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Obituary: Florence Jones, Winnemem Wintu leader
Monday, November 24, 2003
Florence Jones, 96, top doctor of the Winnemum Wintu Tribe, shares a moment with young Daniel Scholfield, 2, Eagle Dancer, at the annual Circle at Coonrod, a
traditional Wintu gathering held every August. Photo � Christopher (Toby) McCloud .
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Redding, Calif. - Florence Curl Jones, traditional healer and spiritual leader of the
Winnemem band of the Wintu, died on Saturday, November 22, six days before
her 97th birthday. She was the most fluent Native speaker of the Winnemem
Wintu language, and was known as a "top doctor" by Native people throughout
the western United States. Mrs. Jones was the subject of a documentary film,
In the Light of Reverence, which aired nationally on PBS in 2001.
Mrs. Jones was an expert on the plants of Northern California and their
traditional uses. Throughout her life she conducted ceremonies at the
Winnemem Wintu�s sacred sites on and around Mt. Shasta, following a
thousand-year tradition. She was recognized as a uniquely gifted healer by
her people, by elders of other tribes, and by archaeologists and
anthropologists.
Mrs. Jones championed the cause of protection of sacred sites from
development. In 1998, the U.S. Forest Service dropped plans to build a ski
area on Mt. Shasta due in part to the efforts of Mrs. Jones.
Florence Jones died in her sleep, at her home north of Redding, surrounded
by family and tribal members. She is survived by her daughter Grace Marjory
Charles. Leadership of the Winnemum Wintu Tribe has now passed to Caleen
Sisk-Franco, Mrs. Jones�s great-niece and designated successor.
Tribal funeral services for Mrs. Jones will be private. Contributions in her
memory may be made to the Indian Cultural Organization, 14840 Bear Mountain
Road, Redding, CA 96003. Letters supporting the Winnemem Wintu effort to
regain Tribal recognition may be addressed to: Secretary of the Interior
Gale Norton, 1849 C St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.
For more info about Florence Jones, please visit
http://www.sacredland.org.
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