Exiles: Ishi

Naomi Alderman returns with her series that explores the minds of the greatest thinkers in history. From political theorists to scientists to inventors, authors and artists. Our world is based on their ideas and innovations. How did they do their work, what did they struggle with, where did they find their dedication, creativity and inspiration?

When Ishi walked from the Californian wilderness into one of the settler’s towns, he became known as “the last wild Indian”. He was the last survivor of the Yahi people, who had been massacred by white settlers during the Gold Rush in about as complete a genocide as mankind had ever inflicted. But Ishi was resourceful and intelligent - he fought for ways to preserve his people’s ways of life, language and culture. So that it wouldn’t die with him.

Special thanks to Dr Cutcha Risling Baldy, Associate Professor of Native American Studies and department chair of Native American studies at Cal Poly Humboldt.

Produced by BBC Studios in partnership with The Open University.

Presenter: Naomi Alderman
Executive Editor: Philip Sellars
Production Co-ordinator: Amelia Paul
Researchers: Harry Burton, Martha Owen and Victoria Brignell
Mix Engineer: Nigel Appleton
Series Producer: Anishka Sharma
Production Manager: Jo Kyle