will share his music with visitors inside the museum. At 1:30 on Sunday, October 22, the Fernandeno Tataviam will share their songs and culture.

Hungry visitors will enjoy Cecelia Begay’s Indian tacos and fry bread. Native artists will sell jewelry, beadwork, gourd art, paintings, and crafts at the event. Artists you will meet include Cecelia Begay (Navajo), Judy Einboden (Panamanian), Ester Lugo (Yaqui), Maria Martinez (Yaqui), Connie Marie (Yaqui), Alex Maldonado and Maria Males (Inca), Marc and Matt McMasters (Cherokee/Creek), Ana Tachyn-Crisol (Cherokee), and Michael Chas Williams (Wichita). Mike Thompson will demonstrate flint knapping. Torres Martinez Tribal TANF, the California Native Vote Project, and ANYA will provide information about their services.
 
The museum will be open and staffed with knowledgeable museum docents. Families will enjoy working with clay and trying their hand at pounding acorns and pine nuts at the touch table exhibit in Joshua Cottage.
 
The museum is located at 15701 East Avenue M, in Lake Los Angeles, east of Lancaster, California. From the 14 Freeway in Lancaster, go east on Avenue K to 150th Street East, then follow the signs to the museum. For more information, phone the museum at (661) 946-3055, 711, TTY relay service, or visit our website at www.avim.parks.ca.gov.
 
When: October 21 and 22, 2017, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m
 
Where: Antelope Valley Indian Museum, 15701 East Avenue M, Lancaster, California. From the 14 Freeway in Lancaster, go east on Avenue K to 150th Street East, then follow the signs to the museum.
 
Cost: $8 for adults (cash only). Children age 12 and under are free.
 
Contact: Peggy Ronning, 661-946-6900