From skatepark to museum exhibit

Pala Band Selected For Smithsonian Institution Exhibit On Native American SkateboardingOnly a year after opening a new skate park on their reservation, the Pala Band of Mission Indians will be included in a new Smithsonian Institution exhibit on skateboarding in the Native American culture at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC. Ramp it Up: Skateboard Culture in Native America will be open from June 12–September 13, 2009.

“While we may have just built the skate park last year, skateboarding has been a large part of many members of the Pala Band’s lives for decades,” said Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Tribe. “Skateboarding allows people to combine balance, strength and dedication with design and graphic elements that are uniquely tribal. Growing up without a lot of wealth, skateboarding provides a positive outlet and I am proud the Smithsonian Institute has recognized this important, yet many times overlooked, facet of Native culture.”Comment:  For more on the subject, see Ramp It Up Video.

Below:  "Tribal members Chris Nieto and his son Titus holding skateboards designed by Chris’ company Remnant Skateboards."