Ethnobotany
Presented by Gene Albitre on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at 1 pm

On April 7, 2024, Gene Albitre, a retired Native American spiritual leader, will give a presentation on Ethnobotany. Ethnobotany is the study of a region’s plants and their practical uses through the traditional knowledge of local culture and people. What plants were utilized by the Native Americans in this area? Gene will answer this question and others.

Gene grew up on a ranch outside of Bakersfield. Since the age of 14, Gene has worked all aspects of rawhide, using buffalo, elk, deer, and other animal skins. His Native American culture has taught him to work on animals so that nothing would be wasted. He crafts rattles, drums, and cookware, and practices the art of beading. He is a writer and presenter and believes that gaining a better understanding of the past will reflect on our connection with nature and the world at large.

Through his leadership and practice of the arts, Gene helps to preserve the legacy and facilitate connection among the Native American peoples and to educate others on the history and significance of Native American Culture in modern times. He is one of the four Common Ground artists sponsored by the Arts Council of Kern, the Creative Corps, and the California Arts Council.