The Nisenan people of California

The Nisenan tribe are fighting to be recognised by US government

The US government recognises 562 Native American tribes.  These range from the Apache of Oklahoma to the Blackfeet of Montana.  The Nisenan people are not one of these tribes. They are deeply unhappy about this.

The recognition provides protection for the tribes' reservations and gives them access to financial support.

The Nisenan people say their civilisation was wiped out when white settlers arrived during the Gold Rush of the 1850s.
Tribal elders say that there were 7,000 of their people living in the what is now Nevada City, California, in the 1850s whereas now their numbers have dwindled to just over 147.

Gaining federal recognition has now become the main mission of the tribe as they try to cling on to their ancient culture.

They seriously want their Rancheria formally recognised.

A Rancheria is Spanish term for a small Indian settlement particular to California, defined by San Diego State University as: "A small area of land that is set set aside around an Indian settlement to create a ranchería."

The Nisenan used abelone shells in their jewellery to indicate status in days gone by