On Saturday, August 6th, members of the Yurok Tribe will present a Brush Dance Demonstration at 2:00 p.m. at the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center. The Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center is located just off Highway 101, one mile south of the town of Orick, on the beach just north of Freshwater Lagoon. The demonstration is open to the public, free of charge, and will last about an hour.
The dance demonstration is co-hosted by Redwood National and State Parks, Redwood Parks Association, and members of the Yurok Tribe. Traditionally, the Brush Dance is performed by the Yurok, Hupa, and Karuk Tribes of the Klamath/Trinity watershed, as a curing ceremony for a sick child in the community. Called mey-lee in Yurok, the Brush Dance is traditionally held around a fire in the central pit of a redwood plank house that has had its roof and walls removed. For the demonstration, the program will be held outside of the Kuchel Visitor Center, in an area of cultural significance to the Yurok Tribe. Many northwestern California tribes continue to pass on their language, arts, and traditions, particularly in the form of song and dance.
Come share in this celebration of local culture. Bring blankets or folding chairs as seating will be limited. For more information about this event please contact Ranger Jim Wheeler at 707-465-7764.
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Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
