On Friday afternoon September 28, Pit River Casino hosted a special celebration of California Indian Day for the Burney and Intermountain community. The event featured a chili cook off and fry bread contest, a delicious barbecue lunch courtesy of the casino’s River Rock Grill, a horseshoe contest, a fun play area for the kids, Native American drumming and singing, and dancing by the RISE youth dancers.
RISE Youth Dancers from Alturas
In 1968, Governor Ronald Reagan signed a resolution calling for a holiday called American Indian Day, to be held the Fourth Friday in September. In 1998, the California Assembly passed AB 1953, which made Native American Day an official state holiday, observed annually on the fourth Friday in September.
California has more than 100 recognized Native American tribes, representing a diverse cultural heritage extending back over thousands of years. The Pit River basin is the home of the Achomawi people.
Activities began in the early afternoon with a chili cook-off and fry bread contest. June Avelar won the chili cook-off and Lavenna won the fry bread contest. Each winner received a prize of $150. Lavenna, from Ganado, Arizona, is a member of the Navaho nation who is visiting the area.
Chili cook-off winner June Avelar and Fry bread winner Lavenna
The River Rock Grill also provided a delicious buffet lunch including tri-tips, chicken, mini-tacos, chili, potato salad, pasta salad, and apple crisp.
Lining up for a delicious lunch
Mike Avelar said he knew that at least 200 attended, because the casino gave out over 200 free t-shirts to commemorate the event. Many more people came who did not go to receive a t-shirt.
In addition to the food booths, Pauline Nez, had a display of beautiful hand-crafted Navaho jewelry for sale.
Throughout the afternoon children enjoyed playing in a fun area.
Fun for the kids
Later in the afternoon there was horseshoe contest with an entry fee of $20 per team. The casino added another $100 and the winning team won all.
About 3 o’clock, visitors were treated to superb drumming and singing by Thoz Womenz. The group of women drummers and singers is directed by April Goforth, director of Resources for Indian Student Education (RISE) in Alturas.
Drumming and singing by Thoz Womens
The drumming group is made up of professional women educators and medical personnel. The group began in Alturas. Since that time some of the members have moved to other locations throughout Northern California, but they continue to come together to drum and sing.
One of the drummers introduced Mr. Jimenez, a Pomo Indian dancer, and seven young RISE dancers who had come for the celebration.
Grass dance
After several songs and dances by Thoz Womenz and RISE youth, local children were invited to join in a Tiny Tot dance.
Tiny tots join the dancers
Casino Manager Mike Avelar said that they hosted the event to “celebrate and to show appreciation to our customers.”
Later in the evening beginning at 6 p.m. the Casino also hosted a Tough Man Boxing Tournament.
Pit River Country 