You’re Invited to a Tolowa Honoring and Sharing Dance Demonstration

2012 Tolowa Honoring and Sharing Dance [Photo provided by Redwood National State Parks]

On Saturday, July 15th, members of the Tolowa Nation will present a Tolowa Honoring and Sharing Dance Demonstration at 1:00 p.m. at the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Day Use Area, located off Highway 199, just west of the community of Hiouchi, California. The presentation is open to the public, free of charge, and will last about an hour. The dance demonstration is intended to honor the elders and share Tolowa culture with the community.

This demonstration is co-hosted by the Tolowa Nation, Redwood National and State Parks, and Redwood Parks Conservancy.

Dance is an important part of the Tolowa culture, meant to reestablish positive relationships between humans and the earth. The dance, called Ne’-dosh in Tolowa, is a renewal ceremony that is traditionally performed inside a redwood plank house. For this demonstration, the program will be held in a redwood grove overlooking the Smith River. Many northwestern California tribes continue to pass on their language, arts, and traditions, particularly in the form of song and dance. Photographing the dance demonstration and dancers is not permitted during the demonstration, but dancers may voluntarily pose for photographs after the demonstration. A question and answer period will follow the dance demonstration.

There is limited parking near the day use area. A Special Event Parking Area will be available for those wishing to attend the event without paying Day Use Fees. It will be located directly across Hwy. 199 from the Hiouchi Information Center and will require a 1/3 mile walk to the day use area. A van will be available to shuttle visitors unable to do the walk to and from the day use area. Due to the short walk from the parking area, early arrival is recommended.

Come share in this celebration of local cultural diversity. Bring blankets or folding chairs, as seating may be limited. For more information about this event please contact National Park Ranger Jim Wheeler at 707-465-7764, or the RNSP Information Office at 707-465-7335.