Mountain Maidu and Pioneers

About the Book

BEGINNING WITH THE GEOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION of Indian Valley, Pat continues with descriptions of Mountain Maidu life upon the arrival of white men searching for gold in the northeastern Sierra. Initially relations remain peaceful between the Indians and whites, but eventually conflicts arise as tribal lands were taken from the Indians. Later, some whites with government entities made unsuccessful attempts to “civilize the natives.” Additional demands were made upon the Indian to abandon his traditions and language. Some did embrace the new life style, but many continued to practice cultural traditions while being slowly drawn into a foreign way of life.

These are their stories.

This Master’s Thesis written by Patricia Lindgren Kurtz in 1963 was termed “excellent” by Dr. Katherine Dresden, Professor of Education at Chico State College. Dr. Clarence F. McIntosh, Professor of History and former president of the conference of California Historical Societies said, “Mrs. Kurtz has compiled the most valuable information ever collected about the Indians of her locale.”

About the Author

After graduating from Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, PATRICIA LINDGREN KURTZ taught high school art in the Mountain Maidu country of Indian Valley in Plumas County, California. Born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, she held great respect for the culture and traditions of the native Hawaiians. With a deep interest in history, her curiosity grew as she became acquainted with Daisy and Lilly Baker. These new Maidu friends, dedicated to the practice of their cultural traditions, told her of family upheavals and tragedies from the Gold Rush era to modern times. In the 1950s, published historical information was sparse about Indian Valley. Desiring to know more, Pat interviewed both Maidu and pioneer informants, researched early books and newspapers, read diaries and journals, and in 1963 wrote this Master’s Thesis. With deepened interest, she realized that these Maidu basket makers left us a precious legacy. Their baskets with related artifacts are being displayed at the Maidu Museum in Roseville, California.