Maidu History of Indian Valley

July 31, 2010


This tour travels through beautiful Indian Valley in northern Plumas County, stopping at sites that are historically and culturally significant for the Mountain Maidu. Farrell Cunningham, a Mountain Maidu historian who has lived in Indian Valley for most of his life, guides this tour. Farrell has a wealth of knowledge about the history, culture, and plants and animals of Indian Valley. Farrell captivates tour participants year after year with his fascinating and witty stories.


Discussing Maidu history in the Indian Valley Museum in Taylorsville.	Tour participants learn about Maidu culture in picturesque Indian Valley.

Here’s what past participants had to say about this tour: “Farrell is a treasure. He knows Maidu history very well.” – 2008 tour participant “The Sierra Institute has figured out how to provide great tours!” – 2008 tour participant "Farrell's lecture touched my heart." - 2007 tour participant


Farrell describes a traditional Maidu home at an old village site near Taylorsville.	On a stop below Arlington Rock, Farrell discusses spiritual wars and creation stories.

Tour itinerary (tentative)
10:00 AM	Meet at Sierra Institute office in Taylorsville - introduction to the day’s events and tour guides
10:20	Indian Valley Museum – tour the Maidu Room
10:45	Depart museum - Point out CHI-LU-AM-IN-KO-MI
10:50	Arlington Road/Johnson Ranch area - discuss spiritual wars and creation stories
11:30	Drive through Crescent Mills and Greenville and discuss historic sites along the way
11:50	Indian Mission site - discuss the old Indian mission and school
12:20	Peter Lassen Marker - learn about the first non-Maidu settlement in the valley
12:55	Fickardt’s Point - discuss Maidu basket-making and ceremonies that were held in the valley
1:35	Lunch at Taylorsville Park - discuss Maidu natural resource management
2:30	Taylorsville Park - visit an old village site
3:00	Return to the Sierra Institute office

Register for this tour online or call us at (530) 284-1022

We offer discounts if you register for more than one tour (per person) in advance. Call for details: (530) 284-1022.

Calloutstory goes here

Callout copy goes here and here and here and here and so on and so on