A workshop on Native American Traditions is scheduled for Saturday October 15th, at the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands. The cost for the day-long, interactive workshop is $20, and advanced registration is required.

Educators will explore the question, “When you think of Native Americans, what image comes to mind?” while comparing the cultural diversity among North American Indians. Teachers will learn that California has the highest diversity of Native American cultural groups, with over 160 separate tribes. They will also learn how all Indian people use resources—plants, animals, minerals—that are available right where they live. Teachers will explore the landscape of southern California Indian tribes, learn to compare and contrast cultural regions of North America, and make cordage the traditional way.

The workshop is sponsored in part by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians in conjunction with the museum's current Native American Traditions exhibit, “First Weapons: The Art of Hunting Game,” which runs through November 6.

“Similar workshops have been offered with previous exhibits in the series with great success,” said Jolene Redvale, museum curator of education. “Participants found that ‘the materials were extremely useful and offered authentic materials,’ and that the workshop was ‘...well worth all my time.’ These teachers enjoyed receiving instruction and materials that not only aid their classroom teaching, but fill a gap in most classrooms—the need for authentic, tangible materials.”

In past workshops, teachers have stated that they attended because they "would receive ‘real’ lessons on Native Americans" and because they "needed help in reinforcing Native American curriculum." The workshop this month offers these much needed resources to teachers of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.

There is still space in the workshop for those interested in attending. The fee is $20, and includes museum admission, all materials, and lunch. Reservations can be made by calling 909-307-2669 x 256 / TDD/TTY: (909) 792-1462. or by sending payment with the registration form found at www.sbcountymuseum.org; click on School Programs.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. Parking is free. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in the workshop, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is (909) 307-2669 ext. 229 / TDD/TTY: (909) 792-1462. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.