My name is Michael Preston and I’m a member of the Winnemem Wintu tribe from the McCloud River in Shasta County California. Over the past couple years I have been speaking on issues regarding protections of Winnemem Wintu sacred sites and way of life. Our sacred sites are directly connected to water and in order to help protect these places more effectively I have been learning all I can, politically and spiritually, from my elders. Aside from traditional knowledge, I also recognize the importance of a “formal” education. I am a student at UC Berkeley double majoring in Native American Studies and Society & Environment. Using both traditional knowledge and a western education I plan to continue my work in Environmental Justice for indigenous peoples and sacred sites protection.