Walking Where We Lived: Memoirs of a Mono Indian Family

by Gaylen D. Lee

The Nim (North Fork Mono) Indians have lived for centuries in a remote region of California’s Sierra Nevada. In this memoir, Gaylen D. Lee recounts the story of his Nim family across six generations. Drawing from the recollections of his grandparents, mother, and other relatives, Lee provides a deeply personal account of his people’s history and culture. In keeping with the Nim’s traditional life-style, Lee’s memoir takes us through their annual seasonal cycle. He describes communal activities, such as food gathering, hunting and fishing, the processing of acorn (the Nim’s staple food), basketmaking, and ceremonies and games. Family photographs, some dating to the beginning of this century, enliven Lee’s descriptions. Woven into the seasonal account is the disturbing story of Hispanic and white encroachment into the Nim world. Lee shows how the Mexican presence in the early nineteenth century, the Gold Rush, the Protestant conversion movement, and, more recently, the establishment of a national forest on traditional land have contributed to the erosion of Nim culture. Walking Where We Lived is a bittersweet chronicle, revealing the persecution and hardships suffered by the Nim, but emphasizing their survival. Although many young Nim have little knowledge of the old ways and although the Nim are a minority in the land of their ancestors, the words of Lee’s grandmother remain a source of "Ashupá. Don’t worry. It’s okay."

228 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1998

Reviews

[Melissa Helton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mash-up of Mono lore and traditions, a history of the people before/during/after arrival of whites, and this one family's history over 6 or so generations. Being unfamiliar with the nations and places of the Sierra Nevadas, it was all new to me. The book's organization jumping between the three threads was sometimes awkward or jarring, but a good learning experience.

[Ter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me a lot more understanding of the Indian American tribal life in the Sierra Nevada, happening just 100 years ago. I appreciate that Gaylen D. Lee was able to put the verbal stores from his grandfather onto paper so they could be shared in this unique book.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Gaylen's personal story of his family and the Nim history. The story of the changes and experiences from the early 1850s to today, from a native perspective, we're enlightening. Thank you for sharing your family's story!

[Russ · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was okay. It was really good to hear an account from a Nim person of their ancient ways and modern tribulations.