Oral history featured in the California Museum's exhibition "California Indians: The First People." For more information or to plan a visit, go to bit.ly/ca-indians.
I remember being a kid and I had to do a Indian report I was only 9 or 10. I chose Maidu because I am from the Sacramento valley. I remember feeling a kinship to the Maidu because I am half Samoan half white. My mom was moved to America when she was barely 19 or 20. She never really adopted the American way. So I always saw her in an exotic way the same way Indians are presented to kids as this "exotic thing of the past." And when I learned everything about them I asked my Dad where are they? And he just looked away and didn't answer. Where are they now? He just said "they're gone now." I don't remember. Like most things in childhood I moved onto something else. And in 2006 when I learned about a volunteer group to help the Navajo. I went there for 2 weeks and lived in a Hogan. I was the only volunteer in their history that was allowed to ride their horse and take it down to the well for a drink. It was a steel windmill pumping a pipe into a little dirty pond. The Navajo were lied to by Peabody Coal and the elders in the Navajo tribe were misled. So they need help from time to time. But I can relate to the "more than just an idea" feelings. Because at 14 years old I finally saw my mom's country, Samoa. And I saw her talking with her family and how emotive and freely expressive they are. How everything might seem a little chaotic on the surface but at the end it all has a way of working out in the Fa'a Samoa way. And when you interrupt the natural process of how they interact your arrest their development as a people. My mom's development as an adult was arrested because she never understood the American way and still doesn't to this day even in retirement. She just wants to go back home. Maidu people however this is their home. The Maidu and many Native Americans believe wherever you are born that your soul is given a special direction according to the spirits of the place you are born. I have always felt like I would have connected with the Maidu people more and I wish there were more. I recently hiked the Picayune Valley. I hope all Maidu and Nisenan go there and do some games and meetings there because that is your home.
Very beautiful expressions. My Samoan friend and I are headed up therethis week. He feels a close affinity with the nature we are going to reconnect with the maidu and I received a vision my appointment is to create the memorial to the massacre at bloody run.
If person's parent is D. English, then lineage is outside of Maidu roots. Still Native roots, but a person with a "perceived" Maidu identity and lineage.
I love this video!!! Thank you so much!
I just got my Indian Card, I am now a member of the Konkow Valley Band of Maidu, I hope to visit some day soon.
I'll look for other videos from you. Very nicely done.
I remember going hear when I was younger
Well done. Walk in Spirit.
I wish you could visit the Maidu village which is in Concow at the Lake Concow Campground. I am glad you got back in touch with your roots!
I remember being a kid and I had to do a Indian report I was only 9 or 10. I chose Maidu because I am from the Sacramento valley. I remember feeling a kinship to the Maidu because I am half Samoan half white. My mom was moved to America when she was barely 19 or 20. She never really adopted the American way. So I always saw her in an exotic way the same way Indians are presented to kids as this "exotic thing of the past." And when I learned everything about them I asked my Dad where are they? And he just looked away and didn't answer. Where are they now? He just said "they're gone now." I don't remember. Like most things in childhood I moved onto something else. And in 2006 when I learned about a volunteer group to help the Navajo. I went there for 2 weeks and lived in a Hogan. I was the only volunteer in their history that was allowed to ride their horse and take it down to the well for a drink. It was a steel windmill pumping a pipe into a little dirty pond. The Navajo were lied to by Peabody Coal and the elders in the Navajo tribe were misled. So they need help from time to time. But I can relate to the "more than just an idea" feelings. Because at 14 years old I finally saw my mom's country, Samoa. And I saw her talking with her family and how emotive and freely expressive they are. How everything might seem a little chaotic on the surface but at the end it all has a way of working out in the Fa'a Samoa way. And when you interrupt the natural process of how they interact your arrest their development as a people. My mom's development as an adult was arrested because she never understood the American way and still doesn't to this day even in retirement. She just wants to go back home. Maidu people however this is their home. The Maidu and many Native Americans believe wherever you are born that your soul is given a special direction according to the spirits of the place you are born. I have always felt like I would have connected with the Maidu people more and I wish there were more. I recently hiked the Picayune Valley. I hope all Maidu and Nisenan go there and do some games and meetings there because that is your home.
Very beautiful expressions. My Samoan friend and I are headed up therethis week. He feels a close affinity with the nature we are going to reconnect with the maidu and I received a vision my appointment is to create the memorial to the massacre at bloody run.
Can you please make a video of how to say this Konkow word: kou-wät′-chu. I believe its the word used to descibe the Pacific Madrona.
Thanks
Who are you? Nobody that goes to the games or that lives near there knows who you are or who daughter you are. Please let us know. Thanks.
If person's parent is D. English, then lineage is outside of Maidu roots. Still Native roots, but a person with a "perceived" Maidu identity and lineage.
That is my tribe