2011 California Indian Conference

Workshops & Presentations

Performances

Youth Track

Guidelines for Proposals to Host the California Indian Conference in 2013 or 2014

26th Annual California Indian Conference
October 27-30, 2011

The California Indian Conference is an annual event for the exchange of perspectives and knowledge concerning the first peoples of the place now known as California, past to present.

The California Indian Conference (CIC), inaugurated at UC Berkeley in 1985, is committed to the sharing and exchange of knowledge, scholarship, and issues of importance related to California Indians, past to present. This year’s theme, Sustaining the Circle of Knowledge, will be highlighted through an interesting diversity of presentations, workshops, and native performances, along with a number of special events including a California Native basketry exhibit and master weavers demonstration at the Chico Museum, a Native fine art display at the Valene Smith Museum of Anthropology, an opportunity to tour the State Archives in Sacramento, and a tour of the campus arboretum by Biologist Wes Dempsey.

In addition to the full schedule of conference events, we were pleased to offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner to all conference attendees on Friday and Saturday. On Friday, lunch was hosted by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and dinner by the Mechoopda Indian Tribe.

“As the first people whose ancestral lands encompass the city of Chico and the California State University, Chico campus, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria is extremely pleased to take part in the 2011 Annual California Indian Conference. We look forward to celebrating ‘Sustaining the Circle of Knowledge’ with all of the conference participants.” - Sandra Knight, Vice Chairperson of the Mechoopda Indian Tribe

The tribes hosted a wonderful Friday night entertainment lineup, which included Grindstone Rancheria and Pomo dancers.

Saturday conference activities included an Elders Panel and a full day Youth Track. Berry Creek Rancheria cooked an authentic Indian Tacos for lunch. Saturday’s dinner was a delicious salmon BBQ (salmon donated by Enterprise Rancheria) followed by contemporary Native music featuring northern California’s own River Boyz.

On Sunday there was a Traditional Foods potluck lunch at the Butte Creek Ecological Preserve. This meal highlighted traditional foods from around California. Items that people have already offered to bring range from manzanita cider to acorn soup and game meat. Anyone interested in California Indians past to present are encouraged to attend this landmark conference.

Silent Auction to Support the California Indian Conference

Our attendance brought a little extra spending money because our Silent Auction items were fabulous this year! We have been blessed with a wide range of items including exquisite jewelry, handcrafted bookmarks, a variety of artwork, and more.The newly remodeled Colusa Hall housed the event and all proceeds went to support the California Indian Conference.