It is my deep hope, in this moment of Nisenan Heritage Month, the content we share finds its way through any preconceptions or previously learned information one might have. Our telling of history, in most cases, cannot be found in a book somewhere. Some of this "new" information may be contrary to what you learned through mainstream history. It may challenge what you "know" and could bring with it, some level of discomfort; and that is ok. It's been a long time coming that the Indigenous people have the opportunity to tell their own histories.

We'll be exploring subjects like the Indian Boarding School system, the gold rush and other events intent on the obliteration of our Ancient Culture. As you might imagine, these subjects can sometimes be heavy and uncomfortable. But to understand who the Nisenan are today, and grasp the incredible unlikelihood that there is anyone left to share pieces of this Ancient Culture, one must first have a knowing of a historical narrative we didn't learn in school.

This is content coming directly from the Tribe and in some instances, is being shared publicly for the first time. There is a very fine line between exploitation of Culture and a true and honest sharing of Culture. To be in the moment and bring visibility and hope that people can feel the value in what we have to offer without "using" the Elders and their stories or any Sacred aspects of the Culture. Navigating that is a continuous conscientious responsibility. It is especially amplified due to the fundraising aspect. As we're curating this content, all of these things are taken into account as we bring you closer to the true history of this place.

So, we begin the ride together. Check-in often, share widely, and keep an open mind.

ek'wa -

Shelly Covert, Executive Director California Heritage: Indigenous Research Project and Tribal Spokesperson Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe

Language

Film

The Past

Visibility

Community Support

Ancestral Homelands Reciprocity Program

Our Space

Beautiful Days

Cultural Sharing

More Visibility

Giving Thanks

In Closing