Indian Canyon, California facts for kids
Indian Canyon, once called Indian Gulch, is a special place in California. It's the only land between Sonoma and Santa Barbara officially recognized by the U.S. government as Native American territory. This land is part of the original home of the Costanoan-Ohlone people.
It's a sacred place where Native Americans can gather for traditional ceremonies. Before 1978, Native Americans couldn't freely practice their spiritual traditions. This changed with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act.
The canyon itself is about a mile long. It has lots of trees, flowing streams, and a beautiful waterfall. There are over 30 gathering spots and nine sweat lodges for ceremonies. People from all over the world, like the Maori from New Zealand and the Gwich’in from Alaska, come to the canyon's arbor. They share stories, chants, and dances, celebrating their cultures.
Ann-Marie Sayers: A Leader for Indian Canyon
Ann-Marie Sayers is an important Mutsun Ohlone leader. She used to be the tribal chair of the Indian Canyon Nation. Ann-Marie grew up right in Indian Canyon. Her great-grandfather was given a piece of this land in 1911. This was part of a program called a "trust allotment."
Reclaiming Ancestral Land
In 1998, after an 8-year legal battle, Ann-Marie Sayers won a big case. She used a law called the Dawes Act (also known as the Allotment Act of 1887) to get back land in Indian Canyon. This land had belonged to her family for many centuries. Her victory helped protect this important Native American territory.
Protecting Native Culture and History
Ann-Marie Sayers also directs the Costanoan Indian Research, Inc. This group is based in Indian Canyon. Their main goal is to protect Native American artifacts. They also work to return these important historical items to their original tribal groups.
In 2015, Ann-Marie Sayers joined other religious leaders. They protested against a drilling method called fracking. This protest happened during Pope Francis's visit to the United States.
Ann-Marie Sayers' inspiring story is featured in a short film. It's called In the Land of My Ancestors. A photojournalist named Rucha Chitnis produced this documentary.
