NATIVE AMERICAN DAY CELEBRATION AT THE AGUA CALIENTE CULTURAL MUSEUM

PALM SPRINGS, CA – September, 2005: To commemorate the strength and sacrifice of Native American people throughout history, California has declared the fourth Friday in September as Native American Day. To honor the contributions of Native Americans and Native American cultures, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum invites the public to a free celebration on Friday, September 23 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at its Museum on the Village Green in downtown Palm Springs. The event will include a Native American Artist Exhibit, a Cahuilla cultural display, informational handouts, and refreshments.

Native Americans laid the foundation of our state’s cultural heritage. The cherished customs, traditions, and beliefs of the Native American community are reflected in the unique diversity that defines the state. In fact, California has the second largest Native American population in the United States, and is home to approximately 1.25 million Native Americans, nearly one-half of whom are direct descendants of Native California Indians. California also has approximately 134 reservations and rancherias throughout the state.

The Museum will also be celebrating the culmination of the recent Mural Project. In partnership with the Palm Springs Public Library, the Museum developed a summer art project entitled Kids Explore: Palm Springs Public Library Mural Project. The purpose of the project was to provide a hands-on learning experience about Native American culture to the youth of Palm Springs.