Monumental Tribute to Maidu Heritage Unveiled on Route 36 in Chester

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You may have noticed a new signs as you enter Chester pm State Route 36.  Two 13-foot metal monuments, created by Caltrans in collaboration with the Maidu Summit Consortium, are part of a $250 million initiative to enhance local areas and recognize their cultural significance. The Mountain Maidu have a long history in the Chester/Lake Almanor area, which they call Oidim Ḱoýo.

Shannon Salem Williams, program manager with the Maidu Summit, expressed gratitude for these signs that feature the Maidu language. The design incorporates traditional Maidu basket patterns symbolizing mountains, reflecting the identity of the Mountain Maidu people. Harvey Merino, the cultural resource coordinator, emphasized the importance of this representation.

Additionally, each monument includes a structure with a mountain silhouette and the name “Chester,” complemented by images of leaping rainbow trout. The scale of the monuments was unexpected but welcomed by the community.

Caltrans, through its Native American liaison Kendee Vance, worked closely with the Maidu Summit to ensure the design was respectful and representative. The monuments are part of a broader effort by Governor Gavin Newsom’s Clean California initiative, a $1.2 billion plan to clean and beautify public spaces while creating jobs.

The Maidu Summit Consortium has also acquired land around Lake Almanor to protect wildlife and promote cultural heritage. The gateway monuments symbolize the enduring presence and commitment of the Maidu people to their homeland, Oidim Ḱoýo. Williams and Merino view this project as a testament to the Maidu’s historical and ongoing role in the area.