KELSEYVILLE>>> On Saturday, August 24 the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians hosted their 11th annual Big Time event, celebrating their rich cultural history through traditional singing, dancing, and educational discussion.
The Big Time event began at 10 a.m. with The Scotts Valley introduction and welcoming, followed by the Round Valley Feather Dancers. Snacks, lunch, and a large dinner feast which included traditional menu items like fry bread were served throughout the day free of cost to guests, allowing for tribal elders to be served first.
Big Time ended at 8 p.m. with an inter-tribal dance that continued until sundown. Throughout the event there was a large raffle for both adults and children giving out dozens of prizes. Priest Martinez introduced Bathe Napho who performed traditional songs and dances. Martinez stated “One thing we will never do is judge anybody. One thing we make sure we do is teach these kids to the best of our ability, through our mistakes, through our positive wellness and through the grounds here, this arbor.” The crowd responded with a resonating “Ho.”
There were several informational booths as well as local vendors selling a variety of handmade goods including beaded jewelry. The Lake County Tribal Health Consortium was present with their mobile health clinic, providing pediatric dental fluoride treatments on location. There was also a booth with different snacks, sodas, and fun stuff for the kids like temporary tattoos where all of the proceeds went to the Scotts Valley Youth Council. Katie Ray, Victim Services and Programs Manager, shared that the youth group is split into two, with one group serving kids ages 9 to 13 and another for ages 14 to 24.
Every year the Youth Council fundraises enough to send as many kids as possible on a trip to the National UNITY (United National Tribal Youth) Conference. According to the UNITY website untying.org, “The National UNITY Conference is an impactful five-day youth-led annual event held every July in a pre-selected region of the U.S.”
Ray shared that the event drew in over 2,600 tribal youth. Last year the youth council travelled to Washington D.C. and this year the group headed to Portland Oregon in July. Ray shared “We hope to send 20 kids to San Diego next year.” Ray also heads the Kelseyville High School Native American Club and has presented to both the Lake County Board of Supervisors as well as the Kelseyville Unified School District board on behalf of native youth and advocating for more programs, especially along the lines of agricultural leadership opportunities.
Scotts Valley Environmental Director Patti Franklin has been a part of organizing the Big Time event for longer than it has been official, dating back to before they named it such. Franklin shared that after years of relocation and forced assimilation, being re-recognized in 1992 enabled the tribe to come back together. She noted how much they were “missing our culture” and saw the need to form such a celebration. What began as simple dinners has grown into an all-day festival, bringing over 100 people together, with entertainment for all including bounce houses for the kids and the addition of a petting zoo just this year, where children could pet goats, baby chicks, and even a tortoise.
Silver Galleto, Crystal Pagal, Meyo Marrufo, and Katie Williams were there representing their group the Pomo Weavers Society. They gather together both in person and virtually to share different weaving styles and techniques and also have monthly challenges with a raffle. Galleto said, “We weave like we used to.” The five of them wove a grass skirt to present to Franklin honoring her for all she does for the tribe and express their collective gratitude. This process, which could normally take one skilled weaver days to complete, was done in about eight hours with all of them working diligently on it. Franklin shared “We are so thankful that the whole community came out and that everyone gets to come see our culture and share our foods.”
