Futures of Sovereignty Live Podcast Recording

Recorded live at the Autry Museum of the American WestWhat does sovereignty look like when it is lived every day?In the final episode of Reclaiming Our Stories: Voices of Indigenous Peoples of California, California Humanities brings together Indigenous leaders, culture bearers, and community members for a powerful live conversation exploring the future of tribal sovereignty.Recorded before a live audience at the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles, this special episode asks us to look beyond sovereignty as a legal concept and instead understand it as a living practice rooted in land, language, culture, responsibility, and community.Host and Story Weaver Victorio L. Shaw is joined by:Darlene Franco, Chairperson, Wukchumni Tribal CouncilErica Pinto, Chairwoman, Jamul Indian Village of CaliforniaJuan Reynoso, Ewiiaapaay Band of Kumeyaay IndiansTogether, they explore how California Native communities are reclaiming land, revitalizing language, strengthening food sovereignty, creating pathways for future generations, and protecting their inherent right to self-determination. The conversation also examines the ongoing challenges facing tribal nations, including federal recognition, land stewardship, public education, healthcare, Indigenous representation, and the responsibility to ensure future generations inherit thriving communities.The evening also features welcoming remarks from Debra Sanchez, Vice Chair of the California Humanities Board, Daryle Williams, Chair of the California Humanities Board, and Rick Noguchi, President and CEO of California Humanities, alongside moving cultural performances from the Tongva, Fernandeño Tataviam, Juaneño Band of Mission Indians (Acjachemen Nation), and the Chumash Cultural Collective.As the series concludes, one question remains:What responsibilities do we carry to the future, and how are our choices today shaping the worlds yet to come?In this episodeSovereignty as a living practiceLand Back and land stewardshipLanguage revitalization and cultural continuityFood sovereignty and environmental stewardshipTribal governance and self-determinationHealthcare, education, and economic developmentIndigenous leadership across generationsThe importance of truth-telling and public understandingBuilding futures rooted in community, resilience, and hopeListen. Reflect. Share.If this conversation moves you, we invite you to share it with others. Every story helps deepen understanding of the many cultures, histories, and futures that shape California.AcknowledgementsReclaiming Our Stories: Voices of Indigenous Peoples of California is made possible with support from The 11th Hour Project and the Weingart Foundation.Reclaiming Our Stories is part of By the People: Conversations Beyond 250, a nationwide initiative led by the Federation of State Humanities Councils in partnership with the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.Special thanks to the Autry Museum of the American West for partnering with California Humanities and hosting this live podcast event.