SANTA YNEZ, CA – The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians will host California-style Native American singing, dancing, food and games at the 18th annual Santa Ynez Chumash Culture Day from noon to 9:00pm, Saturday, October 19, at the corner of Highway 246 and Meadowvale Road in Santa Ynez. The free event is open to the public and all ages are welcome. Native vendors, food booths and basket-weaving demonstrations will also be hosted.
“We are excited to have our fellow California-based tribes and the broader community join us for traditional song, dance and culture at our 18th annual Santa Ynez Chumash Culture Day,” said Nakia Zavalla, Cultural Director for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “These meaningful events are fundamental to preserving our culture and heritage.”
The event begins at noon with an opening prayer and will be followed by the honoring of an elder. California-style Native American singing and dancing will take place from 1:00pm to 5:00pm and again following a dinner break from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
A traditional hand game tournament will start at 7:00pm, with teams competing for prize money. First place is $1,500, second place is $1,000 and third place is $500.
Santa Ynez Chumash Culture Day is sponsored by the tribe’s Elders Council and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ Culture Department. The Elders Council is a division of the tribal government that is responsible for preserving cultural resources and maintaining the tribe’s heritage, history and traditions.