Section 10- Cultural Preservation

Cultural Preservation

The Cultural Resource Department is involved with monitoring and protecting the cultural and spiritual sites and repatriation of ancestral remains of the Wintu, Pit River, and Yana people. It supports and assists Tribal Members and Native American community members in traditional and cultural activities as well as traditional health practices. Ongoing activities consist of cultural classes and presentations, opening blessings at Tribal and community events and traditional plant knowledge. Due to the pandemic, some of the classes have been limited in size; however, cultural preservation remains a top priority to the Tribe. Throughout the pandemic, the Tribe has emphasized healing the community and cultural and traditional connectedness. 2019-2021 Highlights

Pow -Wow Classes This class is for all ages and many dance in the Stillwater Pow Wow. Several dancers becoming Pow Wow Royalty. All styles of Pow Wow dance are taught.

Baby Board Class This class teaches how to gather and prepare one’s own material to make a Baby Board. It teaches when and how to take care of the material gathered and most importantly, taking care of the land as you gather.

Reclaiming of Tribal Baskets and Artifacts The Tribe has been activity locating baskets, bows, and artifacts for its Cultural Center. We have reclaimed over 50 baskets, 10 basket bottles, 10 beaded purses, pestles, and mortars.

Big Time The Tribe held its 1st Annual Redding Rancheria Big Time in June of 2019 and its 2nd Annual Big Time in June of 2021. Ten Tribal Dances Groups were invited and the local community came out to support the dances. The Tribe also hosted a Hand-Game Contest paying out $5,000 in prize money.

Baby Board Class

Cultural Preservation

Repatriation Repatriation is the return of ancestral remains and funerary objects to the Tribe. In June 2021, the Cultural Department repatriated 13 human remains for UC Berkeley. The Cultural Department was given back remains of a Wintu woman and her children to rebury near the Turtle Bay Museum.

pom hondamis yomoyle Each year the Redding Rancheria holds a memorial day ~ pom hondamis yomoyle baada (I will remember you always) to remember the Tribal Members who have passed the previous year.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day The Tribe participates and helps coordinate the Indigenous Peoples’ Day event in Shasta County each year.

Traditional Medicine Workshop Sage LaPena shared her traditional knowledge on the healing properties of local plants.

Sacred Sites The Cultural Department visited culturally significant sites of the Wintu People. Nor El Muk Elder Bob Burns shared his knowledge regarding locations of old Wintu burial sites.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls The Tribe participates yearly to bring awareness to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. To honor these women and girls, many paint their faces and wear a hand print over their mouth to symbolize that they will not be silenced.

Reburial of Wintu Remains