The Winnemem Wintu Tribe, whose traditional territories stretch from Mt. Shasta, along the McCloud River to the Sacramento River, narrowly missed a wildfire disaster last week. The recent Fawn Wildfire in Redding, California, swept in early morning and as the tribe evacuated, the fire came up the west slope of Bear Mountain and quickly burned down the other side as firefighters fought it to the west edge of the village. The blaze endangered the homes of approximately 40 people and the area for the construction of the new Round House, a ceremonial place of prayer practiced by many California tribes up and down the state, before it was stopped just ten to twenty feet away.

 

The tribe has been training in wildfire response. Winnemem young men are part of the wildfire cleanup and monitor teams. However to specifically keep their village safe, equipment the tribe needs equipment to upkeep about five acres on which houses, out buildings, barn, corral and eventually the Round House stand. A working tractor is critically necessary to keep the dry grass down on five acres, and deal with heavy logs, digging fire lines and trenches around the living area far enough out that a wildfire has less chance to get so close to the village again.

 

Equally relevant regarding wildfire response is the Winnemem obligation to balance fire and water spiritually, through ceremony. When completed, the new Round House will be specifically for returning Fire and Water into balance. Chief Caleen Sisk was told that where the prayer fires are not being lit, the waters flood in; and where the water is being abused, the fires rush in. Even though Northern California is the main source of California water, the northernmost part of the state has been in drought because of historical mismanagement favoring big agriculture. What happens when there is a drought in the region where water should be plentiful? Dangerous wildfires plague the area every summer now for three years, destroying homes and taking lives. A tractor is also key for a powerful ceremonial response to the wildfires. Constructing the Round House is the immediate and heavy task that remains. For the past three years, the young men have worked on digging out the floor, carving the directional poles and the giant pole in front. The tribe's feather and regalia artist has made the outfits for the Round House dancers and spirits of that dance. The songs have come in. There is a Round House Captain and songs. But we are stymied at the point of finishing the final construction of the actual building, which will allow Round House peoples from all over the state to come together. For this final phase, a tractor and a portable mill are needed, to prepare and raise the structural timbers of the Round House. The requested amount represents about half of the fire protection goal, but it is a start. Whatever is given will be received with gratitude.

I am Misa Joo, tribal member of the Winnemem Wintu Tribe. All funds raised will go directly into the Indian Cultural Organization (ICO) a 501c3, the non-profit organization of the Winnemem Wintu Tribe, to be used toward buying a tractor and equipment for fire preparedness.