Post by Okwes on Dec 2, 2006 11:09:42 GMT -5
Turkeys and 700 pounds of salmon served
Chris Durant/The Times-Standard
Article Launched:11/12/2006 04:29:40 AM PST
Click photo to enlarge«1»Thousands attend Elders dinner at Redwood Acres
EUREKA -- More than 50 turkeys and 700 pounds of salmon were served to nearly 1,500 people at the 25th annual Northwest Intertribal Gathering and Elders Dinner at Redwood Acres on Saturday.
An estimated 3,500 to 4,000 people were expected to attend the event, which also featured Native American dancers, crafts and information.
Event organizer Terry Coltra, of the Northern California Indian Development Council, estimated that there were members of up to 60 different tribes in attendance.
”The purpose is to honor the elders and share the culture and tradition of the Indian people of California,” Coltra said.
The fact that the event was held on Veterans Day wasn't forgotten, with displays of Native American soldiers, sailors and Marines from conflicts ranging from World
War I to the current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
”This is our country, we can't go anywhere else,” said Wiyot Tribe Chairwoman Cheryl Seidner. “Of course we have to defend it.”
The first dinner was held in the Zane Junior High School cafeteria and said 200 people attended, Coltra, who attended the first dinner.
The event grew too big for the school, and for the last 22 years it's been held at Redwood Acres.
Elders and veterans were honored as they came through the gate, with representatives from Americorps pinning ribbons on them.
Chris Durant/The Times-Standard
Article Launched:11/12/2006 04:29:40 AM PST
Click photo to enlarge«1»Thousands attend Elders dinner at Redwood Acres
EUREKA -- More than 50 turkeys and 700 pounds of salmon were served to nearly 1,500 people at the 25th annual Northwest Intertribal Gathering and Elders Dinner at Redwood Acres on Saturday.
An estimated 3,500 to 4,000 people were expected to attend the event, which also featured Native American dancers, crafts and information.
Event organizer Terry Coltra, of the Northern California Indian Development Council, estimated that there were members of up to 60 different tribes in attendance.
”The purpose is to honor the elders and share the culture and tradition of the Indian people of California,” Coltra said.
The fact that the event was held on Veterans Day wasn't forgotten, with displays of Native American soldiers, sailors and Marines from conflicts ranging from World
War I to the current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
”This is our country, we can't go anywhere else,” said Wiyot Tribe Chairwoman Cheryl Seidner. “Of course we have to defend it.”
The first dinner was held in the Zane Junior High School cafeteria and said 200 people attended, Coltra, who attended the first dinner.
The event grew too big for the school, and for the last 22 years it's been held at Redwood Acres.
Elders and veterans were honored as they came through the gate, with representatives from Americorps pinning ribbons on them.