What does it mean to live on Nisenan Ancestral Homelands? 

How can we deepen our understanding of local history, build meaningful relationships, and become more active participants in supporting the Tribe’s ongoing work? 

These questions are at the heart of a new series of informal community gatherings at ‘UBA SEO: Nisenan Arts & Culture. 

Inspired by conversations with gallery visitors seeking opportunities for deeper connection, these gatherings will offer a space for community members to come together, share reflections, exchange ideas, and explore what it means to live in relationship with Nisenan People and their Ancestral Homelands. 

Shelly Covert, NCR Nisenan Tribal Spokesperson and Executive Director of HUṠWEJ, will join the inaugural gathering to share her perspectives and help ground the conversations in the Tribe’s history, contemporary experiences, and ongoing priorities. 

Subsequent gatherings will continue as community-led conversations, with an ‘UBA SEO gallery docent present to offer guidance and grounding while encouraging an open, participatory exchange among attendees. 

Rather than following a formal curriculum or presentation, participants will help shape the conversations through their own questions, experiences, and reflections. Topics may include historical understanding, justice, belonging, reciprocity, Tribal sovereignty, and the roles of non-Tribal community members living within Nisenan Ancestral Homelands. 

The intention is to cultivate relationships among people who are curious, engaged, and committed to deepening their understanding, while exploring how that understanding can translate to meaningful action. 

No preparation is necessary. Simply bring your curiosity, willingness to listen, and openness to connecting with like-minded allies who are passionate about supporting and uplifting the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe.