American Indian elders will share traditional stories Jan. 28 near Elko

American Indian elders will share stories at 2 p.m. Jan. 28 at the California Trail Interpretive Center, eight miles west of Elko off Interstate 80, exit 292.

Speaking at the free event are Katherine Blosson, a Newe elder from Elko; Norm Cavenaugh, an elder from the Do’zha Wehee (flint knife) band of the Western Shoshone; and special guest Ellison “Bombo” Jackson, an elder from the Owyhee who will share traditional stories learned throughout his life.

The California Trail Interpretive Center, operated by the Bureau of Land Management, tells the story of America’s Westward Expansion, the mid-1800s movement to expand the United States’ borders. The center, slated for a grand opening on June 2, will have multimedia exhibits, life-sized dioramas and video productions. Visitors also will be able to hike trails, attend interpretive programs and see the Hastings cutoff — the “shortcut” taken by the ill-fated Donner Party of 1846-1847.

While the exhibits are being installed, the center continues to offer programming and is open during special events, such as the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Jan. 30 to Feb. 4. Other upcoming center events include a basket-weaving workshop followed by drumming and singing on Feb. 11, and a hand game afternoon on March 17. For details, contact Shania Cook, 775-738-1849.

(Above, Newe elder Katherine Blossom is one of the speakers scheduled for Jan. 28. )