Chishkale: The Blessing of the Acorn Cultural Dance Film

Indigenous culture meets activism through dance in this video featuring the Northern Californian Pomo Indians. They encourage nature conservation efforts through the Acorn Dance, created to honor traditional food and ways of living. Featuring: Bernadette Smith, Manchester Band of Pomo Indians: The Acorn Project Kanyon Coyotewoman Sayers-Roods, Mutsun-Ohlone & Chumash: The Acorn Project Shirley Carrillo, Manchester Band of Pomo Indians: Youth Dancer Victoria Montaño, Yaqui & Mexikah: Land Steward, Sogorea Te’ Land Trust / Gill Tract Farm Hover Pictures Production Linda Mai Green: Director Ethan Goldwater: Cinematographer Ryan York: Sound Recordist and Mix Tiśina Ta-till-ium Parker, Yosemite Miwuk, Mono Lake Paiute, and Kashia Pomo: Social Impact Producer, Project Direction, Native Liaison Stella Adelman: Producer Dance & Choreography: Rulan Tangen (Dancing Earth): Acorn Dance Choreography Special thanks to Emily Johnson/Catalyst Dance for commission support. Music: "Song for the Tan Oak:" Written, produced & performed by Esmé Olivia, featuring Bernadette Smith. Kashia Pomo words spoken by Bun Lucas, Anita Silva & Essie Parrish, collected from ling.upenn.edu. Funded in part by California Arts Council.