Native American Films & Stories at Wild & Scenic
Local Maidu tribal members and supporters are hosting a free weekend of films and music as part of the Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Nevada City, January 14-16, 2011. Tribal members, environmental activists, and filmmakers plan to gather at the Veteran’s Hall, 415 North Pine Street, Nevada City to focus on the crucial role of Native Americans in protecting the environment.
Tsi Akim tribal members have been working with SYRCL and other activists for several years in efforts to recognize and heal the toxic damage of the Gold Rush, to regain Federal recognition for the Tsi Akim and other unrecognized tribes, and to restore ceremony by “Calling Back the Salmon”.
Joining the Maidu to share their films will be members of the Wintu and Pomo tribes. Local musicians performing all weekend include the Neena McNair Family Singers on drum, Mignon Geli on flute, Three River Drum, and Anni McCann on guitar.
Good Shield Aguilar, an Ogala Lakota and Yaqui artist, activist, and green builder, returns to the area from his home in Humboldt County. Lawrence Laughing, Traditional Longhouse singer from Akwasasne, New York in Ganienkeh Mohawk Nation territory, brings traditional native music to Nevada County.
FRIDAY EVENING, 4:00-7:00 PM: Opening ceremony, downstairs at the Veterans Hall in Nevada City. Opening with drumming by the Neena McNair Family Singers and friends.
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, 10 AM-5 PM: Downstairs at the Vets Hall. Local native films, discussion with filmmakers, and music. Local native films include:
· excerpts from the Descendants Circle, part of Indigenous People’s Days 2009
· “100-mile Nome Cult Walk” traces the forced relocation of Maidu from Chico across what is now the Mendocino National Forest to Round Valley in 1863.
· “Uma Totodum, Gathering Together” the story of the Maidu from Gold Rush genocide to recent efforts at healing by the local Tsi Akim Maidu and supporters.
· “Dancing Home Salmon” by the Wintu
· “The Pomo Preservation Project”
On Saturday afternoon, the Sierra Native Alliance Native Youth Corps present their video of their summer restoration project
On Sunday morning, downstairs, local non native filmmakers will present a film about John Olmstead and a film on the bike-powered band The Ginger Ninjas on their recent tour through Mexico.
SUNDAY MORNING, 9:00 AM-12:30 PM: upstairs at the Veterans Hall, Jason Ryberg and Maidu language instructor Farrell Cunningham will introduce three films that highlight indigenous leadership in the environmental movement:
“This Place Has No Name”, “We Live by the River”, and “Crude Sacrifice”.
Ryberg and Cunningham will encourage discussion on healing in Maidu country and on partnerships between tribes, environmental organizations, and the broader community. This session is open to participants in the Wild & Scenic Film Festival.
All films and music downstairs at the Veterans Hall are free and open to the public.
Master artist Ennis Peck, a member of the Mountain Maidu of Plumas County, will be showing traditional baskets he has been weaving for thirty years. Other native artists will also show their works.
