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He's wine country's reluctant casino mogul. His new novel is rich with Native history
By Maddie Connors at Los Angeles Times - California
· June 24, 2026
· 1 min read
Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris opens up about discovering his Native lineage at 30, overcoming exclusion and turning trauma into literary inspiration with his new novel 'The Last Human Bear.'
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
In Los Angeles , where diverse cultural heritage is a defining characteristic, the story of Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris resonates deeply. His journey of discovering Native lineage at 30 and transforming trauma into literary work offers a unique perspective on the Native experience in California. The release of his novel 'The Last Human Bear' is a significant event for the local literary scene, as it brings attention to the rich Native history that underlies the state's narrative. As a community that values its cultural diversity, Los Angeles stands to benefit from Sarris' work, which can foster greater understanding and appreciation of Native American heritage. The city's residents may find Sarris' story particularly compelling, given the region's own complex history of cultural exchange and conflict, and his novel may inspire new conversations about the importance of preserving and honoring Native American culture in the area.
About this story
Original reporting by Los Angeles Times - California . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Los Angeles Times - California . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: Los Angeles Times - California ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris opens up about discovering his Native lineage at 30, overcoming exclusion and turning trauma into literary inspiration with his new novel 'The Last Human Bear.'
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by Los Angeles Times - California and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Maddie Connors at Los Angeles Times - California. To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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