MCHS students attend screening of ‘Miwuk’

On Thursday, Oct. 23, over 350 students and faculty members gathered in the Mariposa County High School auditorium to watch the updated “Miwuk” documentary.

This screening marked the second time the film was shown in this particular auditorium since its premiere on Feb. 8, 2020.

Like the previous screening in 2020, it was a packed house.

Following the screening, students and teachers had the opportunity to engage in a discussion with Sandra Chapman, Chairwoman of the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation.

They delved into the pressing issues facing the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation, particularly the lack of government recognition.

Many students expressed confusion about why the U.S. government hasn’t recognized the tribe and sought answers to how they could overcome these obstacles.

Chapman shared valuable insights into the measures the tribe has taken to address these challenges.

One such measure is the purchase of land, which aims to secure future recognition.

Chapman also mentioned that the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein had written a letter in support of the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation to the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Office of Federal Acknowledgment.

In conclusion, Chapman emphasized the importance of education and community service to the students.

In other news, one of the local community access cable channels in El Dorado County, which includes the city of Placerville, will be airing “Miwuk” in the near future.

Additionally, the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation will soon be releasing the updated version of the film on DVD for sale.

For those who missed the original screening of “Miwuk,” it is still available online.

The YouTube link to “Miwuk” can be located through BillLowe.org on the link page.

As of now, the film has garnered nearly 20,000 views.