Otis Parrish

There are many museums across this nation which exhibit Native American artifacts. The exhibitions are often sterile presentations. Usually, there is no life, no hope for the future; only the past is displayed. Often the best artifacts are removed from living cultures to die slowly before the eyes of an unsuspecting public. The California Indian Museum and Cultural Center is an institution based upon a pursuit to educate the public about the contributions of Native Americans to civilization and the California Indian experience in this society. It is a living tribute to California Indians, their cultures, lifestyles and conflicts.

The California Indian Museum and Cultural Center will not rely upon the traditional museum methods for telling the story of California Indians. Those traditional methods tend to demean the cultures, traditions and issues that need to be brought to life. The story must be alive and generous with hope. The CIM experience will be inspirational and dedicated to peace and harmony and a genuine respect for the natural environment.

What story is CIM telling and for what purpose? The story of California Indians is unyielding, emotionally charged, sometimes devastating, and complex. Its presentation must be intellectually balanced and sensitive. It must be guided by CIM's mission: To educate the public about the history, culture and contemporary life of California Indians and to honor their contributions to civilization. This then is the story.