To reclaim more than my name, the Ba:bihšaʔmen Basket Collection

 

“My grandmother Ba:bihšaʔmen Vera Jack was born a century ago in a field north of Healdsburg. Forced to live in a world where being “Indian” was frowned upon, she did the best that she could to retain fragments of our culture. For decades the government attempted to strip Indians of our culture and forbid us from practicing our traditions because they were considered to be heathen. This included all things associated with being “Indian”­– our songs, our dances, our language and even our basketry…

…this is the story of Vera Jack, as told by her grandson, Silver Galleto

Over 100 baskets are on exhibit at the History Center

“While my grandmother did her best to fit in, she remembered being ripped out of class as a young girl and prodded at like an animal…
I thank you for visiting and learning more about Cloverdale’s first People.”

With much respect,
Silver Galleto (čo:sinkʰle)