Located on the traditional land of the Mojave, Yavapaiv Apache, Cocopah (Xawiƚƚ kwñchawaay) and Chemehuevi people.
camp I
1943 Mojave Memo
1944 Post Ano
1945 Post Ano
camp II
1943 El Chaparral
1944 El Chaparral
1945 El Chaparral
camp III
1945 Campus Echoes
Poston pilgrimage
Q: What is the Poston Pilgrimage?
A: The Poston Community Alliance plans educational workshops, entertainment, exhibits and a banquet for the Poston Pilgrimage
Q: When does the Poston Pilgrimage take place?
A: The annual Poston Pilgrimage usually takes place in October.
Q: Do participants need to register or make reservations? Is there a fee?
A: Yes, registration and a fee are required to attend.
Q: Where is the Poston Pilgrimage held?
A: The Poston Pilgrimage will be held at the Blue Water Casino in Parker, AZ and at various Poston sites on the Colorado River Tribes Reservation.
Q: Is bus transportation to the Pilgrimage available?
A: Yes. Registration covers bus transportation to and from Poston Monument, Poston Camp site, La Pera Elementary School, the box lunch, workshops, the banquet dinner and the evening program.
Q: Are food and drinks available at Poston Pilgrimage?
A: Registration includes ONLY the box lunch, and the banquet dinner.
Q: What is the weather like in Poston during the Pilgrimage?
A: It will be hot! Bring a hat, sunscreen and lip balm and USE THEM, even if it's cloudy, as ultraviolet light penetrates clouds and is rather intense at higher elevations. Also, DRINK PLENTY OF WATER while you’re there. STAY HYDRATED EVEN IF THE WEATHER IS MILD. The air is much drier at higher elevations.
Q: Is there a religious service during the Pilgrimage?
A: Yes.
Q: Can we collect items found on the site as souvenirs or for other purposes?
A: NO. Collecting anything from the site is forbidden even if it looks like it was just trash. Many such items are actually historic. As the saying goes, “Take only photographs. Leave only footprints.”
Q: Can I drive myself?
A: Poston Attendees are encouraged to use the bus transportation. That said, attendees are allowed to travel to each location by private car. There is enough parking at each location the Pilgrimage will be hosting.
videos
Jane Kushino-Ogino attended the 2019 Poston Pilgrimage with her family. We spoke with Jane, her two sons, Guy and Doug, and her granddaughter, Jessica about their research into family history. This research led to conversations about not only past trauma but also about their family’s resilience and success after incarceration.