Author

Marc Dadigan

Marc Dadigan is a Contributing Editor covering Indigenous Affairs and the Environment. His writing has been published in Reveal, Yes! Magazine, the Christian Science Monitor, High Country News, and Indian Country Today.

Marc's Latest Articles

Some Wintu People Call For “Land Back” During Riverfront Meetings. Here’s Why.

The land we now know as Redding has been a part of Wintu people’s vast homelands for thousands of years. Today, after surviving state-sponsored massacres, violent removals, and discriminatory legal doctrines, Wintu tribes remain almost entirely landless. For some Wintu people, the proposed sale of riverfront land is inseparable from the need to reckon with this often-suppressed history.

Orienting and Shaping Shasta Scout’s Indigenous Affairs Beat

Our monthly Open Notebooks updates are a way for us to invite you into the journalistic process and encourage your collaboration in the news. It’s our goal that the Notebooks help you to see us as we really are so you’ll see that journalists are not the enemies of the people, we are just people, trying to make sense of this complex and confounding world. Just like you. We welcome your participation in our process. Join us!

Local Tribe Uses Legal Brief To Argue For More Just and Equitable Water Stewardship

The brief has been submitted as part of an appeal in a case that addresses California’s entrenched water rights system, which prioritizes those who claimed water first, sometimes at the expense of those who need it most. The Winnemem Wintu Tribe argue the current system harms not only California waterways but also tribes, who’ve been historically excluded from claiming water rights.

How Serious is California’s Water Crisis and What’s Causing It?

Water is of central importance to our community's future. We provide in-depth answers to a few deceptively simple questions about California's water. Plus, resources on where to learn more.

Documentary About Local Waterways Shares Indigenous Perspectives with Viewers Around the World

Winnemem Wintu Tribal Member Michael “Pom” Preston is the co-director of a recent short documentary that has screened in more than 15 countries. One Word Sawalmem offers powerful Indigenous lessons about our relationship to water during a time of extreme drought. It's currently available to stream online for free.

Man holds sign reading "we don't fear you, we fire you" among crowd on courthouse steps
Hey National Media, Shasta County Hasn’t Been Taken Over by the “Militia” Quite Yet.

Simplistic and inaccurate media portrayals of Shasta County's political process risk contributing to deepening polarization and extremism. In this Building Democracy editorial column, we’re sharing what the regional and national media are getting wrong about Shasta County’s contentious recall. And why it matters.

“Our Greatest Weapon Is Our Relationships”: How the Coalition to Stop Fountain Wind Overcame Partisan Divides

From Indigenous sacred site protectors and former hippies to Trump supporters and conservative Christians, an eclectic Intermountain community collaborated last year to resist the proposed $300 million Fountain Wind energy project. Several key organizers talked to Shasta Scout about what the coalition’s story means for the future of the region and alternate energy.

sacramento river surrounded by grass and trees with sundial bridge in background
New State Regulations Loom Large Over City’s Vote to Declare Riverfront Land Surplus

What you need to know about how California's Surplus Land Act might impact a potential sale of city riverfront property, what options the city is exploring, and why a vote on riverfront land has been delayed.

dirty hands against brown pants in field
City, McConnell and Turtle Bay Will Discuss Recent Burial Site Disruption With Native Community

A grave robbing attempt that occurred several weeks ago has angered the local Native community. RPD says an investigation is ongoing. Local non-profits and city representatives have agreed to meet to discuss the incident.

Local Native Educator Interrupts Grave Robbing of Wintu Burials at Turtle Bay

The incident occurred a little over a week ago, just a few days before Wintu people and leaders expressed opposition to a riverfront development proposal, in part due to fears it would disturb the graves of their ancestors. Turtle Bay Exploration Park staff say they already have measures in place to protect Native burial sites but they’re discussing how to improve their processes.

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