News.bytes Extra, Issue 347

Owens Valley Paiute Environmental Education Camp

Crooked Creek Research Station, White Mountains, California

BLM Bishop Field Office archaeologists joined twenty students participating in the Owens Valley Paiute Environmental Education Camp on August 6th, 2008. The weeklong camp took place at the Crooked Creek Research Station, one of three research facilities located in the White Mountains of Eastern California, managed by the University of California. The Environmental Camp included tribal youth, elders and program managers from the Paiute Tribes of the Owens Valley. 

The BLM organized two events throughout the day, where participants enjoyed an introduction to hunting and tool making techniques used by prehistoric peoples.  The first workshop involved trying their hand at using the atlatl, a throwing tool used prior to the introduction of bow and arrow technology  to launch darts – which resemble large arrows or thin spears.  

Demonstrating the atlatl, a hunting tool used by prehistoric peoples

The second skill building workshop involved the art of flint napping, where the participants had opportunity to break obsidian, exploring the techniques used in the manufacture of stone tools such as knives, spears and arrow points. 

Learning the art of flint napping to make spears, knives, and arrow points

 BLM-California News.bytes, issue 347