Tolowa Girl

This is a photo of a young Tolowa girl on California Indian Day. I am a Tolowa native, a member of the Smith River Rancheria, and attended our Annual Tolowa Dee-ni' Day which is a celebration for California Indian Day. This year it was held within our aboriginal territory along the northern California coast and we enjoyed a day filled with culture, family, traditional games, and food. This photo was taken during the regalia or "dress" show and it is one of my favorite summer pictures because it shows the continuation of our culture. The Summer Solstice is a particularly important time of the year for the Tolowa people because it is when one of our traditional ceremonies is held to give thanks and pray for the sustinence we have been provided from the creator for the year.