California Native American Museum To Be Built
$10 Million Set Aside For Project
POSTED: 12:25 p.m. PDT May 16, 2002
UPDATED: 12:31 p.m. PDT May 16, 2002
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The creation of a statewide Native American Indian museum is one step closer to reality.
State officials and Native Americans gathered in West Sacramento Thursday to announce the news.
"This is really a major step forward for Native American groups and California State Parks, who've worked hard to make this museum a reality," said California State Parks Director Ruth Coleman.
Gov. Gray Davis asked the legislature to set aside $10 million the initial design and construction of the museum.
"The importance is immeasurable to the Indian community. And I think it is just as important for every citizen in the state of California," said Native American Heritage Committee spokesman Larry Myers.
A climate-controlled warehouse in West Sacramento is currently home to thousands of Native American artifacts. The items are mostly form the 1800s, but some date back thousands of years. The entire state-owned collection would be on display for all to see and appreciate in the proposed museum. But some Native American leaders envision more than just static displays.
"I can see this having ceremonial grounds, where they can be used by Indian people on weekends. I see it as a place where people would want to take their children to learn about the accurate history of California Indians, but told in a sensitive manner," said Pit River Tribal member Cindy Le Marr.
A task force of California Native Americans and State Parks officials will decide where the museum will be built. There is reportedly some sentiment in favor of building it in Northern California.
State officials and Native Americans gathered in West Sacramento Thursday to announce the news.
"This is really a major step forward for Native American groups and California State Parks, who've worked hard to make this museum a reality," said California State Parks Director Ruth Coleman.
Gov. Gray Davis asked the legislature to set aside $10 million the initial design and construction of the museum.
"The importance is immeasurable to the Indian community. And I think it is just as important for every citizen in the state of California," said Native American Heritage Committee spokesman Larry Myers.
A climate-controlled warehouse in West Sacramento is currently home to thousands of Native American artifacts. The items are mostly form the 1800s, but some date back thousands of years. The entire state-owned collection would be on display for all to see and appreciate in the proposed museum. But some Native American leaders envision more than just static displays.
"I can see this having ceremonial grounds, where they can be used by Indian people on weekends. I see it as a place where people would want to take their children to learn about the accurate history of California Indians, but told in a sensitive manner," said Pit River Tribal member Cindy Le Marr.
A task force of California Native Americans and State Parks officials will decide where the museum will be built. There is reportedly some sentiment in favor of building it in Northern California.
Copyright 2002 by TheKCRAChannel. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
