Gold, Greed and Genocide: the Ongoing Impacts of the California Gold Rush

On January 24th , 1848 gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill with devastating impacts on the Indigenous Peoples and environment in California that continue to this day. Join us on the 167th anniversary of the start of the California Gold Rush to recognize those who were most affected, understand the ongoing impacts and find out what you can do to support current struggles for cultural and environmental restoration and human rights in California.

2 PM: Traditional Ohlone welcome and cultural opening
2:30 Words of Welcome and Introduction, Pit River and IITC
2:45 Screening of award winning film “Gold, Greed and Genocide” presenting the California
Gold Rush from the perspective of the California Indigenous Peoples
3:00 Panel of California Indian Leaders presenting historic and ongoing impacts of the Gold Rush, including mercury contamination in Northern California and a discussion of next steps and current work.
5:00: Presentation of international work to reduce mercury contamination and eliminate the use of mercury-based dental amalgam by Indian Health Service
5:30: Refreshments/light meal

Presenters and panelists include:

IITC Board member Radley Davis, Pit River Nation;
IITC Executive Director Andrea Carmen, Yaqui Nation; Pit River Tribal Chairman Mickey Gemmill Jr.; James Brown, former Chairman, Elem Pomo Tribe; Clayton Duncan, Shagom/Robinson Pomo; Corrina Gould, Chochenyo Ohlone, Indian People Organizing for Change; Morningstar Gali, Pit River Tribal Historic Preservation Officer and Rochelle Diver, IITC Environmental Health Program Coordinator

Special thanks to the Pit River Tribe, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the Groundswell Foundation for their support of this event. There is no charge for this event and all are welcome.