"How the Maidu People Managed the Forest"

On Thursday, March 19th, Farrell Cunningham will give a presentation on Maidu Ecology for the Nevada County Historical Society. The presentation, set to take place at the Madelyn Helling library in Nevada City at 7:30 PM, is open to the public. Farrell is a member of the Tsi-Akim Maidu tribe, and is reviving the near-extinct Maidu language in evening classes he teaches, but he is also very interested in educating the public about taking care of the land. The Maidu people, being native to this area, have had thousands of years’ experience in preventing wildfires, keeping woodland plants healthy, and using natural resources wisely. Farrell Cunningham will share the valuable knowledge, which has been passed down to him through the generations, and present a different way of relating to the forest we live in, keeping it healthy and safe. From his father and other tribal elders, he learned the importance of having a relationship with the land and the forest. Man should enter into natural treaties with the land, with fire, with plants… and honor those treaties. The Maidu used controlled burns in these forests for millennia, removed underbrush and low branches around villages, and did not need to use water for fire control. When foods and natural materials were gathered, some was left behind for other creatures and for regeneration. Excesses of modern society, including hoarding, wasting, and overharvesting of the earth’s bounties, are counter to Maidu culture. So is allowing underbrush to take over the forest, as has happened here in Nevada County. Farrell will explain how large and devastating forest fires were prevented in ancient times, and how these methods could come back into use again.

In addition to the Thursday evening presentation, Farrell will host a site visit to the Nevada County Land Trust Burton Homestead, or Pata Panaka cultural site, on Lake Vera Purdon Road in Nevada City Saturday, March 21st. This field trip will be a follow-up to his talk, where he will show how the local Tsi-Akim Maidu tribe has been managing the four acres that they lease from the Land Trust on this site, and explain in greater detail the ancient uses of some of the native plants growing there. The field trip will take place between 1-3 PM, and is sponsored by the Nevada County Land Trust. For more information call Stephanie at 530-272-5994.

Farrell Cunningham grew up in Plumas County, CA. He majored in Anthropology in college, and spent a school year in China studying at the North West University of Xian, where several of his classes were taught in Chinese. He was Executive Director of the Maidu Cultural and Developmental Group for five years. He has published several articles on ecology, teaches Maidu language classes in Nevada City (as the youngest speaker of Maidu and perhaps the only native speaker under the age of 80), and is an artist as well.

Tsi-Akim Maidu Winter Gathering and Elders Dinner Bingo and Silent Auction Fundraiser
March 28th, 2009 12 noon to 6 pm
Nevada County Superintendent’s of Schools Office, 112 Nevada City Highway, Nevada City, CA

Salmon Stew Served by the Tribe
Your Potluck Dishes and Auction Items are Welcomed

For more information call or visit
the Tsi-Akim Maidu Thrift Shop
1275 East Main Street
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 477-0711

To "How the Maidu People Managed the Forest"

Madelyn Helling library in Nevada City on March 19th at 7:30 PM, open to the public.

Communities

• Nevada City