Palm Springs Dinner in the Canyons
Every October, Agua Caliente Cultural Museum hosts Dinner in the Canyons, an event held in Andreas Canyon to benefit the museum’s many programs and exhibits. Since 1992, when the museum was founded, it has worked to preserve aspects of native culture. This year’s gala will focus on the cuisine, traditions, and culture of Native Hawaiians.
The term Native Hawaiians refers to the indigenous Polynesian people of the Hawaiian Islands as well as their descendents. Hawaii is most commonly thought of as just one of the 50 states that make up the United State of America but the region has a unique history that is generally divided into four main periods: antiquity, monarchy, territorial, and statehood.
Antiquity, or Ancient Hawaii refers to the period of time before the unification of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1810 by a chief who later became known as Kamehameha the Great. This period is probably the least well known to the general population. The human history of this area began sometime between 300 and 800 AD when Polynesian explorers settled in the area and developed their own rich culture. A full social structure complete with religion and class standings had been long established by the time Captain James Cook first made contact in the late 1700’s.
From this era until its eventual statehood, Hawaii struggled with foreign encroachment as well as local issues regarding governmental structure. To think of Hawaii as just another of the United States would ignore its distinctive history and culture. It is the recognition and preservation of this past and the region’s native traditions that the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum works hard to maintain.
If you are interested in supporting this cause, make your reservations to attend this year’s dinner. The evening will begin at 5:30 with a cocktail reception followed by dinner, entertainment, and a live auction. Seating is limited. For more information, call Mary Perry, Associate Director of Development, at 760.778.1079, Ext. 116.
If you are coming in from out of town and need a place to stay, consider the Lake La Quinta Inn. Its luxurious bedrooms and friendly staff make it a top choice among couples traveling to the area.
