“We want the history and present realities of the Winnemem Wintu tribe from our point of view to be included in a permanent exhibit in the visitor center on Shasta Dam to accurately represent the suffering we have endured for the State of California’s water supply. It is only right that our sacrifice and contribution to California be acknowledged.”

— Winnemem Wintu letter to Shasta Dam officials

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Redding, CA — The Winnemem Wintu and supporters stage a protest to oppose a federal project that would raise the height of Shasta Dam another 18 and a half feet. September 25, 2019. Tom Levy/The Spiritual Edge

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By Judy Silber

A few years ago, I stumbled onto the story of the Winnemem Wintu people, an indigenous people of Northern California. Theirs is an epic tale and it grabbed hold of me. For several years, I tagged along with them whenever I could. 

I was around so much, they started teasing me. The large fuzzy windscreens of my recording setup earned me a nickname. The Winnemem Wintu and their close friends call me and my microphone Gray Squirrel. 

Shasta Lake, CA — The Winnemem Wintu and allies protest the lack of information about the harm caused by Shasta Dam. September 25, 2019. Tom Levy/The Spiritual Edge

Redding, CA — Rebekah Olstad places a sign to call attention to the negative impacts of dams on Chinook salmon. September 25, 2019. Tom Levy/The Spiritual Edge

Shasta Lake, CA — Winnemem Wintu song leader Helene Sisk joins a protest outside the Shasta Dam Visitor Center. September 25, 2019. Tom Levy/The Spiritual Edge

Shasta Lake, CA — The Winnemem Wintu want to deliver a letter to a U.S. Bureau of Reclamation official, but are told no one is around. September 25, 2019. Tom Levy/The Spiritual Edge

<img class="thumb-image" elementtiming="system-gallery-block-slideshow" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ed4435d88bbf70a4e383ba8/1661279618627-IVJM29DZXBB3CW49JYZD/Caleen%40VisitorCtr1_2019_TL_1400px+%281%29.jpg" data-image-dimensions="1400x813" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt=" Shasta Lake, CA — Chief Caleen Sisk is flustered when her attempt to deliver a letter to U.S. Bureau of Reclamation officials is rebuffed. September 25, 2019. Tom Levy/The S