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Ishi Gathering & Seminar, May 8, 9, & 10
The seventh annual ISHI Gathering and Seminar, a celebration of the discovery of a Native “wild” Indian who walked out of the Sierra foothills into Oroville in 1911 is scheduled for May 8, 9, and 10.
That event prompted nationwide attention back then because Ishi was thought at that time to be the last aboriginal of a tribe believed to have died out 40 years earlier.
Hosted by the Butte County Historical Society, the Ishi Gathering engages the community with educational field trips, hands-on interactive demonstrations of wilderness crafts and skills, a museum tour, a stroll of historical sites, a film festival, a scholars’ roundtable discussion, and dinner program.
“Our program, “ event coordinator Alberta Tracy explained, “ keeps alive the inspiring story of the Yahi Indian, Ishi, whose adaptability, wisdom, grace, and humor exemplify the best of our common humanity, and it teaches the values of the old ways through participation of Native skills and crafts.”
Pre-registration is necessary to reserve your space and to participate in this three-day event which offers a comprehensive schedule of activities that will appeal to young and old, to the scholarly and the active.
Thursday, May 8:
• A day-long bus tour to Ishi country, the Deer Creek area in Tehema County, with stops to learn about encounters with “Indian fighters” that led to the destruction of his tribe.
Friday, May 9:
• ISHI DAY. Wilderness crafts, skills, and activities at Hewitt Park in Oroville. A day of learning and fun as artisans provide hands-on participation for children that teach the old ways of California’s First Peoples.
• ISHI’S WORLD. Car Pool to Ishi discovery site, and a tour of the life-size Native American diorama at the Lake Oroville Visitor Center.
• ISHI SEMINAR. An academic program at the Ehmann Home featuring scholars, authors, and speakers who reveal more about the history and mystery of Ishi. This program features a “graphic novel” about Ishi that was created just for this event.
• A DINNER PROGRAM at the Depot Restaurant in Oroville that introduces Art Angle and features Mechoopda Maidu Tribal Chairperson Arlene Ward.
Saturday, May 10:
• ARCHERY TOURNAMENT. A traditional tournament and primitive skills demonstration at Butte College.
• THE ROLE OF THE U.S. CAVALRY. A reenactment at Clear Creek Cemetery by the California 2nd Cavalry, Company F.
• ISHI WORLD FILM & DRAMA FESTIVAL at the State Theater in Oroville featuring rediscovered and seldom seen films about Ishi.
The Public may register to participate in all the events or just sign up for those activities that appeal to them. Prices for each of the local activities range from $5 up to $25 or a package price to participate in all events is $50. The bus trip is a separate sign up at $55. Registration forms are available at the Ehmann Home, 1480 Lincoln St. Oroville, or by writing to the Ishi Gathering & Seminar, PO Box 2195, Oroville, CA 95965-2195. For more information, call 530-879-9369 or 530-877-7436.
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