Atwell Islands

Kenny and other Cultural Dept staff perform the UCLA research team's "traditional deer song" and "traditional bear song." One of the researchers, Rowan, responds with the "traditional spider song." These jokes served to lighten the mood, but also pointed out the formalized observer/observed dynamic in academic research. Many of the indigenous songs performed for researchers are children's' songs, but are treated with great reverence by researchers due to a colonial past that sought to erase these traditions.

The Atwell Islands were also the site of Wowol village, home to the Wowol, or Beaver, people. Kenny descends from Wowol village. They earned this name by being "water-people" who lived on islands at the Southern end of the lake. During the California Genocide, the Wowol people consolidated with the Tachi on the Northern side of the lake for safety.

Some songs or stories are attached to specific geographic locations. This King Snake song was performed because of the prevalence of King Snakes in the area.

A song about Bigfoot, a spirit recorded by various Yokuts groups throughout California's Great Valley, although mostly associated with the Tule River Tribe. Elder "Goose" exclaims that this song is his favorite.

Some songs are tied to seasons or times of day. This Morning Song was performed because of the time of day.