They are Still Here: Learn about Nisenan lands, language, and identity on Dec. 2nd

November 19, 2019 – On Monday, December 2nd, 2019 at 5:30 p.m., renowned linguist and leader in the field of Native American language reclamation and preservation, Dr. Sheri J. Tatsch, will present an informative lecture highlighting language revitalization efforts of the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe. Dr. Tatsch will give the audience an insight into the autonomy and diversity of the Nisenan people using mapping, early California history and her experience working with the Nisenan people to preserve their critically-endangered language.

“Language comes from the land and makes us who we are as Indian people. Nisenan territory is made up of many different ‘language districts’ and the Nisenan language has at least 12 known dialects. As the landscape changes, so do the dialects. Therefore, our geographic individuality and Tribal identities are inseparable from the land; Reclaiming the language that our Ancestors were forbidden to speak is not only a reclamation of self-identity, but of our Tribal Sovereignty.” Quote from Shelly Covert, Spokesperson for the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe and Executive Director of the California Heritage: Indigenous Research Project (CHIRP).

The talk will be held in the Gene Albaugh Community Room at the Madelyn Helling Library and is the second of a four-part speaker series. The project is a partnership between the Nevada County Community Library and the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan, “The Voice of the Nisenan: We Are Still Here.” This grant, funded by the Library Services and Technology Act and administered by the California State Library, seeks to create opportunities for the public to learn about Nisenan culture, history, and language. Other components of this project include Nisenan-language picture books and an online collection of Nisenan language, films, interactive GIS map, and more.

For more information about library programs, visit the Events Calendar at mynevadacounty.com/library, or call 530-265-7050. For more information about the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe or their nonprofit CHIRP, visit www.nisenan.org, or call 530-570-0846.