Idyllwild Arts Celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day with Two-Day Event on October 8 & 9, 2023

Famed arts school Idyllwild Arts presents its second annual Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration on October 8 & October 9 at their Idyllwild, CA campus (52500 Temecula Rd.) The 2-day event presents an array of free and educational programming from famed indigenous performers & scholars. Idyllwild Arts is an institution rooted in respect, reverence, and support for Native American people, culture, and art, and is the only residential arts high school in the country to offer a Native American Arts Center led by a Native American Executive Director, Shaliyah Ben (Diné). 

On October 8, the festivities will kick off with a welcome reception at 2:00 p.m. on campus at William M. Lowman Concert Hall, featuring light appetizers and beverages, hosted by Idyllwild Arts President, Pamela Jordan and Executive Director of the Native American Arts Center, Shaliyah Ben (Diné) followed by a concert from Native American Music Award (NAMA)-winning pianist, Connor Chee at 3:00 p.m. The Navajo pianist and composer made his Carnegie Hall debut at the age of 12. 

On October 9, the free day-long event runs from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will thoughtfully celebrate the many contributions Indigenous People make to humanity. The day commences with a welcome by Sean Milanovich, Ph.D., Vice President of the Native American Land Conservancy. Bird Singers from neighboring Cahuilla communities will share social songs to usher in the day designed to celebrate and uplift Indigeneity in the arts and Derrick Suwaima Davis (Hopi/Choctaw) and Ryon Polequaptewa (Hopi) will present “DANCING WITH THE UNIVERSE | Native Style,” an original theatrical work. 

IAF Theatre will host Bethany Yellowtail (Northern Cheyenne), who will share a presentation about her work as one of the nation's top fashion designers. A Native Foods Luncheon will be served on a first-come, first-served basis while Indigenous R&B singer and TikTok sensation Tia Wood performs an outdoor concert. Wood is a 23-year-old Cree and Salish singer and creator who has garnered international attention for her unique talent. At 5:00 p.m. in the town of Idyllwild at the Creekstone Inn (54950 Pine Crest Ave), a one-of-a-kind concert will take place by award-winning Native folk & blues rocker Keith Secola (Ojibwe) along with Hoop Dancing demonstrations and additional musical guests. The evening will also feature a discussion about the recent expansion of the Idyllwild Arts Native American Arts Program. 

For the full event schedule, please visit https://idyllwildarts.org/nativeamericanarts