California Trail Interpretive Center Announces Great Basin Native Market: Crafts, Jewelry, Native Games, and more
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ELKO, Nev. – The California Trail Center will celebrate the rich history and culture of Native Americans with a series of activities and the annual Great Basin Native Market on Oct. 20 and 21, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This family friendly event is free and open to everyone.
Activities include basket weaving demonstrations, traditional Shoshone games and prayer songs. This year’s Native Market features handmade crafts, collectibles, jewelry, and more that make great Christmas gifts. Whitney’s Indian Tacos will sell food and refreshments at the market.
The event also features the exhibit, “Through Our Own Eyes: A Native American Youth Art Exhibition.” The exhibit includes over 100 paintings by students from Owyhee Combined School, located on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation. “We are excited to have traditional Shoshone games at this event in addition to our other activities,” said Jordan Thomas, a visitor guide and event coordinator. “We also want to encourage visitors to bring their families and enjoy lunch while learning more about traditional Great Basin Indian culture.”
The following is a schedule of events:
- Oct. 20, 11:00 a.m.: Pine Needle Basket Weaving Demonstration
Leah Brady will demonstrate how to weave traditional baskets using pine needles.
- Oct. 20, 1:00 p.m.: Traditional Shoshone Children’s Games
Learn how to play three traditional Shoshone games. Shinny is similar to field hockey. The second game, the Winnowing Tray, was a game played to teach young women how to winnow pine nuts. Children will also play the Hand Game, a traditional Native American guessing game.
- Oct. 21, 11:00 a.m.: Willow Basket Weaving Demonstration
Leah Brady will demonstrate the traditional methods used to weave willow baskets.
- Oct. 21, 1:00 p.m.: Traditional Shoshone Prayer Songs by Katherine Blossom
Enjoy traditional Shoshone songs. Katherine Blossom will sing and drum as she performs traditional prayer songs.
For more information about the California Trail Interpretive Center call (775) 738-1849. Visit the Trail Center online at www.californiatrailcenter.org or on Facebook.
The California Trail Interpretive Center is located eight miles west of Elko on I-80, Hunter exit 292. The Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free.
For more information about the California Trail Interpretive Center, call (775) 738-1849. Visit the Trail Center online at www.californiatrailcenter.org or https://www.facebook.com/californiatrailinterpretivecenter/.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.