Preserving Our Heritage: A Heartfelt Thanks to Curry County Cultural Coalition

In the heart of Curry County, where the whispers of ancient stories still linger in the air and the land holds the footprints of generations past, a remarkable journey has been underway. It's a journey to preserve the rich Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) that has been lovingly passed down through the ages by our Coast Dee-ni' Tribal Elders.

This endeavor, which has already begun and will continue, has been made possible through the invaluable support of the Curry County Cultural Coalition. Their generous funding has breathed life into our project and allowed us to take a significant step toward preserving the very essence of our culture.

Collecting and Preserving Our TEK

Through a generous grant provided by the Curry County Cultural Coalition, we have embarked on a mission to collect, document, and preserve the wealth of TEK that resides within the stories, genealogy, and ecological wisdom of our Elders. These cherished insights are not only a testament to our history but also a guiding light for our future generations.

With the funding, we were able to purchase on-location (often outdoor) audio recording equipment, ensuring that the voices of our Elders are captured with the utmost clarity and precision. Additionally, we have acquired an annual subscription to CatalogIt, a powerful tool for organizing and preserving our audio recordings, ecological information, and historical data. These investments are invaluable in our quest to safeguard our heritage.

Empowering Our Youth

In this journey of cultural preservation, we have also engaged our Tribal youth, ensuring that the flame of our traditions continues to burn brightly. This funding has enabled us to provide educational opportunities to our youth, allowing them to actively participate in the recording and interviewing process.

A Grateful Heart

As we reflect on the progress we've made and the impact we've already begun to witness, our hearts are filled with gratitude. The Curry County Cultural Coalition's belief in our mission has been a beacon of hope, driving us to work tirelessly to ensure that the history, wisdom, and culture of the Coast dee-ni' people endure.

A Pledge to Preserve

With every recording, every story collected, and every moment shared with our Elders, we reaffirm our commitment to preserving our heritage. We also pledge to continue our collaboration with the Curry County Cultural Coalition, honoring their trust in us.

To the Curry County Cultural Coalition, we extend our deepest appreciation for being our partners in this noble endeavor. Together, we are weaving a tapestry of culture, resilience, and love that will withstand the test of time.