Bernadette Smith, from the Manchester band of Pomo Indians, weaves the story of her Tan Oak conservation efforts in Northern California into a contemporary Indigenous dance piece created to honor the sacred, traditional food of California Natives. The “Acorn Dance” is performed on Sogorea Te’ Land Trust in Huichin on Ohlone Territory (Albany, CA).
Featuring:
Bernadette Smith, Manchester Band of Pomo Indians: The Acorn Project
Kanyon Coyotewoman Sayers-Roods, Mutsun-Ohlone & Chumash: The Acorn Project
Shirley Carrillo, Manchester Band of Pomo Indians: Youth Dancer
Victoria Montaño, Yaqui & Mexikah: Land Steward, Sogorea Te’ Land Trust / Gill Tract Farm
Linda Mai Green: Director
Ethan Goldwater: Cinematographer
Ryan York: Sound Recordist and Mix
Tiśina Ta-till-ium Parker, Yosemite Miwuk, Mono Lake Paiute, and Kashia Pomo: Social Impact Producer, Project Direction, Native Liaison
Stella Adelman: Producer
Dance & Choreography:
Emily Johnson: Acorn Dance, catalyst & commission
Rulan Tangen: Acorn Dance, choreography & artistic direction
Music:
"Song for the Tan Oak:" Written, produced & performed by Esmé Olivia, featuring Bernadette Smith. Kashia Pomo words spoken by Bun Lucas, Anita Silva & Essie Parrish, collected from ling.upenn.edu.
Funded in part by California Arts Council.
A Hover Pictures Production.
Chishkale: The Blessing of the Acorn // Documentary Short // Directed by Linda Mai Green
In this film we meet Bernadette Smith (Manchester band of Pomo Indians), who created a contemporary dance to spread awareness about acorn and Tan Oak trees as California Native heritage. Shot at Gill Tract Community Farm, part of Sogorea Te Land Trust in Huichin, on Ohlone territory. Produced by Dance Mission Theater with support from the California Arts Council. Shot and produced by Hover Pictures.