Some people like to make fun of Nevada City for its open-minded politics. But the city showed its “soul” at last night’s city council meeting.
Besides endorsing a plan to keep the APPLE Center open with volunteers, reported here, the Council agreed to write a letter of support for the Nisenan Historical Cultural Preservation group.
The nonprofit is seeking a federal grant to develop a cultural center, record stories and songs from the elders and develop educational curriculum for classes.
“Go Shelly!” I wrote the other day, referring to Shelly Covert, secretary-treasurer of the group, who spoke last night. “Our son has benefitted from learning about the Nisenan culture.”
I write about the Nisenan on Sierra Foothills Report now and then, and it has helped educate the community. (The Union has done a pitiful job of reporting on the area’s Native American culture).
At last night’s meeting, artist Judith Lowry, who comments here, provided persuasive public comments in support of project. Lowry is a nationally acclaimed Maidu-Pit River artist whose work has been displayed at the Smithsonian, Crocker Museum and California State Indian Museum, among other places.
It is no coincidence that Lonely Planet, in ranking the Gold Country one of the nation’s 10 best places to visit this year, recently praised Nevada City as an “artsy town.” Arts and culture is worth celebrating. It’s good for business too.
(Photo credit: NevadaCityRancheria.org)
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I’m thinking it would be appropriate for SYRCL and other community groups to show support in this effort too. It’s time to move on from their previous allegiances.
Jon,
I am a active member of SYRCL and have heard people mention about the Nisenan being excluded from the organization events. Can you expand because I know very little about the subject? I will bring the issue up if it warrants attention with SYRCL. Not that I have any pull but if enough people especially active people bring the issue up policies might change if needed.
Hi Ben,
If you read below it sounds like Shelly is ‘on it’.
Jon
Jon, I believe it to be very appropriate and important for the membership of these organizations to voice their own concerns and ideas about the subject to their management teams. These changes seem to be coming from within the organization membership, rather than from the Nisenan “telling” the ceo’s etc. what to do and/or believe.
Thanks, Jeff. Your blog has really helped to get the word out about the Nisenan. The community seems to be waking up to the fact that the Nisenan are here and have always been here. Just so, the Nisenan are waking to the fact that we must become a more visible part of the community. As we try to become available to the outcry for knowledge from the public, we find we are unprepared to reciprocate to the volume of requests in an effective manner; regardless, we welcome every request so don’t let that stop anyone from asking!
Should we be successful, this grant will help us to look internally, building upon the strengths we possess as Tribal families, and to figure out ways to make some type of model that we can replicate when providing information for the public seekers of this knowledge. Up ‘til now, our presentations are “off the cuff” and we do the best we can when asked to participate publicly. Written into the grant is request for funding for some basic curriculum creation and implementation.
Jon, we had a meeting with SYRCL and believe their new director to be open and willing to listen. It is hard to convey to different organizations and agencies the damage that is being done to what remains of Nisenan culture, by the overlapping and changing of our traditions by other groups who are doing their own, non-indigenous-foothill-Nisenan ceremonies on these lands. Especially, if what is being promoted is misinformation; and many times, misinformation is being promoted with really, the best intentions at heart. All the same, it is detrimental to the true and existing culture that does still exist. We continue to hope though, that when these organizations learn the facts, they will stop doing so.
Shelly,
I wholeheartedly agree. I’ve enjoyed what I’ve learned of the Nisenan and their history that is available. Thank you and good luck.
Jon
Hi Shelly,
Good reply, keep it up.
Before this post slips off the front page I’d like to thank Jeff and everyone who has taken the time to learn and understand the Nisenan’s offer of friendship and partnership with the community. As I spoke for the NCR at Wednesday’s City Hall Meeting, I became momentarily “ferklempt”, as I realized I was addressing the first sitting Mayor and City Council of Nevada City to speak face to face with the Nisenan leadership, as equals, in one hundred and sixty-three years. It was an historic moment.
Even though the NCR faces a long uncertain struggle for its illegally severed Federal recognition, the community can still partner with them through grants and economic programs specifically designed for Tribal involvement with their communities. Currently, Sierra Streams Institute is working on educational Nisenan cultural revival projects which has included placing traditional Nisenan names for streams and landmarks along the Tribute Trail.
I urge business and community leaders to visit the NCR website, call Tribal Secretary Shelly Covert, to meet with the Tribal Council and perhaps come up with some innovative solutions that could make a positive impact on our local economy. Lacking the generous government funding that benefits Federally recognized tribes and their communities is no reason not to forge ahead and work together towards less ambitious, longer term goals that could turn out to be sustainable and profitable. Shelly and I like to joke that the NIsenan developed the ultimate “slow growth” economy in these foothills, and it’s true when you think about it. It’s a good model to follow.
Also, Sierra College GV might consider the necessary steps to become a Native friendly campus, like HSU, College of the Redwoods and others. It’s usually mutually beneficial for colleges who work with their local indigenous cultures.