Are you interested in exploring Native American History and want to know more about the original inhabitants of this area? This hands-on exploration will have you traveling throughout the area in search of
NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY IN TULARE COUNTY
BASKETRY AS AN ART FORM
Did you know? Tulare County Museum at Mooney Grove has one of the largest collections in California of Native American basketry on display (not privately held.) Come stroll through the museum for a close up look at these beautiful textiles. Wander through the museum to learn more about their life in this beautiful area.
MORE ARTIFACTS TO SEE
Don't miss James Earle Fraser's End of the Trail sculpture on display at Mooney Grove. The medicine bag and presence of a strong wind represent the spiritual side while the musculature of the figure represents the strength of the Native American. This is a bronze cast replica of the original piece that once stood here.
Along the drive toward Sequoia National Park, the Kaweah Heritage Visitors Center at Kaweah Lake has bedrock mortar on display. More than just grinding holes, these served as important meeting places. Continuing along the highway, the Three Rivers Museum has Native American structures as well as artifacts on display.
Be sure to stop at the Three Rivers Museum to see the "Native Voices" exhibit. Learn about the tribal communities who inhabit this area, hear the voices of their people and see the artistry in their craftworks.
NATIONAL PARKS PRESERVE AND EDUCATE
A stop at the Foothills Visitors Center in Sequoia National Park provides more information about the indigenous peoples that lived in the area. Head to Hospital Rock to see some of the finest examples of local Native American pictographs. The largest native American village within current park boundaries once thrived here. Be on the lookout for grinding holes, indentations in the rock bed that were used in food preparation.
HANDS ON EXPERIENCES AT THE GO NATIVE! CULTURAL EVENT
The Go Native! Cultural Event is a celebration of the Native American Yokuts tribes and their arts, culture and food. It takes place at Kaweah Oaks Preserve, a 344-acre nature preserve that is one of the last remaining valley oak riparian forests in the Central Valley. This event provides a rare opportunity for the public to meet this region’s indigenous people who continue to celebrate their living culture through their crafts, music, food and language.
Kaweah Oaks Preserve is one of several properties protected by the Sequoia Riverlands Trust who has been an event sponsor and supporter of the Go Native! event for many years. “Our support of the Go Native! event reflects our commitment to offering our conservation lands for the Yokuts’ cultural activities,” said Aaron Collins, SRT director of marketing and communications. “They continue to teach us about the native plants and historical practices on these important lands which shows a generosity and sincere desire for understanding and awareness.”
The Go Native! event takes place each May.
Download printable itinerary: Native American History 11.2023
