December 6th, 2015 Last Updated on: December 6th, 2015
One of our favorite photographers is back to share a unique event with us from Sacramento. Paula Schultz was on hand to capture some great moments from the festival. Read more from Paula in her own words below!
This month marked the 10th annual Fall Festival celebration at the Montessori School in Sacramento, California.
This year's MC was Myron Horse (Lakota) from Pine Ridge Reservation. Included in the days event was the presentation of Colors with the American Indian Veterans Association, Northern CA Chapter, Lucky Preston (Pit River), performing on the hand drum and playing his traditional Native flute, host Southern drum group Red Buffalo, led by Gene Abahah of the Kiowa Tribe and the CA traditional dancers from Grindstone Rancheria.
Adults and children alike enjoyed Native American Pow Wow style dance demonstrations including, Jingle Dress, Fancy Shawl, Northern Traditional and Grass. Other offerings included Native American food and face painting.
When asked about why the school provides the event the school Director Marilyn Prosser said, “Its purpose, is to bring people of diverse backgrounds together so that they might learn from each other and grow in respect for one another. One of the goals of Sacramento Montessori School is to facilitate this kind of connection. The School is in Downtown Sacramento, historically in a census tract with the highest percentage of Native Americans, particularly Lakota, Dakota, Blackfoot, Arapaho, Dine (Navajo), Ojibway, Cheyenne, Maidu, Wintun, and Miwok, among others. It is only fitting that the diversity of the plains people and the California people be celebrated during the Festivals. And besides the children love the events!”
The Montessori School employs Native American teachers from many tribes including, Maidu, Hupa, Yurok, Wintun, Mono, Chukchansi, Navajo, Ojibway, and Oneida. All are looking forward to making next year's event even bigger and better!
Wilma Kills in Water (Oglala Lakota) & Lucky Preston (Pit River) take time to pose for a quick photograph
Jazmine Duran, Oroville Pow Wow's Tiny Miss Princess, being introduced to the crowd.
Jazelle Duran shows off her beautiful hand made shawl during her solo Fancy Dance demonstration
Marcelino Mora, Jacob Charging and Lucky Preston
The Grass Dance is fast paced, consisting of sweeping motions and symmetry, Marcelino Mora, Freeman Magpie, & Jacob Charging entertain onlookers
Grindstone Rancheria Dance group: Greg McCloud, Mamie Powell, Ross Ellis, along with dancers, Esther Martinez, and Dawn Ellis
Grindstone Dancers, Dameon Leon Quintero II, Thomas Little Hawk Boone, and William Snow
Grindstone dancer, William Snow
Thanks Paula! Be sure to check out the upcoming February/March issue of Cowboys and Indians magazine to see which of her photos was featured in the 2016 Photo Contest!
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