Author Talk: Gary Stickel & Christina Swindell Martinez

AUTHOR TALK WITH GARY STICKEL & CHRISTINA SWINDELL MARTINEZ

Toypurina is not only the heroine of the Kizh / Gabrieleño people, but she is unique in California history; indeed, in the history of the U.S. This is because she is the only Native American woman to have led a revolt against foreign conquering powers. Her story is remarkably like Joan of Arc: although both women met tragic ends, their remarkable accomplishments make them timeless and inspiring heroines.

Unfortunately, Toypurina's life story has been misrepresented in historical writings to date. Now for the first time, the Kizh / Gabrieleño people present her factual story as well as her astounding legacy. Published by Kizh Tribal Press.

The Kizh / Gabrieleño are the state-recognized Indian Tribe of greater Los Angeles, Orange County, and the offshore islands including San Nicolas. San Nicolas island is well known from Scott O'Dell's award winning children's novel, Island of the Blue Dolphins, based on a true story of a girl who spent eighteen years alone on the island. 

ABOUT

Dr. Gary Stickel is the tribal archaeologist for the Kizh Tribe. He coauthored Toypurina with Tribal Secretary Dr. Christina Swindell Martinez.

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