National Museum of the American Indian to Host “Living Earth Festival”

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., will host a three-day Living Earth Festival to acknowledge Native contributions to managing the environment and sustaining lifeways and foodways.

The festival, running Aug. 6-8, will include a symposium, with discussions focusing on water, wind and salmon; hands-on activities for kids and families; an outdoor fresh-produce market; a fine art market; a cooking competition; and a concert.

“The museum is uniquely positioned to be a point of convergence on this important global issue,” Kevin Gover, director of the museum, said in a press release. “Building on the success of past Mother Earth events, which since 2007 have brought together scientists, Native elders and musicians, the museum will combine the festival celebration with a ‘call to consciousness’ of contemporary environmental issues that affect all peoples as well as showcase contemporary Native environmental efforts.”

Southern Calif. Tribes Join Forces to Fight Proposed Landfill

Southern California tribes are banding together to fight a proposed 308-acre landfill that would be located near the Pala Indian Reservation, according to an article published by KPBS on June 4.

The tribes contend the landfill, to be called the Gregory Canyon Landfill and Recycling Center, will destroy the land and contaminate groundwater and the San Luis Rey River. The Pala Band says the land is also a sacred pilgrimage site.

Gregory Canyon Ltd. says the tribe’s “sacred land” claim is false, that tribal members have never had access to the site or used it for tribal gatherings.

San Diego County voters approved the landfill in 1994 and again in 2004.