History

(www.yuroktribe.org)

The world of the Yurok people began long before non-Indian exploration and settlement occurred in their area.

At one time, the Yurok people lived in over fifty villages throughout their ancestral territory. Their laws, health, and spirituality remained untouched by non-Indians.

Culturally, the Yurok people are known as great fishermen, eelers, basket weavers, canoe makers, storytellers, singers, dancers, healers, and strong medicine people. Before being given the name “Yurok,” they referred to themselves and others in their area using their own language. They refer to themselves as Oohl, meaning Indian people. People from downriver on the Klamath are called Pue-lik-lo’ (Down River Indian), those on the upper Klamath and Trinity are Pey-cheek-lo’ (Up River Indian), and those on the coast are Ner-‘er-ner’ (Coast Indian). The Klamath-Trinity River is the lifeline of the Yurok people because the majority of their food supply, such as ney-puy (salmon), Kaa-ka (sturgeon), and kwor-ror (candlefish), are provided by these rivers.

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Resources

Official Tribal Resources

• Yurok Tribe Official Website: The primary source for information directly from the Tribe. This site often includes sections on their history, government, departments, and current initiatives.
  • https://www.yuroktribe.org/
• Yurok Language Program Website: Dedicated to the revitalization of the Yurok language. This site offers a wealth of tools and materials.
  • https://www.yuroklanguage.com/
• Visit Yurok Country: Learn about cultural experiences and tours offered in Yurok ancestral territory.
  • https://www.visityurokcountry.com/

Language Learning & Preservation

• Yurok Language Program Resources Page: This page on the Yurok Language Program website is a treasure trove of learning tools. Look for:
  • Online dictionary
  • E-books
  • Videos
  • Interactive games (Kahoot!, Quizlet)
  • Printable materials
  • Grammar practice
  • Information on Memrise levels (accessible via desktop)
  • https://www.yuroklanguage.com/language-domains/resources
• UC Berkeley Yurok Language Project: This academic project collaborates with the Yurok Tribe to document and provide information about the Yurok language.
  • Dictionary and Texts: Includes searchable dictionary entries with audio recordings, spoken texts, songs, and stories in English.
  • Language Learning Tools: Offers online exercises and audio stories.
  • Publications on Yurok: Access academic publications related to the language.
  • https://linguistics.berkeley.edu/~yurok/

History & Culture

• Yurok Tribe – Our History: A concise overview of Yurok history from the tribal website.
  • https://www.yuroktribe.org/our-history
• “The Theft of Fire” Video and Curriculum (Native American Curriculum Catalog): This resource, mentioned in the Indian Education Program’s catalog, offers a documentary about Yurok history and culture, including a traditional story told in English and Yurok.
  • https://www.ncidc.org/sites/default/files/documents/import/IEA/Curriculum%20Catalog%202017%282%29.pdf (See page 13 for “The Theft of Fire”)
• Britannica Kids – Yurok: A general overview for students on the Yurok people, their traditional life, and history.
  • https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Yurok/342014
• Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Resources: Many educators create and share materials on TPT related to the Yurok Tribe, including presentations, reading passages, and activities suitable for various grade levels. Always review materials for accuracy and cultural appropriateness before use.
  • https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/browse?search=the%20yurok

Environmental & Cultural Preservation

• Yurok Tribe Environmental Department: Provides information on the Tribe’s efforts to protect land, air, and water resources, often integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern science. Look for sections on:
  • Wetlands Program
  • Air Quality Program
  • Brownfields Program
  • https://www.yuroktribe.org/environmental-department
• Yurok Tribe Wildlife Department – Habitat Restoration: Details their work on restoring ecosystems, including prairies, and managing invasive species.
  • https://www.yuroktribe.org/habitat-restoration
• Yurok Condor Restoration Program: Learn about the Tribe’s flagship conservation project to reintroduce California condors to their ancestral territory.
  • https://www.yuroktribe.org/yurok-condor-restoration-program
• Yurok Tribe & Climate Change (Northern Arizona University ITEP): Information on the Tribe’s climate change adaptation planning process, emphasizing traditional knowledge.
  • https://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/tcc/Tribes/pn_yurok