29th Annual Honoring of the Elders Gathering

Sunday, June 8th
12p-6p
Opening
Elder Speakers
Arbor Dance
Elder Honoring & Giveaway
Close

Join us for our 29th Anniversary!!

2014 marks our 29th Anniversary of the Elders Gathering. This year's ceremony will be held between Friday, June 6th through Sunday, June 8th.

The Honoring of the Elders Gathering is hosted by TENA Council of Santa Clara County. We are co hosted by Pajaro Indian Council of Watsonville.

What We Are About
The Honoring of the Elders Gathering is an intertribal California cultural exchange. The Honoring of the Elders is about family. We show the young ones that we honor and treasure our Grandparents, Aunties and Uncles who have taught us about family, our culture and our values.

Supporters
We are supported by our local Indian people, such as the Ohlone. Active participants include the American Indian Alliance, Patrick Orozco, Tribal Chairman and elder of the Pajaro Valley Ohlone Indian Council & Tony Cerda, Chairman of the Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Indian Tribe. Both Patrick and Tony have danced traditionally at the Gathering for almost as long as it has been in existence. They honor their ancestors, who have danced on the same land for centuries.

Dancers
Dancers come from miles around to dance for the Elders. They dance in traditional regalia. We do not have competition dancing.

General
The Gathering begins on Friday evening, ending on Sunday evening. Everyone is welcome, Indian and non-Indian people, alike. Everyone comes together to see old friends, or make new ones. People share traditional feasts, laugh and joke, or listen to the history and stories of the dance groups who come to share with the people. Guests are able to watch the little ones dance for the first time (also known as 'coming out'). This is a traditional way of dancers beginning their commitment to dance in the way of their ancestors. The exchange provides the opportunity for the community to understand the strength of sharing.

This is event is geared towards the family. People are welcome to come and camp.


We do not allow drinking or drugs.

Elders

The highlight of the Gathering is to honor our Elders. We have an innate respect for our elderly. They are the ones who teach us the ways of the ancestors. When we treat our elders with respect, we teach our children to treat others, including their elders, with respect. In this way, the cycle of tradition continues and the circle remains strong. On the third day of the Gathering, we call the Elders into the center of the arbor and honor them with songs and gifts.



Activities

Traditional Dancing
Indian Tacos
Craft Booths: Leather Crafts, Beadwork, Original Drawings/Paintings, Jewelry, Pottery and more
Native songs and dancing


The Arbor

The arbor is built special for this occasion by the TENA council and is removed once the Gathering is over. Please respect it. If you have questions about protocol, please ask the arena director.



Thank you for your support!

2014 Program of Events
Friday, June 6th
7p-10p
Flute
Camp Setup
Vendors

Saturday, June 7th
11a-Midnight
Open Gourd Dance
Camp Setup
Elder Talking Circle
Sobriety Talking Circle
Opening
Arbor Dances
Vendors
Friendship Dance
Close

Sunday, June 8th
12p-6p
Opening
Elder Speakers
Arbor Dance
Elder Honoring & Giveaway
Close