By Kathryn Reed

Long before the white man called Lake Tahoe home, Washoe Indians lived here in spring and summer, while calling Gardnerville home as the temperatures dropped.

Some tribal members were born on the shores of Lake Tahoe 85 years ago. Today, many Washoe live at the lake and in the valley year-round.

Now in its 20th year, the Washoe people celebrate their culture at Valhalla near Camp Richardson with a type of living history. The event showcases tribal living, the past and the present.

Wa She Shu It De is free from 10am-5pm, July 24-25. It will include basket making, traditional singing, dancers, drums, flutists, food and games.

“The festival is to educate the general public that indigenous people are still here,” said Wanda Bachelor of the Washoe Tribe. “The Washoe Tribe is still strong. We have been around for thousands of years. We are trying to preserve and protect who we are.”

At the festival, pictures should only be taken if permission is granted by the tribal member.

For a complete summer festival line up, click here or call (530) 541.4975.