By Kathryn Reed

CAMP RICHARDSON — For two days, the grounds at Valhalla on the South Shore were reminiscent of what life might have been like less than 100 years ago.

Dressed in traditional garb of the Rancheria Miwok and uttering a prayer in a chant-like fashion for the ground and themselves, the group danced around the grass.

Tinki Huasi makes a dream catcher on July 25. Photos/Kathryn Reed

Their words and movement mean something important still to this day. All that was missing was a translator for the non-Indian speakers in the crowd. The Native Americans knew when to respond as the group sang.

The Was She Shu It’Deh, now its 20th year, is an annual festival of Native American Arts that is hosted by the Washoe Tribe and Tahoe Tallac Association. The purpose is to increase awareness of appreciation for traditional and contemporary Native American art.

The July 24-25 event brought out various tribal dance groups, musicians, and included a basket competition.

Rancheria Miwok dancers at Valhalla.

Plenty of native jewelry was for sale, along with pottery, food and dream catchers.

A T-shirt for sale says, “America’s Original Homeland Security: Fighting Terrorism since 1492.”