August Brings the Annual Salmon Festival, Traditional Story Telling, Gambling Games and More to Yurok Country

The Yurok Country Visitor Center & Amphitheater continues to celebrate our grand opening by hosting a series of Native American cultural events this month you won’t want to miss. These enriching events are a not only free and open to the public, they are a great opportunity to learn more about the fascinating Yurok history and traditions of the largest tribe in the state of California.
Story Telling with James Gensaw

Yurok Language & Cultural Specialist, James Gensaw, shares his passion and knowledge of Yurok traditions in a series of storytelling and educational events the whole family will enjoy. Mr. Gensaw is a renowned Yurok Language & Cultural Specialist, Teacher, Storyteller and Native Artist who has been featured in The New York Times, The LA Times, Smithsonian Magazine and again in this 2015 The New York Times article. As a young man, Gensaw developed a love for the Yurok language and culture from his grandfather who taught him the Yurok words for dogs, birds and other animals. Today, he works to preserve the Yurok language and traditions by sharing them through teaching and storytelling.
Red Breast Robin Story
Wednesdays in August: 8/5, 8/12, 8/19, 8/26 11 a.m. & 3 p.m.
Don’t miss the classic tale, Red Breast Robin Story as told by James Gensaw each Wednesday in August at 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. The story will be followed by a tour of the brand new Yurok Village Discovery Park, directly across the street from the visitor center. This self-guided park features a simulated traditional Yurok village and has been constructed using traditional materials such as redwood planks and Douglas fir poles.
The Story of Yurok People and the Redwoods
Fridays in August: 8/7, 8/14, 8/21, 8/28 11 a.m. & 3 p.m.
Yurok Tribe Member and storyteller James Gensaw shares the story of the connection between the Yurok people and the Redwood Tree that dates back hundreds of years. This special presentation is followed by a tour Yurok Village Discovery Park, directly across the street from the visitor center.
Traditional Gambling Games & Storytelling Friday, August 21, 2015

A Traditional Yurok Gambling Game

Two Sessions on Friday, August 21, 2015 1 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Please join us at the Yurok Country Visitor Center Amphitheater on Friday, August 21, 2015 when as Yurok Tribe members present a very special enrichment session about the traditional gambling game, a guessing game played in Northern California by the Yurok, Hupa, Karuk, Wiyot and Tolowa people. The event includes traditional storytelling and gambling demonstrations.
Gambling Tournament Saturday, August 22nd, 2015
Join the fun as the Yurok Tribe hosts a competitive Gambling Tournament at the Yurok Country Visitor Center Amphitheater as part of the 53rd Annual Klamath Salmon Festival Saturday, August 22nd, 2015. Team sign ups are between 9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. with the games starting at 11 a.m. There will be a $25 team sign up fee with proceeds going to the champions.
53rd Annual Klamath Salmon Festival Saturday, August 22nd, 2015

The Yurok Tribe invites the community to the 53rd Annual Klamath Salmon Festival, Saturday August 22, 2015. This family-friendly festival is free and open to the public. The festivities kick off with a Veteran’s breakfast (free for veterans), held at the Klamath Community Center on Salmon Blvd, at 8:00am along with the 4th Annual Ney’ Puey 5K Run begins (sign up for the run begins at 7:00am). Visitors will also enjoy a Yurok Tribe, Cultural Demonstration, Stick Game Competition, Indian Card Games, Traditional Salmon BBQ, Vendor Booths, Children’s Activities, Food booths, LIVE MUSIC, Watermelon Eating Contest, Softball Tournament, Cribbage Tournament, Classic Car Show and more!
For up-to-date information and to sign up for events visit www.yuroktribe.org/salmonfestival.htm. You can also follow our Facebook Page updates by clicking here.
Yurok Country Visitor Center & Amphitheater
The 3,500 square foot center features interactive exhibits teach visitors about the Yurok culture and history along with one of the redwood region’s largest retail displays of local Native-made jewelry and crafts. Hands on adventure guides are also available to help our guests learn more about the beautiful geographical attractions in the Klamath area and the Redwood National & State Parks. The Yurok Country Visitor Center & Amphitheater is conveniently located in Downtown Klamath, California- across from the Redwood Hotel Casino and Yurok Discovery Village.