VMM Spotlight: the Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-wuk Indians of California

We Support Vision Maker Media!

LeeAnn at the Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-wuk Indians of California, tells why the Tribe supports Vision Maker Media.

“The Tribe likes what you are doing and they are very supportive of youth and community,” says LeeAnn.

In 1958, U.S. Congress passed the California Rancheria Act, which terminated the federally recognized status of 41 Rancherias within the state, including that of Chicken Ranch Rancheria. In 1979, they worked to restore their reservation status and in 1985 regained their federally recognized status.

The Rancheria Act is primarily responsible for a tremendous loss of much of the Tribe’s culture, religion, ceremonies, language and lands. The Tribe is now actively working toward learning and regaining vital attributes of their culture, history, and language in hopes of restoring them within the Tribal community.

“The loss was not just of family and land but they lost their stories. I believe this is why they are interested in listening to stories—as they are trying to figure out their own,” LeeAnn said.

Donor support from Tribes like the Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-wuk Indians of California is so important to continue Vision Maker Media’s mission of empowering and engaging Native people to share stories, and a donor’s support helps make change.

Walt Pourier

Vice Chair

Walt is Oglala Lakota and created the logo for Urban Rez. He is Creative Director, owner of Nakota Designs Advertising Designs and Graphics. Executive Director of the Stronghold Society nonprofit dedicated to instilling hope and supporting youth movements through Live Life Call To Action Campaigns.

JORDANA BASS

Project Coordinator​

(Hataža Mani Winga)​

"Cinema Aficionado"

Role: Jordana is excited to engage with different Native/Indigenous communities. Her passion for working with youth will help develop the Native Youth Media Project. She will also assist with the Creative Shorts Fellowship (CSF) to help organize deliverables for filmmakers.