A Big Time at the California Indian Conference
A Big Time at the California Indian Conference
By Terria Smith
Every year the California Indian Conference feels like a reunion, but this year I felt this even stronger. Of course, because it was at my alma mater Humboldt State University.
Traveling to the beautiful Pacific North Coast always feels like a gift for life. It was great to be among tribal community members, academics, leaders, culture bearers, and students who had traveled from as far south as San Diego and as far north as Oregon to attend the conference. Some of them coming to Humboldt State for the very first time.
It was very refreshing not only to see friends, but also to meet people – especially Native students – at the university. I was able to share about my own experience going to school there and how much I appreciated my education. The Native faculty, staff, and support programs really do their best to take care of the students. Further the incredibly beautiful surroundings of so much lush, rich life produces a lot for personal growth.
The conference itself was well organized and true to the spirit of the California Indian Conference. Each attendee received their choice of a gift, among them being: a conference poster, a mug, a printed mason jar, and magnets. Breakfast was offered to us each morning. Heyday and News from Native California proudly sponsored a lunch for presenters and elders during the first day of the conference. But what I found to be most valuable was the inspirational programming.
Native American Studies assistant professors Cutcha Risling Baldy and Kayla Begay, both from the Hoopa Valley Tribe, gave the keynote addresses. Workshops and panel sessions included focuses like tribal relationships in higher education, decolonizing education, California tribal water rights, empowering tribal communities, and of course there were a lot of discussions about art (visual as well as performing). Presenters included members of the California Indian Basketweavers Association, the California Tribal College, as well as the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center.
To me one of the most exciting aspects of the conference each year is the business meeting which takes place on the last day. For this is there where the location of the next conference will be. During this year’s business meeting, CSU Long Beach American Indian studies assistant professor Theresa Gregor (Ipai Nation of Santa Ysabel) along with Heidi Harper-Lucero (Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation) presented on behalf of the Native community on the Long Beach campus to host the conference there for 2019. The two spoke about the maritime cultures that they would like to share among the features to be included in their conference program. When the idea for them hosting went to a vote, it was accepted. Even more, Native American faculty came from Fresno State University and presented to host in 2020. The vote was made in their favor as well. Both of these institutions will be hosts of the California Indian Conference for the first time.
The Humboldt State team closed the conference with a reception featuring tasty food from Uniquely Yours Catering and music from the band Twice As Good of the Elem Indian Colony. I can honestly say that it was the most fun California Indian Conference reception that I have ever attended – and not just because I won lots of cool raffle prizes.
Luckily, the fun didn’t end there. The next day, the university hosted the annual California Big Time & Social Gathering. This was an event that got started while I was still a student at Humboldt State. The West Gym in the Forbes Complex was filled with people who came for dancing, shopping, eating, and visiting with friends as well as family. Dance groups came from tribes including the Hupa, Maidu, Pomo, and Tolowa Dee’ni peoples. There was also powwow style drumming and dancing featured. As usual, the event was MC’d by the funny and personable Vince Feliz (Chumash).
Heyday and News hosted a book table during the Big Time and it was so pleasing to see that we along with many other vendors nearly sold out of items!
Everyone involved in putting together the California Indian Conference as well as the Humboldt State University California Indian Big Time & Social Gathering should be very proud of themselves.
I can’t wait to go to Long Beach for the California Indian Conference in 2019!
