Camillo Ynitia
The last chief of the Coastal Miwok village of Olompali, Camillo Ynitia was one of the handful of Native Californians who successfully traversed three diverse cultures. Born into the traditional Miwok world, he adapted to the Spanish world, experienced the Californio/ Mexican world, and witnessed the entrance of the American world into California. Considered a "gente de razon" (person of reason) during the Mexican period, he was a compadre of Vallejo, who helped him acquire Rancho Olompali. He outwitted Captain John C. Frémont and survived the Bear Flag Revolt.
Is California of 150 years ago anything like the state we live in today? You may have a lot of opinions about that already, but let's take some time to explore what additional ideas we might get from examining the World Wide Web. Working with a partner, decide who will look into the past and who will see what current issues relate to this historic leader. Your main task will be to skim through the Web sites, taking note of what facts, ideas, examples, and stories are the most interesting to you. When you are finished, you and your partner will write several important questions that came to mind when you shared what you each learned about the past and present. When you are ready, click on the graphics below to get started.
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You might have the opportunity to participate in a videoconference presented by an actual historian / actor portraying this early leader of California. This would be a great chance to pose your questions to a true expert. Would you like to find out more?
Background on the Actor / Historian
Background on the presenter will be available shortly.
You have just explored Web sites on California's past and related current issues. You may have even had a chance to join in on a videoconference with a historical presenter. Now you and your partner can decide whether there is an "otherness" about the past, meaning something quite separate from life today, or whether there's a oneness that binds the present to the past. You can use the Insight Reflector page to guide your thinking.
Return to The Otherness of the Past homepage?
Created May 1, 1999 - Last revised: February, 2005
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