The annual American Indian Celebration at Antelope Valley Indian Museum returns on Oct. 3 and 4, 2015, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults (cash only). Children age 12 and under are free. Parking is free. Proceeds from the event will be used by Friends of the Antelope Valley Indian Museum to support museum programs.

The Little Creek Lodge Singers drum group from Tule River will be back this year. They play in the Northern Traditional style. Native dancers are encouraged to join us and should contact the museum at 661-946-3055 prior to October 2 for complementary admission. Danza Azteca Xochipilli will share Aztec culture and dances on Saturday. Be prepared to join them in the friendship dance. Dennis Garcia will share traditional stories from his Chumash culture.

If you need to refuel after participating in the friendship dance, visit Cecelia Begay’s booth to purchase Indian tacos and fry bread. The Friends of the Antelope Valley Indian Museum will have cold beverages and snacks for sale.

AVIM | Photo: Leon Worden

Native artists will sell jewelry, beadwork, gourd art, paintings, and crafts at the event. Mike Thompson will demonstrate flint knapping. Torres Martinez Tribal TANF will be available to answer questions about assistance for Native families.

The museum will be open and staffed with knowledgeable museum docents. Families will enjoy trying their hand at pounding acorns and pine nuts and working with clay at the touch table exhibit in Joshua Cottage.

The museum is located at 15701 East Avenue M, in Lake Los Angeles, east of Lancaster, California. From the 14 Freeway in Lancaster, go east on Avenue K to 150th Street East, then follow the signs to the museum. For more information, phone the museum at (661) 946-3055, 711, TTY relay service.