Written by Library Aide, Zoe Salahud-Din
As Bay Area residents, the name “Ohlone” may sound familiar. Often mentioned in land acknowledgements, “Ohlone” or “Ohlone Land” is the name of the northern California territory once inhabited by over 40 indigenous tribes.
Spanning from the top of San Francisco to the bottom of Salinas Valley, this immense region is just one of hundreds that formerly made up the United States. As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, with its changing meaning due to its grievous history, this honorary month gives us the opportunity to reflect on what it means to celebrate and how we can do so intentionally.
What once started as Native American Awareness Week, the first national historical week of recognition for native people, penned by Jerry C. Elliot-High Eagle in 1976, has evolved into what we now recognize as Native American Heritage Month. This is a sanctioned commemorative time in observance of indigenous traditions, culture, music, stories and lives. As an organization situated on Ohlone land within its Huichin territory, we honor and uplift indigenous communities in the SF Bay Area. Here are some local community resources:
Indigenous Community Organizations
Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirits
American Indian Child Resource Center
Alicia Mary Retes Storytelling
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