“Big Time is one of the highlights that our community looks forward to each year. It’s a space where culture, songs, and traditions are shared,” says Sherri Provolt, academic advisor for the Indian Tribal & Educational Personnel Program (ITEPP), which is hosting the event.
Reflecting Cal Poly Humboldt’s place-based, hands-on learning about the region's cultures and traditions, Big Time is an opportunity to experience local Tribal traditions and worldview.
“In this time and place, coming together as a community builds resiliency and strengthens our Indigenous Tribal identities. The people, dancers, vendors, volunteers, and partners make this a special time to celebrate culture and traditions,” Provolt says.
By design, many of the dancers are current students who join their families in dance and song. One dancer and current student, Tabitha Di Domencio, says, “It’s a time to come together in a beautiful way as a large community with family, friends, and friends to be. It’s good medicine to celebrate and share our culture—also, it’s a perfect time for gift shopping.”
Over the years, this event has become an outreach opportunity. Counselors and college preparation programs bring prospective students from throughout the state to learn about Humboldt's opportunities and resources.
“It is an honor to witness and continue the legacy of student and staff organizing and advocacy. California Indian Big Time was founded to honor the diverse cultures, traditions, and heritages represented across California,” ITEPP Coordinator Sasheen Raymond says. Over time, it has grown into a powerful Native Preview event at Cal Poly Humboldt, one that uplifts Native identity, strengthens community, and inspires future generations of Native students to pursue and thrive in higher education.”
Cultural presenters will include Tuolumne Me-Wuk, Red Cedar Drum, Bear River Salmon Dancers (Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria), Xa-Batin Feather Dancers, Wiyot Tribal Brush Dance, Flower Dance (Two Feathers Native American Family Services), and Round Valley Feather Dancers, storytelling, food vendors, and various cultural demonstrations. Sponsors include The American Indian College Fund, North Coast Co-op, and Blue Lake Rancheria.
Please note that photography and video recording are prohibited at this event. Only invited filming is allowed.
For more information, contact Sasheen Raymond, ITEPP coordinator, via email at ssr19@humboldt.edu or by telephone at 707-826-3672.