22 Photos to Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ History Day in California

On October 22nd, the Shasta Historical Society partnered with representatives from local California tribes to commemorate indigenous history in Downtown Redding.

Our friend Paula Schultz was at the event and captured some great images for us. Please enjoy her great recap of the day as well as her outstanding photos.

This year was the second annual Indigenous Peoples' History event organized by the Shasta Historical Society in collaboration with local tribes & Native and non-Native community members.

The mission of this year's event and the special Undamming History performance was to provide a more truthful, inclusive account of Shasta County history, promote community healing & understanding, & increase community awareness of how the historical treatment of Native Peoples continue to affect their communities & access to justice today.

Along with the “Undamming History” performance the day's event also included a special performance by The Thundering Moccasins Dance Company. Their goal is to bring awareness to all Native Americans through song and dance. Many tribes are losing their cultural ways, land, sovereignty, and recognition. They wish to educate and help to give a better understanding of why certain things are still very important, and to carry on, and pass on their traditions to our youth.

Other performances included, Chris La Marr of WithOut Rezervation, one of the first rap groups composed of Native American singers. La Marr, aka M.C. the Messenger, is a native Californian and a member of the Pit River/Paiute tribe. As well as rappers Louis Gustofson (Pitt Fox) & Jonny Riggins (J Riggs) of Pitt Crue. Pitt Crue has been making music and performing for over 5 years. Their music is a platform to make songs that have a strong positive message, enabling them to perform at all age events.

This event was supported by Cascade Theatre, Ide Adobe Park, Local Indians for Education, Shasta County Art Council, & Turtle Bay Exploration Park. A collaboration with the five historical Indigenous Tribes of Shasta and the Shasta Historical Society.