Alameda Native History Project
Save Shellmounds Not Parking Lots
While these places may be on our traditional homelands, and within our tribal territories: Brownfields properties and Supferfund sites are neither appropriate, nor respectful gifts of atonement to the Indigenous People the entire Western Hemisphere was stolen from. It is a waste of resources for indigenous non-profiteers, like Corrina Gould, to focus primarily on post-industrial… Continue reading Save Shellmounds Not Parking Lots
Toxic Land Is Not Equal To Land Back
Toxic Land Is Not Land Back : Proper Remediation Must Be Performed First
Just to be clear: eating food grown in contaminated soil may not result in contaminated food… Even though petrochemical aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are largely unstudied “likely” carcinogens–some of which have been found to move through the soil easily into water; and that contamination can move from soil to food to animals. Petrochemical Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH)… Continue reading Toxic Land Is Not Land Back : Proper Remediation Must Be Performed First
Finding the Alameda Shellmounds: Part One
The Plaque at Lincoln Park It’s hard to say exactly what this plaque meant to me, growing up, adopted, in Alameda. This was a tangible symbol of my Native American heritage; something connected to my identity. Proof that my people actually existed somewhere. Even though I couldn’t see them, or be with them. It was… Continue reading Finding the Alameda Shellmounds: Part One
Alameda City Council Extends Special Invitation to Muwekma Ohlone Tribe
On December 6, 2022, at 5:00 PM, Alameda City Council will hold a special meeting to conduct a “Listening Session“, and discuss partnership opportunities with Local Indigenous People and Ohlone Tribes. Three tribal organizations have been invited to attend: Ohlone Tribe, INC., headed by Andrew Galvan; the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay… Continue reading Alameda City Council Extends Special Invitation to Muwekma Ohlone Tribe
More Alternatives to Shuumi
Here at the Alameda Native History Project, we value organizations and movements which focus on measurable, outcome-based strategies and planning. We value transparency, accountability, and regular reporting on the progress toward those goals. And while organizations associated with Corrina Gould talk a good game: it would behoove you to take notice of the fact that… Continue reading More Alternatives to Shuumi

Alameda Shellmounds Map

The first, and original, Alameda Shellmound Map, by Gabriel Duncan. This map aggregates the pre-existing work by N.C. Nelson (on the Shellmounds of the San Francisco Bay Region); and Alameda’s own Imelda Merlin (from “Alameda: A Geological History”); and expounds on them, by tying in historical newspaper articles, and City of Alameda records, to create the most detailed, and complete picture of the Alameda Shellmounds to date.

Map of the Shellmounds of the San Francisco Bay Area

The larger sequel to the Alameda Shellmounds Map. This map was hand-plotted using a specially reprojected version of the N.C. Nelson map showing the distribution of shellmounds in the San Francisco Bay Region. While not all points are completely plotted, this interactive map helps to illustrate the density and prevalence of shellmounds in the Bay Area; and illuminate the concept of “Native Land” in a way which is more immediate, and tangible to contemporary learners.

Mission

  • To present the Indigenous History of the place we now call the “City of Alameda” with accuracy and respect to Ohlone People.
  • To make space for Ohlone people in their own traditional homeland.
  • To recognize and acknowledge the sovereignty of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area, and their 10,000 year history of continuous habitation of the place we call the San Francisco Bay Area.
  • To update and reimagine the visual aids, diagrams, and infographs from studies and publications near the turn of the 20th century into newer, more nuanced, accurate and relevant material that can be referenced in today’s classrooms, museums, and parks.
  • To provide local institutions the materials, research, and information necessary to update their exhibits.
  • To create impactful graphic designs to educate, inform, and advocate for indigenous issues, as well as other social justice & environmental causes and movements, and some nonpartisan campaigns in solidarity, and to provide material support.

Goals

  • Accurate and meaningful representation of Ohlone people in Alameda (beyond land acknowledgment–which is not representation.)
  • Awareness that:
  • Ohlone people are still alive;
  • The Muwekma Ohlone Tribe is composed of the descendants of the survivors of Missions San Jose, Santa Clara, and Delores, and descendants of the Verona Band of Alameda County, a Federally Recognized Tribe;
  • Muwekma’s struggle for Federal Recognition and Land Back.
  • Public awareness of shellmounds, and the grisly uses of the Alameda (and San Francisco Bay Area) Shellmounds.
  • Foster relationship between local government and tribal government.
  • Protect and preserve shellmounds and sacred sites, establish historical districts, and more, in partnership with local land owners, businesses, agencies and government.

Get In Touch

MAIL:

2201 Shore Line Drive #6334

Alameda, California 94501

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