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Danny
Maidu
North America
Danny Manning is a firefighter, carrier of knowledge, and the owner of Niknek Lemonade. His Tribe is Tosidom Maidu from Tosim Koyo, Indian Valley, Plumas County.
Weave
Weave
On this day Danny and I took a walk through nature as he shared knowledge with me on mindful gathering. He shared the multiple uses plants have from the leaves to the roots. He shared how some plants are encouraged to grow straight branches, why, and their uses. He shared songs that were passed on and newly written. In fact, on our walk, we crossed paths with a rattlesnake and he reminded me songs too have many uses, from keeping pace to announcing our presence to the surrounding wildlife. Danny teaches youth about the land in this region, how to nurture it, have gratitude, only take what you will need to use, leave it in good condition, and be mindful of Mother Earth and others. The best way to learn about the land of any area is to seek out the Indigenous community of that region. Passing on the ways of Maidu life to future generations is vital to preserve the knowledge of the land.
Powwow in Yuba City, June 12, 2023
Danny Manning is a firefighter, carrier of knowledge, owner of Niknek Lemonade and a New Bird Studio client. We started with learning all about Danny's business goals, passions, and business values. Then we drove out to Cadena Farms, the local farm he sources much of his ingredients from, for a photography session. From there we customized his storytelling website to fit his business needs. This is from his website's "About us" page:
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We are a family-owned, Native American business. Our Tribe is Tosidom Maidu from Tosim Koyo, Indian Valley, Plumas County.
We started the business to bring the family together, to travel together and work together. The logo was designed by our mother and grandmother, Taras Gaither, who has been an artist her whole life. The name of the business, Niknek Lemonade, means ‘my mom’s lemonade’ in Mountain Maidu. The lemonade has helped our family to come together, learn to run a small business, and helped the kids to learn life skills.
We travel to Native events like pow-wows and Big Times, allowing us to provide service to our fellow people and to expose our children to our diverse Native culture and customs. We are also regulars at the Davis Farmer’s Market, one of the biggest and longest-running farmers’ markets in California. At the Market, we mix our lemonade with fresh fruit purees from local farmers, adding flavors including apricot, elderberry, loquat, mulberry, and blackberry, depending on what is in season.
The Lemon brings us, and all who see it, joy. It creates an opportunity for us to be together, work together, make a living using local, healthy foods, and be part of community events. Niknek is about family, culture, community, and working as a team.
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To see more and inquire
https://www.nikneklemonade.com/
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Roberta Alvarado is a Sacramento based multi disciplinary artist and the owner of New Bird Studio with a lifelong interest in art and community. From the political scenes living in capitol of California to the deserts of the Southwest, Mexico, Nicaragua, and on, Roberta is a fine art documentary photographer with a focus on American culture.
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A few of her work highlights have been being featured in Paramount Picture's "The Big Short", exhibited at The California Museum, solo exhibits at The Consulate General of Mexico, Sacramento, The Brickhouse Art Gallery, published in VoyageLA, Bold Journey.
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When not creating and installing art we are helping small to medium size businesses succeed. Every small business win is a community win! We are a part of and invest in Sacramento's creative community. New Bird Studio is ART. We are a one stop shop for all visual marketing needs.
First we engage your customer base with intriguing photography (commercial, product, headshot, event, etc) . Then we create a stunning highly efficient website and digital products. In a visual world we need to see and hear your story. Your business has a story, we keep it consistent with your branding. We are about community.
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We build Artist's portfolio websites.
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To inquire about licensing or purchasing art or to schedule a creative consultation click here or email:
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