Quechan Preston Arrow-Weed 'Songs of the Colorado'

(Kumeyaay singer Jon Mesa Cuero pictured in above video)
Preserving Yuman language: 'Songs of the Colorado' features interviews and performances from Preston Arrow-Weed, Quechan Elder Vernon Smith, and Dale Phillips, vice chairman of the Cocopah and others. Preston Arrow-Weed is the uncle of Mucaw Jefferson, Long Walker, who took his fight to the Spirit World following the Longest Walk.
Songs of the Colorado
By Intercontinental Cry
Songs of the Colorado tells the story of the traditional songs of the Yuman-speaking people and how those songs connect them, through story, language and history.

At least 10 Indigenous Peoples along the Colorado River speak the Yuman language, including the Cucapa, Havasupai, Quechan and Yapavai. It is believed to be one of the oldest languages on the continent.

Unfortunately, because younger generations are not learning the language and Elders who do speak it are slowly passing away, the language is at risk of being lost--And with it, the unique songs and stories of all Yuman-speaking people.

Knowing this and hoping to spark an interest in reviving the language, Quechan filmmaker Daniel Golding set out to document Yuman songs, with grant funding obtained by Quechan Elder and Lead Singer Preston Arrow-Weed.
Read more at Intercontinental Cry:
http://intercontinentalcry.org/songs-of-the-colorado