Tolowa Nation ‘Honoring and Sharing Dance’ Demonstration at Redwoods State Park This Saturday

This is a press release from Redwood National and State Parks:

Hiouchi, Calif. – The Tolowa Nation, Redwood National and State Parks, and Redwood Parks Conservancy will co-host the annual Tolowa Nation Honoring and Sharing Dance demonstration at the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Day Use Area this Saturday, July 14, at 1 p.m. The demonstration ceremony, which is open to the public and free of charge, is intended to honor the elders and share Tolowa culture with the community and visitors.

The Jedediah Smith Day Use Area is located off of US Highway 199, via the entrance to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground, just west of the town of Hiouchi. Parking is extremely limited near the Day Use Area. All attendees are encouraged to park free-of-charge in the Special Event Parking Area located directly across Highway 199 from the Hiouchi Visitor Center. There is a 1/3 mile walk from event parking to the Day Use Area. A shuttle will be available for those unable to walk.

A question and answer period will follow the dance demonstration, which lasts about a half hour, so early arrival is recommended. Please bring folding chairs or blankets, as seating is limited. Photographing the demonstration or the dancers is not permitted during the performance. Dancers may voluntarily pose for pictures afterward.

The Honoring and Sharing Dance coincides with Save the Redwoods League’s monthly “Free Second Saturday” program, which continues throughout 2018. The “Free Second Saturday” programs are a year-long celebration of the 100^th anniversary of Save the Redwoods League and the 50^th anniversary of Redwood National Park. Visitors wishing to visit select Redwood state parks can do so for free by registering for a pass in advance on-line. Please visit: www.savetheredwoods.org for more information about this program. Any visitors wishing to remain in the Jedediah Smith Day Use Area after the dance demonstration will be required to either pay an $8 day use fee per vehicle, or present an appropriate pass to waive the fee.

Dance is an important part of Tolowa culture, meant to renew, balance, and reestablish positive relationships between humans and the earth. The Tolowa Nation will demonstrate the Ne’-dosh, or world renewal dance, of the Tolowa people. This ceremony is held annually as it has been since time immemorial, and is one way that traditions are passed on to younger generations. Many northwestern California tribes continue to pass on their language, arts and traditions, particularly in the form of song and dance. Come share in this celebration of local cultural diversity!

For more information, contact Brad Maggetti at (707) 465-7399, or the RNSP Public Information Office at (707) 465-7335. For more information about recreational and educational opportunities and events at Redwood National and State Parks, stop in at any of the park visitor centers or learn more at the park website at:  www.nps.gov/redw