The California State University, Bakersfield's anthropology department, in conjunction with the Department of Energy, Pacific Legacy, the Native American Heritage Preservation Council of Kern County and the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History presents a new exhibit, "Native American Lifeways," at the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History located at 2018 Chester Ave. The public opening for the new exhibit is Saturday, Nov. 4.

This new exhibit is designed to explore the cultural history of southern San Joaquin Valley Native Americans. The Native American Heritage Preservation Council of Kern County contributed its time and money to create a life-sized reconstruction of a Yokuts village for the new exhibit. Also on display will be artifacts from other Native American groups as well as a "Talking Circle" storytelling area.

Deanna Heikkinen, a current CSUB anthropology graduate student, curated the artifacts discovered in the Elk Hills excavations.

The CSUB anthropology department was involved with the curation of Native American artifacts discovered in the Elk Hills Naval Petroleum Reserve. Heikkinen said the Department of Energy sold Elk Hills in the 1990s and as required under federal regulations, cultural resources management firm, Pacific Legacy was contracted to conduct archaeological investigations. The Department of Energy also contributed a grant to help fund the new exhibit.

The exhibit is open Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information on the "Native American Lifeways" exhibit, please contact Heikkinen at (661) 324-6350.

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