LOWER LAKE >> Governor Jerry Brown made a surprise visit to Anderson Marsh State Historic Park on the evening of Friday, May 25.
The governor, accompanied by the tribal advisor and executive secretary for the Native American Heritage Commission Christina Snider, were invited by Koi tribal executive officer Dino Beltran.
They were met at the park by Beltran and archaeologist Dr. John Parker.
Just as his car was arriving, Parker shared, a bald eagle flew over the park entrance from a tree near Seigler Creek.
The group discussed what could be done to address the staffing and security needs of Anderson Marsh. Because the park does not generate income as others do, the site is understaffed, and resources are thin, with “more eyes needed to maintain.” The park is the only site in California purchased to persevere over 30 archaeologist sites, Parker explained.
“We are just hoping to plant the seed in Sacramento to see if [Brown] can talk to the Parks Director to see what could be done,” Parker said. For several years now, the Koi tribe has received grants to help monitor the park. But with limited resources and closures on the weekend, aid is vital to “help preserve [Anderson Marsh].”
According to the archaeologist, Brown expressed dismay that the park gate was locked and not open to the public except on weekends. The governor also showed support for the preservation of the cultural sites at the park and his interest in maintaining the wildlife diversity of the area.
Following the brief meeting, Brown and his staff followed Beltran to the Elem Indian Colony to dine with the tribe and partake in a traditional round-house ceremony.
Parker said, “[T]his is a huge event, it is a first. As far as I know, no governor has ever attended a traditional round-house ceremony on any reservation in the state.”
Brown is said to appear in a documentary by Beltran on cultural site prevention.
