Runners Invited To Participate in “Calling Back the Salmon” Event at Indigenous Peoples Days on Yuba River
Members of supporting organizations and the general public are invited to accompany the spirit salmon’s journey.
Volunteer runners will be classified into two distinct categories:
1) Spirit Runners and 2) Support Runners.
Spirit Runners will be permitted to touch the salmon and will physically carry the salmon (in a special basket that is being constructed for this purpose), which may weigh as much as 25 pounds. All Spirit Runners must adhere to strict criteria established by the Tsi-Akim Maidu in preparation of the run. In preparation for the run, Spirit Runner must “fast” for 48 hours. From 7 am on Thursday, October 5th through the end of the run, Spirit Runners shall not consume any salt, grease, meat, alcohol, drugs, or have sexual activity. Tradition dictates that women on their moon cycle are also not permitted to come into physical contact with the spirit salmon. All Spirit Runners must also participate in the ablutions at the Sunrise Ceremony, to be conducted at approximately 7am.
Support Runners can join on the day of the event.
When: October 6, 2012, 7 am
Where: Sycamore Ranch – at picnic tables
Contact Information: See www.indigenouspeoplesdays.org
Directions: Turn left off Hwy 20 about 200′ past Browns Valley School Rd. Drive a few hundred feet to a split in the road and stay to the right (sign says day use camping). Continue down to the end of the road near the confluence of Dry Creek and the Yuba and that is where we will park and meet.
SATURDAY
CALLING BACK THE SALMON
7:00AM – 8:00PM – Kulu (Sycamore Ranch)
Please be quietly respectful for the ceremonies and sacred ground.
7:00 SUNRISE GATHERING RIVERSIDE
Blessing „Coyote‟ Fred Downey, Spiritual Elder
Greeting Don Ryberg, Tsi Akim Tribal Chairman
Sunrise & Water songs: Bill Jacobson, Mignon Geli, Tyrone Gorre, Neena McNair, Haleaka Pule, Bear Fox, Yolanda Martinez, Rose Wood, Anni McCann, and Lawrence Laughing, Trina Cunningham, and others.
MC Michael Ben Ortiz
9:00 Xinaxyolloti (cheenachyolot) – Mexicana Azteca ceremonial
9:45 – 11:00: MUSIC AT TIBUM (SMALL STAGE)
Mignon Geli
Goodshield Aguilar
Neena McNair and the Family Singers
Andjru Werderitsch (kids interactive music)
11:00 – 11:45: SPEAKERS AT SOLNAN (MAIN STAGE)
„Coyote‟ Fred Downey, Spiritual Elder
Roberto Garcia, Spiritual Elder
Letty Litchfield, Law Offices of Letty Litchfield
Andy Vasquez, Yuba County Supervisor Vice-Chairman
Terry Lamphier, Nevada County Board of Supervisors
Taj Mahn, Environmental Health Director of Yuba County
Dr. Roger Hicks, One of the founding members of SYRCL
12:00 – 1 :00 : CALLING BACK THE SALMON CEREMONY
„Coyote‟ Fred Downey, Spiritual Elder
Time is approximate – the salmon will lead the way
CALLING BACK THE SALMON CEREMONY
Hunters and spirit runners are invited to enter the circle.
Members of the public are invited to observe, in silence.
This is a sacred ceremony – please be respectful.
Wait quietly for the runners to bring the salmon.
Remain in silence throughout the ceremony.
Turn off all cameras and electronic devices.
During the ceremony, no filming of any kind – photo, video or audio.
After the ceremony is complete, the sacred salmon will be prepared for the feast. At this time, everyone is invited to celebrate and feast.
