Photo credit: Story of Oak by Jennifer Rain Crosby, jenniferraincrosby.com , Handcrafted oak gall inks and egg tempera paints on paper, CHIRP's VTA 2021 Collection.
This will be an informal, conversation-based seminar. Two members of the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe (NCRNT) and their Research and Archival Intern will hold an open conversation regarding the history of the Tribe, their known historical connections to Cornwall, the relationship between their political struggle and international support or recognition of this history, and their ideas for moving forward in collaboration with institutions such as the Royal Cornwall Museum and international universities.
Speakers: Tribal Spokesperson Shelly Covert (NCRNT and CHIRP); Tribal Council Member Saxon Thomas (NCRNT and CHIRP); Intern and PhD candidate Megan Renoir (CHIRP and University of Cambridge)
Timings: 45-minute dialogue between Shelly and Saxon, with support and overview of the session provided by Megan. This time is inclusive of open space for the audience to enter the discussion, however we also expect to open space following the dialogue session for 30 minutes of Q&A. Rough schedule is as follows –
· Introductions (Shelly, Saxon, Megan)
· Overview of the topics to be discussed (Shelly OR Megan)
· Open dialogue/discussion
o History of the Tribe (genocide, lack of recognition, current status and activities)
o Historical connections to Cornwall
o International support and domestic neglect of the Tribe
o Aims and ideas for moving forward in collaboration with international institutions.
· Closing remarks (Shelly and Saxon)
· Q&A
Introduction to CHIRP: California Heritage Indigenous Research Project's (CHIRP) mission to preserve, protect and perpetuate Nisenan Culture is informed by the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribal Council, which assesses and identifies the needs and best practices of their Tribal citizens. Through its mission, CHIRP identifies, funds, and implements programs and projects to mitigate needs and develop tactics, ensuring best practices in all areas of its functionality.
