'Sing' takes new look at Native American history

While many exhibits about Native Americans focus on their history, few focus on the history as seen through the eyes of contemporary Native Americans.

"Sing Me Your Story, Dance Me Home" is an example of the latter. The exhibit is now at the Community Memorial Museum of Sutter County in Yuba City through Nov. 16.

A reception for the exhibit is scheduled from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at the museum, located at 1333 Butte House Road.

"Sing Me Your Story" is a collection of poems, paintings, baskets, jewelry, photography and sculpture that tell the stories of contemporary Native Americans from California, said Julie Stark, curator of the museum.

"You'll learn about Native American people who live among us today — what they're doing today, how they're connected to their past and what their roots are," she said. "Some have roots going back thousands of years."

The exhibit also explores a variety of themes relevant to contemporary Native Americans, including identity, self-acceptance, cultural traditions and racism.

Some of the exhibit also has a connection to the Mid-Valley, with artists from Grass Valley and Sacramento represented, according to Stark.

The Feather River Singers, a Native American women's drum group, are scheduled to perform at Friday's reception.

"I think people will really be touched by how historical (the exhibit) is and how it reflects contemporary life," Stark said.

"Sing Me Your Story, Dance Me Home" reception

When: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Community Memorial Museum of Sutter County, 1333 Butte House Road