Tending the Wild | KCET

Tima Link Weaving Basket

"Tending the Wild" shines light on the environmental knowledge of indigenous peoples across California by exploring how they have actively shaped and tended the land for millennia, in the process developing a deep understanding of plant and animal life. This series examines how humans are necessary to live in balance with nature and how traditional practices can inspire a new generation of Californians to tend their environment. Co-produced by KCET and the Autry Museum, this six-part multimedia series and one-hour documentary special are presented in association with California Continued, a groundbreaking exhibition now on view at the Autry.

Watch "Tending Nature," a series shining a light on how Indigenous knowledge can inspire a new generation of Californians to find a balance between humans and nature.

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A member of Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation casts his net the beach. | Still from Tending Nature

A member of Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation casts his net the beach. | Still from Tending Nature

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Tending Nature

Most Recent

Tending the Wild

Why People Shouldn't Exploit Native Plants

Tending the Wild

Native Peoples on Gathering and Tending Their Landcape

Tending the Wild

Gerald Clarke Jr. on Honoring Native Weaving Traditions

Tending the Wild

Pergish Carlson on the Importance of the Klamath River

Tending the Wild

Pomo Basket Weaver Mabel McKay Gives a Lesson

Tending the Wild

Kat High on Establishing Native Gardening Areas

Tending the Wild

Living Desert

Tending the Wild

Gathering Medicine

Tending the Wild

Decolonizing the Diet

Tending the Wild

Weaving Community

Tending the Wild

Tending The Wild (Trailer)

Tending the Wild

Cultural Burning

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Full Episodes

Tending the Wild

E6: Living Desert - How Native Peoples Are Confronting Environmental Threats From Large-Scale Industry

Indigenous peoples have thrived in the desert for centuries. This video explores how they are confronting threats to their environment from large-scale industry.

Tending the Wild

E5: Gathering Medicine - How Native Medicinal Practices Are Thriving Today

Native herbalism has a long history and continues to be practiced today. This video explores a holistic approach to health and how the environment can inform healthy living.

Tending the Wild

E4: Decolonizing the Diet - How Native Peoples are Reclaiming Traditional Foods

The Chia Cafe Collective is working to revive Native food practices and raise awareness about the threats to native plants in Southern California.

Tending the Wild

E3: Weaving Community - How Native Peoples are Rediscovering Their Basketry Traditions

Despite barriers to access, traditional gathering and basket weaving is still practiced across California as a new generation is rediscovering and preserving its cultural heritage.

Tending the Wild

E2: Keeping the River - How the Klamath River's Native Peoples Maintain Their Relationship With Salmon

The Yurok, Karuk, and Hupa peoples have maintained a close relationship with the Klamath River. They have secured traditional fishing rights and mobilized against the threats of dams and agriculture, setting an example for Native environmental rights.