Great Spirit of Yosemite: The Story of Chief Tenaya

Now in his old age Chief Tenayas life and the lives in his tribe are changed forever... In the Mariposa Indian War of 1850/51 the venerable Chief Tenaya is catapulted into leading his people into conflict against white mans plunder of their land and culture during the California Gold Rush. His story is a tale of family love death tribal lore and spirituality all of it torn apart by a lust for gold. In Chief Tenayas world the pillages of war are set against the backdrop of daily rhythms of Indian life in the familiar landscape of Yosemite. Through the interweaving of historical events with imagined and gripping storytelling Great Spirit of Yosemite chronicles the extraordinary true struggle of the original inhabitants of Yosemite Valley their determination to cling on to their heritage and their ultimate sacrifices.