On Saturday, December 15th, 2012, the California Valley Miwok Tribe met with representatives from Little Thunder Films and invited guests from the Nashville-Eldorado Miwok Tribe, and Ms. Rose Mose, Cultural Resource Consultant for CVMT.
Asata Radcliffe, Writer/Filmaker is currently filming a documentary and starting early next year, will be making a short film to be produced in the Davis area. The film documents the impact that digital media has had on the print industry. Asata’s concern is with the expedient moves the government makes as it converts most print documents into digital form. This drastic change directly impacts everyone, but most severely are those who are low income, seniors citizens, and people who live in remote communities. With a large percent of the Native communities lacking high speed internet access, among other communications and transportation accessibility issues, this documentary wants to personally explore how this affects not only the tribal community, but how it impacts individuals in these communities. What are the methods of communication to tribal members (email, regular mail)? Also, if anyone in the community is interested in film production on acting.
The discussion at the meeting consisted of what access regarding challenges and/or progress have the local Miwok tribes experienced relating to digital technology, such as lack of access to digital technology at homes, schools, and/or postal services. Discussion also centered on the question of transportation issues (getting to internet access points) and computer training. Another issue brought to the table was in regards to the switch of more books being converted to digital format, and how that conversion is affecting the tribal communities. The end result of the Little Thunder Films presentation was extremely informative in both giving and receiving feedback. Also, it was a pleasure to work together with the Nashville-Eldorado Miwok Tribe.
The California Valley Miwok Tribe hopes that Miss Radcliffe and her film crew will gain strength from the many people they meet in their endeavors to bring light to the many issues facing all Tribal Nations starting with their current project of exploring how the local and global impact of digital media is affecting tribal communities.
As the presentation was winding down, CVMT took the opportunity to present Ms. Rose Mose with a plaque, a “Tribal Acknowledgment for her Unwavering Dedication in Protecting the Miwok Cultural Resources in California”. In closing, CVMT would like to thank Chairman Cosme A. Valdez of the Nashville-Eldorado Miwok Tribe for their tribe’s participation; Ms. Asata Radcliffe and her associates at The Little Thunder Films for their presentation; and Ms. Rose Mose, Cultural Resource Consultant for CVMT, for her attendance. Happy Holidays to you all.
