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Video: As the Nisenan language disappears, an artist in Colfax works to preserve it

  •  Andrew Nixon 
  •  Emily Zentner 
  •  Marissa Espiritu 
Monday, October 11, 2021 | Sacramento, CA

The Nisenan are a tribe that has lived in Northern California around the Sacramento region for centuries. But the Nisenan language has been disappearing, with only one living documented Nisenan speaker who lives in Oregon. 

Alan Wallace from Colfax, California, wants to change that. He’s working to preserve the Nisenan language through plays and music to get younger generations immersed in their language. 

Wallace says it’s hard to pinpoint one cause for the language’s disuse, but a big factor has been the erasure of Indigenous cultures through residential schools that punished students for speaking their native language.

CapRadio sits on the lands of the Nisenan and Miwok tribes.


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Andrew Nixon

Multimedia Producer

Multimedia Producer Andrew Nixon illustrates CapRadio’s Web content with visual journalism including still photos and videos. He works in the news and information department, and on CapRadio’s documentary program, “The View From Here.”  Read Full Bio 

Emily Zentner

Data Reporter

Emily Zentner is CapRadio's Data Reporter. At CapRadio, Emily has covered the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires, elections and more, and acted as the data reporter for the station's TahoeLand podcast.  Read Full Bio 

 @emilymzentner Email Emily Zentner

Marissa Espiritu

Graphic and Digital Media Designer

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