| Abstract: |
This report describes accomplishments of the Forest Services's Tribal Relations Program in California, highlighting coordinated efforts with tribal governments and Native American communities throughout California's national forests. The regional office provided intensive training on federal-tribal relations to key staff throughout the region, and developed a draft Regional Tribal Government Resource Book and videotapes on working together with California tribal communities. Local projects in 14 national forests embraced a broad range of efforts in ecosystem and resource management, economic revitalization, heritage resource interpretation, creation of cultural centers, and cultural events aimed at increasing awareness of both Native Americans and the general public visiting the areas. Youth programs included the reconstruction of a Contact Period house in the Cleveland National Forest, environmental restoration work crews, and temporary resource management jobs in many forests. Cultural education activities included the production of two volumes on ethnobotanical resources in the El Dorado National Forest, documentation and demonstration of traditional food gathering and food preparation, redevelopment of basket-making material resources, and taped interviews and video documentation of elders. (RAH) |