Land Acknowledgment

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Despite years of oppressive colonial pressure, the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo people continue to live and thrive within their ancestral territories here in Marin County and Sonoma County. The brutality of colonization, the mission systems, the gold rush, the population boom in California and the tactics of genocide imposed by federal and state governments have not prevailed over these tribe’s resilience. Marin County is on the ancestral lands of the Coast Miwok People, including the Coast Miwok Tribal Council of Marin and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. The Southern Pomo people are from the Sebastopol and Sonoma County area. 

The Coast Miwok Indians have occupied the lands throughout Marin, Marshall, Tomales, Petaluma, and Bodega since time immemorial. Their deep understanding of the ecosystems and landscape allowed for them to thrive in these areas before western contact, living off the abundance of resources, traveling the bay and celebrating the land through ceremony. Village sites have been identified and are continually discovered throughout these areas. The Coast Miwok are known for their skills in basketry, flint knapping, clamshell bead making, cordage making, fishing and tending of their ancestral landscape. They continue to practice these skills and share their traditions among their tribal communities.

We respectfully recognize that the Museum of the American Indian is located on Coast Miwok territory. We strive to be humble and respectful of the tragic colonial history that led us to this present circumstance, and we acknowledge that indeed colonial pressures still exist today. We are dedicated to listening, learning, and supporting the Coast Miwok people in their efforts to cultivate and maintain their tribal sovereignty. We stand in awe and respect of their strength and resiliency.