Our host at the Encounters, until his untimely death, was Interpretive Ranger Lanny Pinola, grandson of the last full-blooded Coast Miwok. Native American dances were led by Susie Montijo Moore, often accompanied by other Indian children. Wappo tribal singer Desirae Harp led the Miwok songs. Carlos Porrata, environmental educator, told stories of Coyote.

Local Middle School children displayed the Native crafts skills they had learned, performed a Miwok dance, played in the English band, or sang Miwok and English songs. In this way youth participated alongside professional performers and experts in their fields.