Visibility Through Art ~ Remembering

"Visibility Through Art ~ Remembering" is a project to bring focus to the culture and history of Nevada City's first people, the Nisenan. "Remembering" is a continuation of the 2018 Nisenan Heritage Day art event, "Visibility Through Art - Invisible No More". Building on the success of that event, CHIRP has proposed a series of art installations that shine a light on the people who made this land their home long before the Gold Rush.

Local artist, Jenny Hale , works with the California Heritage IndigenousResearch Project  (CHIRP), Nevada City Rancheria Tribal Council  and the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce to install a series of artworks in windows throughout Nevada City, CA. during Victorian Christmas and the Wild & Scenic Film Festival. Funds from this project will pay for the costs associated with the art installation, publicity and educational materials.  

                                                                                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Background:

The Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe was once a Federally recognized Tribe until illegally terminated in 1964. Tribal members have been working to have their Federal status restored for many years. Regaining recognition would provide the Tribe with access to Federal programs, land and other resources that would have a huge impact on the wellbeing of this endangered Tribal community.  The Tribe has started a campaign for their recognition and it starts by gaining visibility here at home. 

History and land are two aspects that many in Nevada City, CA take pride in and identify themselves with. The Yuba River, historic downtown, Gold Rush artifacts...these all capture the hearts of residents and visitors alike. But the story is much deeper than this and it continues into today.  There is a much older history here that did not start with the Gold Rush. The Nisenan people lived here in these watersheds for thousands of years. 

The local Nisenan once numbered over 10,000. After a near genocide, displacement from ancestral homelands and years of oppression, they are still among us, largely invisible. Though they are now a small Tribe of 144, their connection to this land as their home remains unbroken.  Compounding this dire situation, the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan are not Federally recognized as a Tribe. As a result they are not entitled to Tribal land of their own, leaving them with no place for the culture to have a solid foundation.


                                                                                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Project: 

In the spirit of "Invisible No More ~ Remembering", the concept of the artwork is to place large, backlight images of archetypical figures of the Nisenan from pre-contact (before the Gold Rush) times, into the view of residents and visitors. The goal of this installation is to bring about awareness of local historic and current issues through the medium of art. This project is part of a larger effort to address the current plight of the Nisenan of the Nevada City Rancheria and their fight to regain their Federal Recognition through public conversation and visibility. 

                                                                                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About Us: 

California Heritage Indigenous Research Project (CHIRP) is a Nevada City based non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve, protect and perpetuate Nisenan culture and population. In service to this mission, CHIRP has been developing a Community Art Component as a means to telling the Nisenan story. The "Invisible No More ~ Remembering" project is a continuation of the “Visibility Through Art ~ Invisible No More “ art reception, which was a key part of Nisenan Heritage Day 2018. Building upon this successful show, CHIRP has proposed a series of public artworks that shine a light on the people that made their home in these watersheds before the Gold Rush.