CVMT Presents Miwok Cultural Presentation at the University of the Pacific, Stockton
California Valley Miwok Tribal Representative Tiger Paulk went into detail of the complete history of the tribe from the tribes very beginnings to the current state of affairs within Indian country and of the plight of the tribe in protecting it's sovereignty from outside interference at the opening of the presentation. Tribal elder, artisan, language retentionist, and the only true living individual with first hand knowledge of the tribes peoples, tribal elder Mildred Burley also pictured is seen preparing her display.
CVMT Presents Miwok Cultural Presentation at the University of the Pacific, Stockton
At the conclusion of tribal representative Tiger Paulks presentation he gave an in-depth introduction of the tribes most beloved asset tribal elder Mildred Burley after which she presented all aspects of the Miwok culture throughout the remainder of the tribes presentation.
CVMT Presents Miwok Cultural Presentation at the University of the Pacific, Stockton
One of the many aspects of Miwok culture that Tribal Elder Mildred Burley shared with university students and faculty on this day was cultural regalia with traditional shells and beading made by herself and worn when at gatherings and dances which she has attended. Mildred went into great detail as to its significance. Afterwards she had representative Paulk walk throughout those whom attended for better veiwing.
CVMT Presents Miwok Cultural Presentation at the University of the Pacific, Stockton
In this picture CVMT Tribal Elder Mildred Burley is seen making a just one of her many representations of which she spoke in her traditional Miwok language and then translated into English.
CVMT Presents Miwok Cultural Presentation at the University of the Pacific, Stockton
California Valley Miwok Tribal Elder Mildred Burley recognized by the tribe as it's only true living historian seen here answering one of the many questions asked during the presentation for her tribe at the university of the Pacific. There was much interaction and the sharing of the many aspects of the tribe and its culture brought questions throughout the presentation.
CVMT Presents Miwok Cultural Presentation at the University of the Pacific, Stockton
In this picture Tribal Elder Mildred Burley shares aspects of the traditional "hand game" showing the games actual playing "deer bone" pieces and explaining the rules and how the game is played. She also demonstrated by playing the game with faculty and students alike. Mildred herself plays on a championship hand game team.
CVMT Presents Miwok Cultural Presentation at the University of the Pacific, Stockton
In this picture while answering questions over historical aspects of Miwok life one can see the many artistic displays that Tribal Elder Mildred Burley created and brought with her to the presentation. Traditional dolls with pine needle bodies and oak ball heads.nVarious jewelry items utilizing shells, beads, bone, acorns and feathers. Traditional miwok "Pulak-a" miwok word for basket and open scarf showing the hand game sticks used earlier while playing "hand game". Also on far edge of table were brief history handouts that were distributed to all those whom attended.
CVMT Presents Miwok Cultural Presentation at the University of the Pacific, Stockton
Here a university official is seen walking back to other attendees to share a traditional "rattle" "Tukal-al-y" that was brought as part of the presentation. It is made from deer bone with deer hoves attached by buckskin. Tribal Elder Mildred Burley also seen herenis explaining its significance and use during cultural dancing and singing.
CVMT Presents Miwok Cultural Presentation at the University of the Pacific, Stockton
All items created by California Miwok Tribal Elder Mildred for the University of the Pacific presentation as in all of her presentations are meant to be gifted to those in attendance. Here Professor Mariela Guzman whom extended the invitation and worked with Tribal Officials to make this day possible personally accepts a basket Mildred made especially for her. Professor Guzman wanted to enrich those whom are currently attending her class, ( first semester class for foreign students) in the culture of the areas first peoples which the University of the Pacific is located within.
CVMT Presents Miwok Cultural Presentation at the University of the Pacific, Stockton
At the end of the presentation this picture was taken with California Valley Miwok Presenters and a large section of the students of the, ( first semester class for foreign students). The California Valley Miwok Tribe attended on this day at the invitation of the classes professor Mariela Guzman.
CVMT Presents Miwok Cultural Presentation at the University of the Pacific, Stockton
Here tribal representatives and university officials pose for a picture taken at the end of the class. Seated from left to right:nCVMT representative Tiger Paulk, Tribal elder/atisian/ cultural representative Mildred Burleyn nStanding left to right: University of the Pacific Professor Mariela Guzman and the Professor's assistant.
On September 26th, 2017, the California Valley Miwok Tribe visited the campus of the University of the Pacific, located at 3601 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95211. The reason for the visit was at the invitation from Professor Mariela Guzman, who wanted her students to experience the culture of the area’s first peoples. Professor Guzman teaches the first semester class for foreign students at UOP and wanted her class to experience the first culture to inhabit the area in which they are now attending higher education.
The California Valley Miwok Tribe is a federally recognized Miwok tribe located in the Stockton area of San Joaquin county. It is descended from indigenous beginnings that go back eight thousand years within the valley. The valley floor was inhabited at one time by many Miwok peoples. The Miwok population in the valley though was devastated over centuries from the encroachment of Europeans, beginning with Spanish explorers and culminating with the ill effects of the gold rush.
Many valley Miwoks whom survived, not wishing to be assimilated into local society and wishing to remain within their culture, scattered to the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas, which was still populated with many Miwok peoples.
The California Valley Miwok Tribe many years ago came back to re-establish its tribal presence in this historically aboriginal Miwok territory. So when Professor Mariela Guzman contacted the Tribe wanting to share the local Miwoks rich culture with her students as part of their education, the tribal officers worked with her to set aside a time in which our eldest living tribal member whom best represents our peoples would be able to attend.
We would like to thank Professor Mariela Guzman for the invitation, the University of the Pacific for allowing us to bring our diversity to their classroom, all faculty and students whom were in attendance and participated in the presentation and to our tribal elder Mildred Burley for the sharing of our culture, customs and history as the most knowledgeable representative of our tribe
The California Valley Miwok Tribal Council
For more information on the University of the Pacific and the classes’ times and curriculum, offered please click on the active link below.
