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As of July 2007
In 1998 Suscol Council purchased twenty acres in Pope Valley, in north-east Napa County, to develop a cultural center for tribal people. This is a place to gather for ceremonies, collect medicinal plants, and hold workshops for youth and elders. It is available to urban Indians and landless tribes, as well as landed tribal groups needing a central location set up for group activities. It also preserves open space and educates the general public about the contemporary and pre-historic realities of California’s first peoples.
Timeline of the Suskol House Cultural Center:
- Nov 7, 2002 - Mortgage paid off
- December 2003 – Declared exempt from California State taxes
- March 2004 – Preliminary Design Phase completed
- March 2006 - Water source developed and piped to site
- June 2006 - Entrance and culvert completed
- July 2006 - Arbor poles set and ready for cover
- Spring 2007 – Phase II: Construction of “Suskol House”
Some of these foundations cannot provide funds until after building permits are authorized. While final planning proceeds we continue to raise funds through special events and individual donations. While waiting for permits and funding, construction of the Arbor has begun with donated labor and materials. The Arbor is an outdoor arena that will be shaded with willow branches and, as it has no foundation or walls, has not required permits to construct. The ground has been graded, the posts and beams are in place and the Arbor is now available for ceremonies and gatherings.
The Property has been officially designated as “open space” by the State of California.
The property is available for small ceremonies, medicinal plant gathering, and overnight camping by families and small groups. Temporarily, the outdoor kitchen provides adequate shelter for these purposes from spring through fall. When the main Suskol House structure is finished it will allow the cultural center to be open to larger groups on a year round basis.
Hilario Mata: Chair of Building Committee and volunteer co-coordinator of Suskol House Project
Please help us support Suskol House/ Arbor and Be a Part of the dream! Please Donate!
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Left bottom picture:
Ethan Castro at Suscol Office delivering final drawings for submission to Napa County Planning department. (Ethan's website)
Ethan Castro is of California Wailaki descendant. He is the General manager for the "Suskol House" and is a straw-bale construction specialist, a California basket-weaver and perma culture planner. He has the perfect combination of skills to oversee construction of this Native American Cultural Center in Chiles-pope Valley. This project will be a model combing sustainable, current and traditional building and eco-planning. He is a builder specializing in Environmentally/ Eco-friendly designed buildings and their grounds. The plans for the main Suskol House is pictured.