California state parks are home to rich cultural histories and Indigenous traditions that continue to shape our shared public lands. In our most recent Parkside Chats webinar, we were honored to speak with Taylor Moore, Museum Curator I at State Indian Museum State Historic Park and Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park.
Taylor is the first Native curator for both sites, and her work is rooted in building stronger relationships with tribal communities, cultural practitioners, and Native experts to ensure Indigenous voices and stories are centered in California’s state parks.
Key Highlights from our Parkside Chat
During the conversation, Taylor shared important updates about how California State Parks are reimagining their interpretive practices:
- Centering Native voices in interpretation: Through partnership with the Tribal Affairs program, Taylor helps to ensure Indigenous perspectives guide programming and exhibits.
- NAGPRA and cultural revitalization: The State Indian Museum is engaging with Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and the impact of its new exhibit, which celebrates the return of cultural belongings to tribal communities
- Reframing history at Sutter’s Fort: The development of a new interpretive master plan at Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, designed to reframe its historical narrative and re-center Native voices and experiences
These efforts reflect a broader commitment to making California’s state parks more welcoming, accessible, and representative of all communities. We’re grateful to Taylor for sharing her knowledge and to everyone who joined us live for this important conversation.
Watch the full Parkside Chat
Missed this Parkside Chat or want to revisit it? You can watch the full recording on our YouTube channel below. View the slides here.