Paskenta: Nomlaqa Bōda is a story of identity, struggle and resilience as the Nomlaki face down the U.S. Congress to successfully reclaim their history, restore their sovereignty, and revitalize the culture of a displaced tribe, building a powerful vision for the future. This film is told solely through the words of Tribal Elder Everett Freeman and other Nomlaki Tribe members as they trace the rise, fall and rise again of their cherished people.

The film was a nominee for Best Documentary Feature Film at the Black Hills Film Festival and has screened as an official selection of the Tulsa International Film Festival, American Indian Film Festival, and Winnepeg Aboriginal Film festival, among other prestigious celebrations of film.

Tribal Chairman Andy Freeman, who will be showing his art, was inspired to begin drawing by his mom, who loved to sketch Native women with long flowing hair. He went on to the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, where he found a passion for sculpture. He is often inspired to create images of Native women and babies.

The evening is also a celebration of the ties between the casino, Nomlkaki tribe and Tehama County community. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Tehama County Arts Council, which presents the annual Red Bluff Art Walk, a week-long theater residency with Missoula Children’s Theatre, an annual children’s art contest, and small grant support to numerous schools and arts endeavors. More information, including a calendar of local arts events, is available at www.tehamaarts.org

Guests are invited to enjoy appetizers prepared by chefs at Rolling Hills Casino and the no-host bar of the State Theatre.

Tickets are available online at www.statetheatreredbluff.com and at the door.