I’m happy to share this hopeful story.
There are more than 150,000 people in California who can trace their origins back to the state’s original Native American inhabitants1. Many are working actively to preserve their culture and ethnic identities.
Much of the effort to preserve California Indian cultures focuses on traditional gathering and land management. Traditional culture is connected intimately with the natural world. And maintaining close connections to plants, animals, and to the land is woven through traditional life – in crafts and through spirituality.
I’ve described my visit to Quiroste, a California State cultural preserve. Its 225 acres contain more than 12 archaeological sites that may date back to 6700 BC. I describe how the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, archaeologists, and state park officials are working together to restore the ecosystem using technology along with traditional Native American land management practices.
Below is a recent story from NBC Bay Area on the Quiroste effort. I apologize for the commercial at the beginning of the video. There is nothing I can do about it. Also, it may be a little slow to load.
Enjoy the Video!
References
1. Tending the Wild, M. Kat Anderson
Related Stories on NatureOutside
Archaeology, Technology, and Native Peoples
The Tuibun of Coyote Hills (Part 2)
Leave a Comment