By some estimations the history of indigenous or native tribes in northern Nevada dates back 11,000 year; some would say even earlier than that.
What we do know for sure is that the number of people able to speak or understand the ancient languages of the Paiute, Washoe and Shoshone tribes is diminishing at an alarming pace.
This week's Someone 2 Know aims to change that. After growing up on the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, Christina Thomas began learning and teaching the Northern Paiute language and is making sure others have the same opportunity.
We caught up with Thomas at the one of recording studios on the campus of University of Nevada, Reno, and were treated to the sound of her beautiful singing and drumming.
The music, songs and language of the Northern Paiute people are a driving force in the life of Christina Thomas, and she's doing everything in her power to make sure the ancient culture she was born into, is honored and preserved.
"I’m recording songs that have not been recorded in a studio, ‘cuz all of our songs have been handed down from generations or elders to people,” explains Thomas, who humbly considers herself a language warrior and cultural heritage protector.
After finishing undergrad work at UNR, Christina is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Native American studies at UC Davis. But home is northern Nevada.
"I am Northern Paiute, Western Shoshone and Hopi."
It was in her early 20's Thomas says, when a genuine curiosity about her culture began to take shape, and while attending University of Nevada, Reno.
"Why do we not have an indigenous language here?"
Thomas petitioned for Paiute language classes to become part of the curriculum.
"UNR literally sits on our traditional ancestral lands, where our people have been since time immemorial.”
It took a lot of research, a proposal and a few years, but Christina Thomas made it happen. As of 2019 UNR now offers a Paiute language class
“This past August (2019) is when it started and it's doing really well.”
And then, came the pandemic. Thomas and a friend began collecting items to help the kids and elders in their community.
"... Gloves, mask and sanitizer and lets go pick some of our traditional medicine Sawabe, which is sage and Tsoodoope, which is Indian tea."
They've delivered baskets and bags all over the region. And all the while Christina big plans persist.
“One of my ultimate goals is to establish an immersion school.”
And of course to finish the official recording of Northern Paiute songs (which are too beautiful to miss – check the video version of this story to listen).
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Christina tells us she has similar goals for the other indigenous languages of our region.
Right now, she is raising funds to provide school supplies for children living in Nevada’s poverty-stricken reservations and colonies. ***This weekend they are stuffing bags for the kids - and still need some supplies
TO SUPPORT THE EFFORT – money can be donated using VENMO @nativesongbird - OR
Christina Thomas can be reached by
email cmathomas@ucdavis.edu
or phone 775-240-3260
