Great Spirit of Yosemite: The Story of Chief Tenaya.
A Native American Novel set in Yosemite National Park
“Where can we go that you will not follow us? Where can we make homes that you will not find and burn?”
In 1851, the indigenous peoples of Yosemite Valley were ousted from their homeland during the Mariposa Indian War.
“Great Spirit of Yosemite: The Story of Chief Tenaya” is historical fiction that re-tells the heart-breaking, true story of the original Native Americans who lived in Yosemite, which they called the Ahwahnee. Ahwahnee means “gaping mouth”, a name given because of the mouth-like look of the cliffs as seen from the valley floor.
California Gold Rush
During the Gold Rush, tens of thousands of prospectors, traders, and settlers swept through California claiming lands as their own. Subsequently, these new arrivals ruthlessly drove the original inhabitants from their homelands because of their lust for gold.
So, this novel tells the extraordinary struggle of one such group, the Ahwahneechees, led by Chief Tenaya. The Ahwahneechees had lived for millennia in their secluded Valley of Ahwahnee (Yosemite) before their lives were shattered by war. At this time, the Chief found himself catapulted into a terrible conflict against white man’s plunder of their land and culture.
Yosemite National Park Homeland
To begin with, the story unfolds by taking the reader back to the late 18th century with the portrayal of the lives of the people and their way of life in communion with nature. All this takes place in the magnificent surroundings of Yosemite National Park. It poetically depicts their culture, spirituality and beliefs, families, and stunning homeland. However, disaster strikes and they must leave their homes. Chief Lagundo is forced to guide his people away from Ahwahnee because of an outbreak of the “black sickness”. This pandemic devastated their population. He must save the remnants of his tribe.
At length, they travel across the Sierra Nevada and settle peacefully with their Paiute relatives at Mono Lake. Later, the Chief marries a local Paiute. A son, Tenaya, is born from their union and is raised to adulthood in the Mono community. But always with the knowledge of Ahwahnee and their heritage in his mind and in his spirit. He is taught the beauty, history, and tales of the valley from an early age by his father and the shaman.
Tenaya Becomes Chief
After his father’s death, Tenaya became Chief. At that time, the shaman advised Tenaya to take his family and all who wanted to go with him, to rightfully re-claim Ahwahnee as their homeland. So, the Ahwahneechees returned to their Valley homelands. There they lived for decades, raising their own families, living in peace and harmony with their natural surroundings and with the Great Spirit.
That is, until the California Gold Rush and the heinous outbreak of war.
Mariposa War 1850-51
Initial skirmishes with the new California settlers festered violence, robberies, and murders. In late 1850 these hostilities led to the formation of the Mariposa Battalion. Critically, the Battalion was set up to protect the prospectors, newly arrived traders, and hangers-on. This was under the direction of the Governor of the newly formed State of California. The Battalion waged war upon the Ahwahneechees and other indigenous groups to either eliminate them or drive them into reservations. Consequently, they entered Yosemite Valley in March 1851 in pursuit of the Ahwahneechees. These soldiers were the first white people to gaze upon, rename, and map the wonders of Yosemite
Fresno Indian Farm Reservation
The aging and wily Chief Tenaya and his people were fiercely determined to hang on to their traditions and way of life. Therefore, they resisted the invasion, pitting themselves against the Battalion, against all the odds. So we find them in the familiar landscape of Yosemite National Park, as the pillages of war are waged, set against the backdrop of the daily rhythms of their lives. Follow their remarkable rollercoaster tale as Tenaya is captured, escapes, and is re-captured. Eventually, he and his family are herded into the Fresno Indian Farm Reservation. From there they are allowed return to their valley. But still, they are once again hounded from their lands………….
Tenaya’s Spirit of Yosemite
Feel the Spirit of Tenaya and his people. Empathize with them as they set out to protect their families, heritage, and culture. This illustrated novel draws out the best and worst passions of human nature in an enthralling tale. The book interweaves actual historical events with imagined and gripping storytelling. It deals with real characters and real events exploring the conflicts of two different and unequal cultures. Place yourself in the heart and spirit of Tenaya as events unfold. These struggles and betrayals should never be forgotten.
Yosemite Book Links for this Native American Novel
“I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in Native American history” (Goodreads Review)
NATIONAL PARK OBSESSED have included this Yosemite National Park Book in their “Best Yosemite Books: 25 Books to Read Before Visiting Yosemite National Park“
It is also #1 in GOODREADS “Books to Read Before Visiting Yosemite“
Historical Fiction: Native American Novels
This historical novel is set in the magnificent Yosemite National Park, and around Mono Lake, and is illustrated with maps and original photographs. The story also interlaces poetic tributes to Tenaya, his people, and their homelands.
“Refreshing insight of historical events interwoven with a skillfully written story”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 out of 5 of 22 ratings (100%) on Goodreads.
Great Spirit of Yosemite: The Story of Chief Tenaya is available in paperback and eBook formats from all major online booksellers from $2.99. For convenience, some outlets can be accessed here.
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