Petroglyph Festival Focuses on Native American Participation

In a significant move to honor and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Native American communities, the Ridgecrest Petroglyph Festival has announced a series of changes aimed at enhancing the festival’s authenticity. Moving forward, the event will focus on increasing participation from Native American and Indigenous artists, performers, and vendors while reducing the presence of non-native elements.

A Return to Tradition

The Ridgecrest Petroglyph Festival has long been a highlight of the region, drawing thousands of visitors annually to celebrate the unique petroglyphs and the culture of the Native American tribes who created them. However, concerns have grown among Indigenous communities and cultural advocates about the increasing commercialization and the influx of non-native vendors and entertainment.

In response, the festival organizers have committed to a renewed focus on authenticity and tradition. Starting with the 2024 festival, it will see a marked increase in Native American and Indigenous participation, with a greater emphasis on traditional crafts, performances, and storytelling.

“Our goal is to produce an event that truly honors and reflects the heritage of the Native American communities of the area,” said Kari Crutcher, Executive Director of the Ridgecrest Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, which oversees the festival. “We want the festival to be a space where local Indigenous voices and traditions are at the forefront.”

Enhanced Participation from Indigenous Communities

The festival has partnered with several regional tribes and organizations to increase the representation of Indigenous artists and vendors. Workshops and demonstrations will be led by Native artisans, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of traditional crafts such as pottery, weaving, and beadwork. Additionally, performers will take center stage, offering authentic music, dance, and storytelling of the Native American experience. Festival favorites, as well as new talent, will headline this year’s event.”

A Commitment to Cultural Integrity

To further underscore its commitment to cultural integrity, the festival will reduce the presence of non-native vendors and entertainment. This change aims to ensure that the festival remains a genuine celebration of Native American heritage rather than a commercialized event.

“We recognize the importance of maintaining the cultural significance of the Petroglyph Festival,” said Crutcher. “By prioritizing Native American and Indigenous participants, we are taking steps to ensure that the festival remains a true reflection of the traditions and history it seeks to honor.”

Community Support and Engagement

The changes to the festival have been met with widespread support from both the Indigenous community and festival-goers. Many see this as a necessary step towards preserving the festival’s cultural integrity and ensuring that it serves as a meaningful tribute to the Native American tribes of the region.

“This is a positive move for the festival and for our community,” said Sara Freund Calderon, of the Lone Pine Paiute and Shoshone tribe. “It’s important that we have a space to share our traditions and educate others about our culture in an authentic and respectful way.”

As the Ridgecrest Petroglyph Festival prepares for this year’s event, the organizers are optimistic about the future. They hope that these changes will set a precedent for other cultural festivals and events, encouraging a broader recognition and respect for the traditions and heritage of Native American communities. The Ridgecrest Petroglyph Festival, in conjunction with the annual Intertribal Pow Wow, takes place the first weekend of November at the Leroy Jackson Park. For more information and a schedule of events, please visit rpfestival.com.”

Storyteller Michael A. Runningwind begins an inspirational story about banding together as a people despite individual differences.  PHOTO BY ANDREW L. BERGMAN