THE ETYMOLOGY OF THE LAND
A Language Mural for the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe
'Uba Seo Nisenan Arts and Cultural Center | Nevada City, CA | February 2024
'Uba Seo Nisenan Arts and Cultural Center | Nevada City, CA | February 2024
Created as part of the new 'Visibility Through Art' exhibition titled: "The Story of Land, Water, and People", this three-wall indoor mural highlights the Nisenan language, supporting the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe's language revitalization efforts. Honoring the natural landscape of the area -past, present, and future- Nisenan plant and animal names are prominently displayed, written for the first time in the Tribe's new orthography. Special thanks to linguist Benjamin Joeng.
The exhibit features artistic collaborations between the Tribe and community that tell stories of the Nisenan as an effort to bring more visibility to their presence, culture, and ongoing fight to restore their Federal Re-Recognition. The Nisenan were part of 44 California Tribes who lost their Recognition and Rancheria/Reservation lands due to the California Rancheria Act of 1958. Of the 44 Tribes who fought the Act, all but 3 were granted Re-Recognition. The Nisenan are 1 of those 3 still fighting to reclaim their federal status.
We appreciate all of the hands that brought this mural to life:
Designed and Directed by Lead Artist: Nikila aka MamaWisdom1
Designed In Collaboration With: Members of the Nisenan Tribe and
the Tribe's 501c3 - C.H.I.R.P. (California Heritage Indigenous Research Project)
Assistant Tribal Artist: Saxon Thomas (Nisenan Member)
Community Paint Support: Mira Clark, Iona Swift, Chris Harbour, William Douglas, and Sarah Coleman.
Cultural Advisor: Shelly Covert (Tribal Spokesperson, Exec. Director - CHIRP)
Curation Managment: Mira Clark
Designed and Directed by Lead Artist: Nikila aka MamaWisdom1
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THE NISENAN HOMELAND RETURN FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
DONATE to the Nisenan's "Homeland Return" Gofundme, as the Tribe is currently raising funds to buy back 200 acres of land, of the thousands of acres stolen during the Gold Rush era.
Learn more and Donate here:
chirpca.org
chirpca.org
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This activity is funded in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency, through the Upstate California Creative Corps program, administered by Nevada County Arts Council.
