Presentation: Contemporary Indigenous Voices Of California’s South Coast Range

This documentary shows the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples of California’s South Coast Range. Through intimate interviews, the film highlights the enduring connections Indigenous Californian communities maintain with their ancestral lands, cultures, traditions and communities, while sharing perspectives on identity, resilience and cultural continuity.

The film features the voices and stories of Association of Ramaytush Ohlone, Confederated Villages of Lisjan, Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area, Tamien Nation, Indian Canyon Chualar Tribe of the Costanoan-Ohlone People, Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, the Rumsen Ohlone Tribal Community, Esselen Tribe of Monterey County, the Salinan Tribe of San Luis Obispo and Monterey Counties, and the Salinan T'rowt'raahl Tribal Community.

Following the screening, filmmaker and photographer Kirti Bassendine will be joined by Gregg Castro,(T’rowt’raahl Salinan / Rumsien-Ramaytush Ohlone) and Corrina Gould (Confederated Villages of Lisjan) for a panel discussion exploring the stories presented in the film, the continuing presence of Indigenous peoples in California, cultural resilience, and the importance of protecting and sharing Indigenous voices and knowledge.

Kirti Bassendine is a photographer and filmmaker whose work explores cultural identity, human relationships and connections between people and the natural world. She holds a BA (Honors) in Fine Art Photography from the University of Derby, England. Her practice blends photography and film to amplify underrepresented voices and foster dialogue across communities.

Corrina Gould is the tribal spokesperson for the Confederated Villages of Lisjan. Born and raised in her ancestral homeland, the territory of Huchiun, she is the mother of three and grandmother of four. Corrina has worked on preserving and protecting the sacred burial sites of her ancestors throughout the Bay Area for decades

Gregg Castro has worked to preserve his Ohlone and Salinan heritage for over three decades. Gregg is the Society for California Archaeology’s Native American Programs Committee Chairperson. Gregg is a Co-Facilitator for the annual California Indian Conference, a 30+ year annual gathering about California Indigenous culture. He is a Co-Founder/Advisor to the California Indian History Curriculum Coalition, based at CSU-Sacramento, promoting accurate school curriculum. He is now Culture Director of the Association of Ramaytush Ohlone, advising within their San Francisco Peninsula homelands.