It’s the namesake of the Cal Poly Humboldt California Indian Big Time & Social Gathering. The annual gathering of old and new friends is an opportunity to share traditional dances and songs, have talking circles, eat traditional foods, pray together, and acknowledge the sacred lands of the Wiyot People on which Cal Poly Humboldt is built.
For many years in the mid-2000s, Cal Poly Humboldt’s local Native students talked about having a Big Time at the University. The Humboldt Pow Wow had been the main Native gathering for about 15 years, but when the staff that were familiar with this tradition retired, the event stopped.
In 2007, two students approached staff and faculty to see if a Big Time would be possible. At that time, it had been four years since the University had hosted a Pow Wow. Native faculty and staff along with the MultiCultural Center staff collaborated with students to plan the first California Big Time and Social Gathering in 2008. The Humboldt Area Foundation’s Native Cultures Fund was also instrumental in getting this project off the ground.
The Annual Cal Poly Humboldt California Big Time and Social Gathering has become the centralized outreach and preview of the campus for Native students and their families. The event has grown to include a vast number of community organizations in support of student success. Vendors have been an important component of the event, since they allow a showcase of Native arts and crafts, as well as nonprofit organizations that focus on the health and well-being of the Native community. The funds generated by the vendors help support the annual Cal Poly Humboldt Native Graduation Ceremony in celebration of the academic and cultural success of students.
“Participating in Big Time with my family is giving honor and thanks and the highest level of respect and acknowledgment of the sacrifices my family has made for me. These sacrifices include the loss of their own life or identity as a person in order for all of us to come together and be in that good way to push the next generation after me to go even further,” says Shobe Britton, a double major in Child Development and Native American Studies and a member of the Covelo Round Valley Tribe. Her family has participated in the event since she was in high school. In fact, Britton says she chose to attend Humboldt because of the warm welcome received during her participation at Big Time.
Big Time has become an annual homecoming for alumni and community members to gather to reminisce with one another, as well as encourage the next generations of upcoming leaders. It provides current students with the motivation and tenacity to complete their educational journey.
This student-driven event creates a positive space for previewing the campus and highlighting Native programs, faculty, and staff. “Native students requested this event and many of the dancers and participants are alumni who look forward to attending annually,” said Sasheen Raymond, coordinator of Indian Tribal & Educational Personnel Program (ITEPP).
This year’s event will include The Soboba Bird Singers, Tuolumne Me-Wuk, Red Cedar Drum, Maidu Traditionalists, a local Brush Dance, and various other cultural demonstrations.
The 14th Annual Cal Poly Humboldt California Big Time and Social Gathering will take place on April 6. The all-day free event will be held in the West Gym from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Please note that photo taking and video shooting of any kind is prohibited.
ITEPP coordinates this event in conjunction with the Council of American Indian Faculty & Staff. The goal is to provide an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community to join together to share culture, visit, and support one another.
For more information please contact Sasheen Raymond, at (707) 826-3672 or ssr19@humboldt.edu or visit the event’s website California Indian Big Time & Social Gathering.
