Big Valley Rancheria's Annual
Tule Boat Workshop & Race 2003.

Big Valley Rancheria hosted their annual Tule Boat Workshop & Race during the Summer of 2003. Several tribes from surrounding areas formed groups to compete in this annual event.

On the first day, tribal members gathered tules, a native plant on the Big Valley Rancheria.

The second day, each group worked under shady trees near the lake building their own tule boat. Tribal members of all ages participated, with Pomo elders offering guidance and support. Tribal members learned traditional ways of building tule boats and their significance to local Pomo culture.

Day three found the tribes competing against one another in various categories ranging from gender to age to mixed groups. The day of competition attracted a crowd of spectators cheering on friends and family. The festival also attracts locals from around the lake.

All three days Big Valley Rancheria hosted a barbeque for the Tule Boat groups and their visiting family and friends.

To see more photos of the Big Valley Rancheria Tule Boat Workshop & Race for 2003, click here to go to the gallery page.