SACRAMENTO, Calif. — There's a new exhibit honoring Native Americans at the Sacramento History Museum in Old Sacramento State Historic Park. The exhibit is called Mómtim Péwinan. That means River People in the Nisenan language.
The Sacramento History Museum partnered with the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians to present the exhibit to the public.
The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians is a federally recognized Indian tribe. The mission is "to protect and enhance the quality of life of its members by preserving, protecting and promoting its history, culture and traditions."
Jacky Calanchini is with the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. She's one of many artists who helped create the exhibit and says each item on display tells a story.
"It's exciting to provide this space to the public to represent ourselves," Calanchini said. "We have a lot of stories in tribal communities. This exhibit is less about the history of the tribe and more about the gifts from the rivers that we are able to utilize and reconnect our community to. Everything was specifically made for educational purposes for the museum."
The exhibit features several items, like four full-sized mannequins dressed in seasonal attire. There's also regalia, tools, instruments and games, created by today's tribal artisans using techniques and knowledge of their ancestors.
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Delta Pick Mello is with the Sacramento History Museum. She says the exhibit is permanent. The museum is encouraging everyone to visit the exhibit and learn more about contemporary Nisenan culture.
"The Sacramento History Museum's mission is to explore Sacramento's past and share the stories of its diverse communities," Pick Mello said. "The amazing thing about the exhibit is that all of the items are made today. They are made new, specifically for the exhibit. We will continue to, well beyond Native American Heritage Month, tell the story of our Native American community."
Calanchini explains the importance of the exhibit as well as recognizing Native people, history and culture year-round.
"I think it's important not to forget that we are still around," Calanchini said. "We want to advocate for the land and the waterways because it's really a way for us to reconnect to our history."
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