| Homoja bemi ~ and welcome |
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The Nevada City Rancheria and its Tribe of Nisenan Indians seek to further education and communication through a presence on the internet. As Nevada County's historic Tribe, the Nisenan witnessed the onset of the Gold Rush, the statehood of California and the creation of Nevada County. The Tribe is proud to share its pre and post contact history with its community located in the Foothills of California. READ MORE
Recent News
We are proud of our active membership. Here are some recent highlights:
The Nisenan finally covered by The Union and other local papers!
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Partnering again with the Firehouse No. 1 Museum, the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Click here for photos!
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The Nevada County Historical Society's move makes the news outside of Nevada County.
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On December 2, 2010 the Nevada County Historical Society board of directors unanimously rescinded their 2000 endorsement of the Plumas County Tsi Akim Maidu. Following three months of research, including testimony by noted authorities and the personal testimony of the Tsi Akim tribal chairman, it was concluded that upon closer examination, many of the claims made by the Tsi Akim are unsupported by facts. The Historical Society acknowledged that while adopted in good faith, the endorsement was a mistake because of the unsubstantiated claims which were made at the time. The Historical Society also noted that its 2000 endorsement was used to leverage other similar endorsements throughout the County including the weighty resolution given by the Nevada County Board of Supervisors. The Historical Society’s decision was important to the Nisenan of the Nevada City Rancheria, in efforts to preserve its heritage and autonomy. Dilution, elimination and exclusion of Nisenan history by others who publicly conduct practices, teach history, customs and language which were never a part of the Nevada County Nisenan culture, does not honor those Nisenan descendants who have continued to live here on their ancient lands and are active in the community today. The Nevada City Rancheria has received many comments and apologies about this but in no way do the members of the Nevada City Rancheria hold any bad feelings toward those who gave unknowingly; we thank you for taking the time to offer your apologies. Click Here to read the report from the Nevada County Historical Society Click Here for a photo of Nevada County Historical Society Board President, Daniel Ketcham, presenting the report to the Nevada City Rancheria Chairman, Richard Johnson.
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The Tribe, in partnership with the Firehouse No. 1 Museum, won 2nd place in the 4th of July parade, 2010. The parade was held in Nevada City this year. The turn out was awesome! Thank you to everyone who cheered us on that hot day!
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The newly renovated Nisenan Indian collection has been housed at the Firehouse No. 1 Museum since 1949. Tribal heirlooms and artifacts can be seen at the museum Tuesday – Sunday, 1:00pm – 4:pm. (Closed on Monday). The museum is supported by donation so please feel free to be generous!
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Nisenan artifacts are making their way “home” from as far as Oregon! Recently, a stone bowl made its way back to Nevada City. The bowl was originally the property of the Campoodie on Cement Hill but was given away as a graduation gift. Some 85 years later it is now back in the hands of the Tribe from whom it was originally created. If you have a Nisenan artifact that you would like to donate to the Tribe, or have a story about the Indians of the Campoodie, you can contact Shelly Covert; her contact information can be found on the contact page. The Tribe is preparing a space to house these treasures until they can be put on permanent display.
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The California Heritage: Indigenous Research Project (C.H.I.R.P) and its founder, Judith Lowry, hosted a lovely gala for the re-opening of the Firehouse No. 1 Museum. The museum renovations were also funded by CHIRP. The event was well attended. Speakers Sheri Tatsh and Tanis Thorne gave educational talks about the Nisenan of Nevada County. Mountain Maidu speakers Dugan Aguilar and Susan Campbell shared insights into culture and photography. Photos and video from the event.
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The Tribe has created a non-profit and is awaiting 501c3 status. It is hoped that the non-profit will become an integral part of education and culture sharing throughout Nevada County.
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The Tribe was invited to provide an information booth at the California Historic Preservation Conference which was held in Nevada City, California. Many new relationships were forged during the four day conference. Thank you to those who made our experience at the conference so productive.
The traditional Spring Dance was held at the historic Enos Ranch property. Many of the dances performed in this celebration have been danced by our people for centuries. Both spring and fall dance celebrations are held every year.
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The Elder documentation project got underway at the beginning of the year. Four Elders have been documented thus far; Carmel Burrows, 89, Weary Smith, 82, Sam Starkey, 80 and Rose Enos, 75. We hope to have their interviews available online in the near future.
Tribal Elder, Mabel Johnson Hobbs, was buried at the Nevada City Rancheria Burial Grounds. This was the first burial to be performed at our historic grounds in over 70 years.
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