© 2011 Suscol Intertribal Council, P.O. Box 5386, Napa, CA 94581
Phone: 707-256-3561
Suskol House
As of April, 2011
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
July-October, 2007 - Arbor poles covered and cedar trees planted next to poles
September, 2007-2008 - Arbor Ceremony
July, 2008 to October, 2010 - extensive Building permits approved and obtained. Prototypes of straw bale and cob huts (Earth, Starr and Sunrise Lodge) built
2010– Phase II: Raise funds and start Construction of “Suskol House”
Suscol Council is seeking donations from various foundations to fund the design and construction of Suskol House.
While final planning proceeds we continue the arduous task of raising funds through special events and individual donations. Permits have been obtained 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 cedar trees 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 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.
Charlie Toledo, Chair of Building Committee of Suskol House Project
Photo Gallery: Click Thumbnails Below
Thanks so much to Erica Ann, Straw Bale Construction Assistant, Day One Design. Here are Erica's blog posts documenting the creation of the Suscol Straw Bale hut.
Please help us support Suskol House/ Arbor and Be a Part of the dream! Donate Today!
