National
California tribe might burn recordings of ceremonies


The Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians is considering burning audio and video recordings of a ceremony that was taped by a Native artist, a lawyer for the tribe said.

The tribe and Lorenzo Baca, who is Pueblo and Apache, settled a lawsuit over Baca's recordings of songs and dances. Baca agreed to turn over all copies to the tribe although one copy is being retained by his lawyer.

The tribe objected when they found out Baca was selling the recordings. Tribal members said he did not have permission to do so, although he said a deceased tribal elder allowed it.

Get the Story:
Tribe settles suit against artist (The Union Democrat 3/9)

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Artist found liable for taping tribe's ceremony (03/04)