Artist: Monica Zavala
Date: 2026
This year‘s 20th Many Winters Gathering Of Elders design was inspired by the bear ceremony. During this ceremony, the spirit of the bear is honored with offerings of fish, berries, tobacco, and honey. I created these Elders’ hands that provide those offerings to the bear, to honor the Elders. With that reciprocity, this ceremony brings healing to the people. This bear represents the spirit of our local communities. It holds a traditional clapper stick and wears a necklace made of our California black oak acorn tops and abalone shell, items that I would give away to show my reciprocity.