Taking Alcatraz Screening and Conversation
Presented at the California Historical Society

Thursday, June 15  |  6pm

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE
 

Join the California Historical Society (CHS) and New Museum Los Gatos (NUMU) for a powerful program that explores the history of the occupation of Alcatraz, from November 20, 1969, to June 11, 1971. Participants include the filmmakers of Taking Alcatraz, as well as the Native Americans who occupied the island and those who supported them. This program is a collaboration between the NUMU’s exhibition Cement Prairie: The History and Legacy of the 1952 American Indian Urban Relocation Program, open through June 25, 2017, and the CHS Exhibition Public Program Series for On The Road to the Summer of Love.

First, view the film, Taking Alcatraz, by John Ferry and producer Grace De Soto, then hear and participate in a discussion with photographers, filmmakers, and occupiers of Alcatraz, including Ilka Hartmann, Eloy Martinez, Sacheen Littlefeather, Allan Harrison, Dr. Larry Brilliant, Mary Crowley, and John Ferry.

Cement Prairie: Stories of American Indian Relocation  |  Community Day

Saturday, May 20  |  12pm-4pm |  Free with Admission

12pm  |  Potluck for Talking Circle Participants

Following the 500 Mile American Indian Spiritual Marathon running team's training run, there will be a potluck for the team. The public is welcome to bring a dish for themselves and their friends. The Drum Circle and Talking Circles will begin at 1pm.

1pm  |  500 Mile American Indian Spiritual Marathon Drum Circle + Talking Circle

The California 500 Mile American Indian Spiritual Marathon running team, following the leadership and tradition of early Native American runners who were messengers, is a multicultural group of individuals dedicated to preserving the tradition of spiritual running. Their principal message is, All Life is Sacred. They run and train together in different locations about once a month, and in June, they run across California in the annual 500 Mile Spiritual Marathon. The May training run will take place on the Los Gatos trails and will conclude with a drum circle at New Museum Los Gatos (NUMU). 

The talking circle is a traditional way to discuss and share stories as a group. Join us as we speak with members of the San Jose Indian community who migrated to the area as part of the relocation program and enjoy one another's company as a community. Please bring a dish or dessert to share. 

2-4pm  |  Spirit Pouch Workshop with Pablo Diego Viramontes  |  $35 Materials Fee

Create a leather pouch for yourself or your loved ones.

Pablo Diego Viramontes, nHanHu (Otomi Nation) is a renowned Native/Indigenous Craftsperson and art instructor who has exhibited his art regionally, nationally, and internationally.  He received his MA., Lifetime Teaching Credential, and BA from San Jose State University.  He retired from Santa Clara County Office of Education, Alternative Schools Department with over 40 years experience working with "at risk" students.  He is currently on the board with the Indian Health Center Santa Clara Valley He is an Advisor and leader, and drum caretaker of the 500 Mile American Indian Spiritual Marathon.  Using ritual and ceremony in every workshop participants discover their gifts of "HANDS", helping the individual/s rekindle the power of creativity and healing.  

Stories of American Indian Relocation: Talking Circle + Potluck

Thursday, March 9  |  6-8pm  |  Free with Admission

Between 1952 and 1980, thousands of American Indians left their reservations for one of six major cities in the United States. The program was designed to offer economic opportunities, assimilation into mainstream society and eventually end the reservation system. Many thrived in the cities, while others facing loneliness and cultural erosion. Ultimately, it united native peoples from diverse tribes, creating the modern Pan–Indian identity. 

The talking circle is a traditional way for Native American people to discuss and share stories collectively. Join us as we talk with members of the San Jose Indian community who migrated to the area as part of the relocation program and enjoy one another's company as a community. 

Please feel free to bring a dish or dessert to share with everyone. 

Dreamcatcher + Pouch Workshop

Thursday, February 9  |  6:00-8:00pm
All ages, 12 and under should be accompanied by an adult

This workshop is now full

Spirit pouch: $25
3in. dreamcatcher: $25
6in. dreamcatcher: $35
12in. dreamcatcher: $55

Learn about the legend of the dreamcatcher. By forming a web of life with the sacred hoop, the dreamcatcher will capture your good thoughts, ideas, visions, and dreams. The hole in the hoop will allow the bad thoughts and negativity to pass through the web. Create your own dreamcatcher, either 6" or 12", all materials included.

Create a leather pouch for yourself or your loved ones, and learn to transform it to a medicine or spirit pouch by placing sacred items in it, giving it power. 

Pablo Diego Viramontes, nHanHu (Otomi Nation) is a renowned Native/Indigenous Craftsperson and Art Instructor who has exhibited his art regionally, nationally, and internationally.  He received his MA., Lifetime Teaching Credential, and BA from San Jose State University.  He retired from santa Clara County Office of Education, Alternative Schools Department with over 40 years experience working with "at risk" students.  He is currently on the board with the Indian Health Center Santa Clara Valley He is an Advisor and leader, and drum caretaker of the 500 Mile American Indian Spiritual Marathon.  His workshops include dreamcatchers, pouches, hand drums, powwow drums, ojo de dios, rattles, rainsticks, bead work and much more.  Using ritual and ceremony in every workshop participants discover their gifts of "HANDS", helping theindividual/s rekindle the power of creativity and healing.  

Stories of American Indian Relocation

Thursday, January 12  |  7-8pm

Free with Admission to NUMU*
 

Between 1952 and 1980, thousands of American Indians left their reservations to one of six major cities in the United States.  The program was designed to offer economic opportunities, assimilation into mainstream society and eventually end the reservation system.  Many thrived in the cities, while others facing loneliness and cultural erosion.  Ultimately, it united native peoples from diverse tribes, creating the modern Pan –Indian identity. 

Join us as we talk to members of the San Jose Indian community who migrated to the area as a part of the relocation program. We will discuss their struggles, successes, and current methods of maintaining their heritage, both for themselves and future generations.

*all proceeds go to support programming + exhibits, NUMU is a nonprofit 501(c)3.