S5E4: Celebrating 25 Years: The Timbisha Shoshone's Fight for Their Homeland

In this enlightening episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke takes listeners to the heart of the desert Southwest for a special commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Timbisha Shoshone Homeland Act. The episode celebrates the journey of the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe in reclaiming their ancestral lands in Death Valley National Park. Tribe members, including Jimmy John Thompson, Mandy Campbell, and George Gholson share their stories and highlight ongoing collaborations with the National Park Service.

Rich in history and advocacy, this episode explores both the triumphs and challenges faced by the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe in the years since the landmark legislation was enacted. Jimmy John Thompson and Mandy Campbell express their frustrations over recent censorship concerning the tribe's narrative in the park's visitor center materials. The episode conveys the tribe's resilience and determination to protect and celebrate their culture while addressing contemporary environmental and social challenges. The discussion doesn't shy away from revealing the systemic issues still at play, urging listeners to reflect on the broader implications on cultural preservation and environmental justice.

Key Takeaways:

• The Timbisha Shoshone Homeland Act was a significant event for the Tribe, granting them 7,800 acres of ancestral land within Death Valley National Park, a singular achievement for a Native American tribe.

• The collaboration between the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe and the National Park Service highlights a critical step in building partnerships for the preservation and recognition of indigenous lands and culture.

• Current tribal council members, including Jimmy John Thompson, stress the ongoing need to address issues like censorship and the importance of reflecting true tribal narratives in public spaces.

• The Timbisha Shoshone people continue to fight for their rights and cultural survival, underscoring the importance of indigenous advocacy and environmental justice in modern society.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I see partners, I see friends, I see family. These relationships would not work if we do not respect each other and trust each other." – Jimmy John Thompson

2. "We're here to honor those that came before us who got this accomplished." – Jimmy John Thompson

3. "We were pushed from land to land around here, from home to home. It kind of felt like when I figured it out, it felt like we were nobody then, but now we are somebody, and we are still here." – Mandy Campbell

4. "Imagine for a second, if you did not know if your home was going to be there when you went home." – George Gholson

Resources:

• Timbisha Shoshone Tribe Website: timbisha.com

• Desert Advocacy Media Network: Desert Advocacy Media Network

• Raising funds for Desert Journalism Fellowship:

  • Website: 90milesfromneedles.com/fellowship

The compelling narratives and insights from this episode provide a deep understanding of the Timbasha Shoshone Tribe's heritage, challenges, and collaborations. Tune into the full episode for more profound stories and stay connected with "90 Miles from Need

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