NEWS RELEASE

Kern County Library Hosts Native Cultural Showcase with Arts Council of Kern’s Common Ground Program

Kern County, CA – Kern County Library, in partnership with the Arts Council of Kern’s Common Ground program, invites the community to the Native Cultural Showcase on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Beale Memorial Library, located at 701 Truxtun Avenue in Bakersfield, CA.

This special community event celebrates Native and Indigenous artistry, heritage, and storytelling, bringing together artisans, tribal representatives, and cultural organizations from across the Central Valley. Visitors can explore a wide range of handcrafted art, regalia, jewelry, and educational exhibits that highlight the creativity and traditions of Indigenous communities.

From 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., guest speaker Gene Albitre will have a presentation on the roles animals played in Native American life. A master rawhide craftsman with more than 55 years of experience, Albitre has dedicated his life to preserving Native traditions through his handmade drums, rattles, and ceremonial instruments. His presentation will explore the traditional leatherworking process and the cultural significance of the materials and tools he uses.

Featured participants include:

• Anissa Robidoux – Ribbon Skirts & Beaded Jewelry; President, Native Indigenous Student Coalition at CSUB

• Arts Council of Kern - Common Ground Program 

• Bakersfield American Indian Health Project – Non-profit health and wellness organization serving over 220 tribal communities. 
• Cherokee Community of Central California – Official satellite community of the Cherokee Nation
• Jesse & Josephine Behill – Chumash, Chalon, and Yaqui Tribal Regalia
• Danza Azteca Ameyaltzin Yolihuani Dance Troupe – Traditional Mexica dance troupe
• Gene Albitre - Handmade Drums & Musical Instruments
• Kern County Library - Native & Indigenous Books
• Lori Meyers - Tlingit Jewelry & Bead Artist
• Native & Indigenous Student Coalition – California State University, Bakersfield
• Our Indigenous Traditions – Handcrafted Indigenous Clothing Company

About the Common Ground Program

Common Ground is an Arts Council of Kern initiative celebrating Native American arts and culture through educational events and outreach throughout Kern County. The program features artists including Alan Salazar, Gene Albitre, Lori Meyers, and Sean Navejas, who share their heritage, creativity, and stories through public workshops and demonstrations. For more information, contact Elva Martinez, Community Outreach, at 661-324-9000.

About the One Book Project

The One Book Project encourages Kern County residents to connect through reading and discussion of a single community-wide title. This year’s featured book, Whiskey Tender by Deborah Jackson Taffa, explores themes of Native American identity, family, and cultural resilience. Related programs and activities are hosted at all 22 Kern County Library branches and partner sites.

For details, visit kclonebook.org, follow the Kern County One Book Project Facebook page, or contact Lynne Kemmer, One Book Project Coordinator, at 661-868-0774.

All 2025 One Book Project titles are available to checkout in print, eBook, and audiobook formats through Kern County Library locations and for purchase at Russo’s Books and Barnes & Noble.

###