AEOE 2007 Statewide Spring Conference:

Connecting with Community
Through Outdoor & Environmental Education

Sierra Outdoor School, Sonora, CA

April 27-29, 2007

Special Guest/Opening Words:
Julia Parker

Julia Parker is a long-time member of the community of the central Sierra Nevada, foothills, and California, and her roots go as deep as the land.

She is the lead interpreter for the Yosemite Indian Museum, and has taught the art of basket making to thousands of people over the years through classes, seminars and demonstrations. The San Francisco Chronicle, in an article linked below, stated, "Julia Parker didn't grow up watching women weave baskets. A native of Graton in Sonoma County, she was orphaned at 7, spent five years in foster homes, then was shipped to a government-run American Indian school where, she says, she was told, "Don't do Indian things, don't talk the Indian way." Today, no one does Indian things better than Parker, 75, who is widely regarded as California's best maker of baskets, and a leading elder of the American Indian community."

Her philosophy is: "Take from the earth and give back to the earth, and don't forget to say please and thank you."

It is an honor and a pleasure to have her present at our conference!