Local tribes host weekend celebration of their culture

Indigenous Peoples Days takes place in and around Nevada City from Friday, Oct. 5 through Monday, Oct. 8. The Tsi-Akim Maidu Tribe and the Colfax-Todds Valley-Colfax Consolidated Tribe are hosting the event.

The schedule is as follows:

• Friday, Oct. 5: The opening ceremony starts at 6 p.m., honoring the ancestors of the Maidu Indians and their culture that lives on.

• Saturday, Oct. 6: Sunrise ceremony near Parks Bar Bridge, followed by a traditional ceremony known as "Calling Back the Salmon" at the Bridgeport Crossing at the south fork of the Yuba River.

• Sunday, Oct. 7: Sunrise ceremony at the Tsi-Akim Active Cultural Center at Burton Park, outside Nevada City. The public is invited to a day of fun, celebration, food and healing, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Monday, Oct. 8: Sunrise ceremony at the Tsi-Akim Active Cultural Center. Children's program at the Miners Foundry from 10 a.m. to noon. Music and discussions in the afternoon. A memorial dinner serving traditional native American foods in the evening accompanied by song and dance.

The events on Sunday and Monday will be broadcast live on KVMR Community Radio, 89.5 FM/105.1 FM, and online at kvmr.org.

There is no fee charged on Friday and Saturday. Donations will be accepted at the door on Sunday. Tickets for Monday morning events cost $10 at the door for adults and $5 for children and elders. Monday's dinner costs $15 for adults and $5 for children and elders. The four-day event is alcohol and drug free and is open to the public.

Those interested in volunteering can contact Stephanie Lorenson at the Nevada County Land Trust, 272-5994.

For questions about the children's event on Monday morning, call Donna Uran at 478-1656, or e-mail donna@alum.mit.edu.

For more information, call 265-0711 or go online to www.indigenouspeoplesdays.org.