California Valley Miwok Tribe Celebrates Native American Heritage Month
By CVMTPublished On: December 10, 2016Categories: Culture
California Valley Miwok Tribe Celebrates Native American Heritage Month
Tribal representative Tiger Paulk explains the history of the Tribe and of current events before introducing tribal members Mildred Burley and Michele Burley.
California Valley Miwok Tribe Celebrates Native American Heritage Month
Tribal elder/artisan/oral historian and language retentionist Mildred Burley (center) speaks of her early life growing up in a Native American village as one of the last full bloods of her people.
California Valley Miwok Tribe Celebrates Native American Heritage Month
Tribal elder Mildred Burley is seen here specifically answering a question by one of the many attendees at the Native American Heritage event.
California Valley Miwok Tribe Celebrates Native American Heritage Month
Tribal elder Mildred Burley answered many questions from attendees about the customs and culture that she was raised within that is known by so few today.
California Valley Miwok Tribe Celebrates Native American Heritage Month
Tribal Secretary and ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) Assistant Michele Burley also addressed those in attendance and elaborated from time to time on questions raised.
California Valley Miwok Tribe Celebrates Native American Heritage Month
Some items handmade by tribal elder/artisan Mildred Burley for display at the event show basket weaving, jewelry and doll making. Many items pictured were gifted to participating attendees of the event.
California Valley Miwok Tribe Celebrates Native American Heritage Month
Tribal elder/artisan Mildred Burley also brought a basket and material in the process of being completed so those attending could get a better idea of the basket weaving process.
November is Native American Heritage Month, also referred to as “American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month”.
This year the California Valley Miwok Tribe was honored in being asked to share information about itself and its culture in celebration of this month.
Representatives from the Tribe were invited by the Affirmative Employment Coordinator for PINA (Pacific Islander Native American), to come to the Western Regional Office of the Bureau of Federal Prisons.
The Tribe shared much about its history and culture to a packed conference room. Tribal Elder Mildred Burley, the last born at Six Mile Rancheria, gave special insight with her early life experiences living strictly within a Native American-only community until the age of eight.Until the Tribe actually organized in 1998 under G.C. 98-01, her great-grandfather Jefferson Davis/Indian Jeff was the only individual who ever took an official action on behalf of the previous Sheep Ranch Rancheria, now known as the California Valley Miwok Tribe.
Also in attendance to share and answer questions at this event were tribal member Michele Burley and Tiger Paulk.
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