Diana Almendariz tells stories to a house full of attentive community members at the Acorn Stories event at International House, Davis. Photo courtesy of the artist.
YoloSol pays deep attention to the pasts, presents, and futures embedded in the landscapes and waterways of the Yolo Bioregion, and centers the voices and stories of marginalized communities, especially Patwin-Wintun culture bearers, youth, and the diverse immigrant communities that make up the Yolo cultural tapestry. Our programs invite the Yolo community to come into right relations with this Bioregion, through a commitment to the health of our oaks, creeks, and tule wetlands. YoloSol co-founder Diana Almendariz is a culture-bearer, storyteller, and visual artist who has been working on the cultural and ecological revival and restoration of her Wintun homeland for over three decades. Her practice includes storytelling, land-based pedagogy, and traditional arts such as basket-weaving, boat-making, and more. Diana has been passing on this knowledge to her daughters, Christina Almendariz and Ooti Maxine, who are accomplished cultural workers themselves.
Wintun Culture-Bearers Speak to Tule Traditions
Funding will support two public workshops led by Wintun culture bearers, highlighting the traditional use and cultural significance of tule in Wintun ecology. The grant will provide compensation for the presenters, as well as support for logistics, outreach, and transportation.
The YoloSol Collective poses for a photograph at the Acorn Stories annual event at the International House, Davis. Photo courtesy of the organization.
Diana Almendariz sits at a table with tools made of tule, elderberry, and soaproot, with archival images of her family behind her, for an event at the International House, Davis. Photo courtesy of the organization.
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