Homer Alaska - Arts -

"This truly is a collaborative event with the Pratt Museum," said Pratt curator of exhibits Holly Cusack-McVeigh. "A lot of the planning and organization is taking place across the bay."

This year's gathering honors the late Gale Parsons, the former Pratt cultural liaison and one of the main organizers of Tamamta Katurlluta who died this summer. Sunday's dance and cultural celebration is in honor of Parsons. Sperry Ash of Nanwalek recorded a song, "I Am Coming In," which will be played at the performance. Ash wrote the song after working with Parsons at an archaeological excavation at Aialik Bay.

"He wanted it played again in her memory, in her honor," Cusack-McVeigh said.

Friends of Parsons also have a chance to honor her at a memorial at the Pratt forest trail behind the museum.

The Gathering of Native Tradition begins with a welcome reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday at the museum that features Lisa Williams' photographic exhibit, Native Ways in Changing Times. A highlight is the kayak landing ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday on the Homer Spit by the Pier One Theatre beach, when visitors paddle kayaks to the beach. New this year is an Alutiiq baseball game and demonstration at 1 p.m. Saturday at Karen Hornaday Park. There also is an atlatl a spear-throwing stick contest.

"This is the first time this event has been part of the gathering," Cusack-McVeigh said of Alutiiq baseball. "It's hoped people will feel comfortable coming and playing the game."

The visit by the Tagiugmiut Dance Group continues a tradition of bringing Native peoples not just from nearby Kachemak Bay and lower Cook Inlet, but from Kodiak and distant communities such as St. Lawrence Island and Adak.

"What they've (the organizers) always said is they wanted to bring groups from other regions, other cultural traditions," said Cusack-McVeigh. "It benefits not only the wider community, but their own community."

Visiting elders share their thought and wisdom at an Elders Circle at 11 a.m. Sunday at the Pratt, when they discuss climate change in a discussion facilitated by Karen Stickman, former director of the Native Fish and Wildlife Society.

"No one knows better than first-hand observers how the climate is changing. They're on the land and have the very best understanding of what that entails," said Cusack-McVeigh.

The Harbor Seal Commission does an educational presentation and bio-sampling demonstration at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Pratt.

Most events are free and open to the public. The Sunday night evening of dance is $5 at the door and free to children age 12 and under.

Michael Armstrong can be reached at michael.armstrong@homernews.com.