Cal Poly Humboldt’s 16th Annual California Big Time and Social Gathering is set to take place on April 8. The all-day free event will be held in the West Gym from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Big Time brings tribes from across the State together for a cultural sharing of traditional California tribal dance and songs. It is a gathering of old and new friends. It is an acknowledgment of the sacred lands of the Wiyot people on which the campus is built. And, it honors the culture of California Native American tribes.
The Indian Tribal and Educational Personnel Program (ITEPP) leads the coordination of this event by bringing together students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Everyone is encouraged to invite their families to join in the festivities “My family and I have been able to dance for the CA Indian Big Time for as long as I can remember. It’s a place we can share something we love to do, as well as invite friends and family to check out. Lots of happiness and love come in and out of this event,” said, Faith Kibby, (Yurok), who will be graduating this Spring.
This student-driven event creates a positive space for previewing the campus and highlighting Native programs, faculty, and staff. “It ultimately invigorates Native students in the weeks leading up to finals. It centers them by highlighting their cultural values, language, and songs. It keeps the communities they will be serving on the forefront of their educational journey,” said Adrienne Colegrove-Raymond (Hupa), Special Assistant to the President on Tribal Affairs & Community Engagement/Interim Dean of Students.
This year’s event will include: The Women’s Collective Flower Dance, Tuolumne Me-Wuk, Red Cedar Drum, Maidu Traditionalists, Cal Poly Humboldt Student Drum group and Round Valley Feather Dancers.
“When I get to attend the Big Time at Cal Poly Humboldt it provides an opportunity to reconnect with friends and the community that has helped shape my current cultural practices as a Rumsen Ohlone person. This particular Big Time helps show my pre-teen children the support a higher education institution can provide to culturally active Native youth. As a traditional dancer it gives me tremendous pride to share my ceremonial life with elders, mentors, friends, and extended family that supported me at such a critical time in my own life as a young adult and student,” said Rico Miranda, Cal Poly Alum, Senior Program Officer, Native Cultures Fund. In addition, there will be an array of local Indigenous vendors.
Please note that photo-taking and video shooting of any kind is prohibited.
For more information please contact Sasheen Raymond, at (707) 826-3672 or ssr19@humboldt.edu or visit our website CA Indian Big Time & Social Gathering.