Legacy and Understanding

Lesson 1: Place Names and Local History

Introduction

The Bay Area, known for its vibrant cities and iconic landmarks, holds a history that stretches back millennia. Long before the arrival of Europeans, the Ohlone and Miwok people inhabited this land, shaping its landscape and imbuing it with meaning. Their languages and cultures are woven into the very fabric of the region, even if those connections are often hidden in plain sight. This lesson explores the Native origins of Bay Area place names, offering a glimpse into the past and deepening our understanding of the region's Indigenous heritage.

Historical Context

The Ohlone and Miwok people, as we've learned, were not a single monolithic group, but rather a collection of distinct tribes and communities, each with its own language and territory. These languages, part of the Utian and Miwokan language families respectively, were rich and complex, with words that reflected the nuances of the natural world and the cultural values of the people. Many of the place names we use today are derived from these Indigenous languages, though their forms and meanings have often been transformed over time.

When the Spanish arrived in the late 18th century, they encountered a landscape already named and imbued with meaning. They adopted some of these Native names, often modifying them to fit the sounds and structures of the Spanish language. For example, the Ohlone village of Huichin became Mission San Jose, and the Miwok term Awani-wi (place of the gully) was Hispanicized to "Alameda." Later, as American settlers arrived in the 19th century, further changes were made, sometimes translating the names, sometimes Anglicizing them, and sometimes simply replacing them altogether.

Exploring Native Place Names

By delving into the etymology of Bay Area place names, we can uncover layers of history and gain insights into the perspectives of the original inhabitants. Here are a few examples:

• Oakland: While the name "Oakland" seems straightforward, referring to the abundance of oak trees that once covered the area, it likely obscures an earlier Ohlone name. The Chochenyo-speaking Ohlone people who inhabited this region may have called it Huchiun, which is believed to mean "the place of the north wind." This name suggests a deeper understanding of the local climate and geography.

• Alameda: As mentioned earlier, "Alameda" comes from the Spanish word for "grove of poplar trees," but this was likely a translation or adaptation of an earlier Awani-wi, meaning "place of the gully." This original name may have referred to a specific geographical feature in the area.

• Sonoma: The name "Sonoma" is derived from the Coast Miwok word tsonoma. While its exact meaning is debated, some linguists believe it means "valley of the moon," while others suggest it means "land of many noses," perhaps referring to a prominent geographical feature or a legendary figure.

• Tamalpais: Mount Tamalpais, a defining feature of the Marin County landscape, retains its Coast Miwok name, tamalpais, meaning "west peak." This name highlights the mountain's orientation and its significance as a landmark for the Miwok people.

• Suisun: This name, given to a bay, a city, and a valley in Solano County, comes from the Southern Patwin word Suisun, which may have referred to a type of wild onion that grew in the area. This reflects the importance of plant resources to the indigenous people.

https://www.csueastbay.edu/museum/virtual-museum/native-california/5-gen/tribal.html

Connecting to the Past in the Present

Recognizing and understanding the Native origins of place names allows us to connect with the deeper history of the Bay Area and acknowledge the enduring legacy of the Ohlone and Miwok people. These names are not just labels on a map; they are threads that link us to the past, reminding us that the land we inhabit was once home to thriving Indigenous communities. By learning about these names, their meanings, and the stories behind them, we can gain a greater appreciation for the cultural diversity and historical depth of our region.

Video

Key Points:

This KQED Truly CA video tells the story of Ann-Marie Sayers, a Native American elder who is working to reclaim and preserve her ancestral land in Indian Canyon, located in Hollister, California.

Here are the key takeaways:

• Indian Canyon's Significance: Indian Canyon is the only federally recognized Indian Country for 350 miles along the California coast, making it a vital cultural and spiritual center for Native people.

• Historical Suppression: The video highlights the historical suppression of Native Americans, including the forced assimilation and genocide during the Gold Rush era. Sayers emphasizes that the foundation of California is built on lies and the deaths of Indians.

• Resilience and Revival: Despite the hardships faced by Native communities, Sayers emphasizes the resilience and revival of their culture. She opened up her great-grandfather's trust allotment to all indigenous people in need of traditional lands for ceremonies.

• Connection to the Land: Sayers stresses the deep connection Native people have with the land, emphasizing the importance of water (rama) and the need to respect and honor the ancestors.

• Environmental Activism: Sayers is actively involved in environmental activism, highlighting her successful fight against fracking in San Benito County.

• Truth and Reconciliation: She calls for truth in history and encourages non-native people to learn from Native communities.

• Hope for the Future: Sayers expresses hope for the future, emphasizing the importance of educating the youth and making decisions that consider the impact on future generations.

The video showcases the strength and resilience of Native Americans in California, highlighting their efforts to reclaim their cultural heritage and protect their ancestral lands. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding and acknowledging the history and contributions of Indigenous communities.

End of unit exercises

Short Answer (5 points each):

Choose ONE of the following questions and write a short answer for each with a paragraph or two:

• Explain how the study of place names can help us understand the history and culture of the Ohlone and Miwok people. Provide specific examples to illustrate your points.

• Research and discuss the Native origins of a specific Bay Area place name, explaining its meaning, any changes it has undergone, and its significance in the context of Ohlone or Miwok culture.

• Discuss the importance of recognizing and preserving Native place names in the contemporary landscape. How can we ensure that these names are respected and their meanings understood?

Essay (10 points):

Choose ONE of the following questions and write a well-developed essay response:

• Analyze the ways in which Native place names reflect the relationship between Indigenous communities and the natural environment. Consider how these names reveal observations about the landscape, plant and animal life, and cultural values.

• Imagine you are tasked with renaming a Bay Area landmark or location with an Ohlone or Miwok name. Choose a place, propose a new name based on your research into the language and culture of the original inhabitants, and explain your reasoning for the choice.

Lesson 2: Contemporary Issues and Perspectives

Introduction

The Ohlone and Miwok people, the original inhabitants of the Bay Area, continue to assert their presence and advocate for their rights in the 21st century. This lesson delves into the contemporary issues these Indigenous communities face, focusing on their ongoing struggles for land rights, environmental justice, and accurate representation in media and education. Understanding these issues is crucial for appreciating the complex realities of Native Californians today and working towards a more just and equitable future.

Land Rights

Land is not simply a physical resource for Indigenous communities; it is intrinsically tied to their identity, spirituality, and cultural practices. The Ohlone and Miwok people, dispossessed of their ancestral lands through colonization and the Gold Rush, continue to fight for the recognition of their inherent rights to the land. This struggle takes many forms:

• Land Back Movements: These movements advocate for the return of ancestral lands to Indigenous stewardship. This can involve land purchases, legal challenges to existing ownership, and collaborations with conservation organizations to protect culturally significant areas.

• Federal Recognition: Many Ohlone and Miwok groups are still seeking federal recognition as sovereign tribes. This recognition would grant them greater autonomy and access to resources to support their communities and cultural revitalization efforts.

• Protection of Sacred Sites: Many places in the Bay Area hold deep spiritual significance for Native Californians. These sites are often threatened by development, vandalism, and desecration. Indigenous communities are actively working to protect these places, advocating for their preservation and access for ceremonial purposes.

Environmental Justice

Native Californians have a long history of environmental stewardship, and they are playing a vital role in contemporary environmental justice movements. They often face disproportionate impacts from environmental pollution and degradation, as industrial sites, landfills, and other polluting facilities are often located near their communities. Their efforts focus on:

• Climate Change: Indigenous communities are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as sea-level rise, drought, and wildfires. They are advocating for climate action and sustainable practices that protect the environment and their cultural heritage.

• Water Rights: Access to clean water is essential for both cultural practices and everyday life. Native Californians are fighting to protect water sources from pollution and overuse, and to assert their rights to water resources.

• Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK): Indigenous communities possess valuable knowledge about the environment and sustainable practices that have been passed down through generations. They are sharing this knowledge to promote ecological restoration and conservation efforts.

Representation in Media and Education

For too long, the stories and perspectives of Native Californians have been marginalized or misrepresented in mainstream media and education. This lack of accurate representation perpetuates stereotypes, erases Indigenous history, and contributes to cultural misunderstanding. Efforts to address this include:

• Reclaiming Narratives: Native communities are creating their own media, writing books and articles, and producing films that tell their stories from their own perspectives.

• Curriculum Reform: Indigenous educators and activists are working to ensure that school curricula accurately reflect the history and contributions of Native Californians, and that Native perspectives are included in all subjects.

• Challenging Stereotypes: Native people are speaking out against harmful stereotypes and misrepresentations in popular culture, advocating for more authentic and nuanced portrayals of Indigenous people.

Key Points from Corrina Gould's Work:

• Land Rematriation: Gould emphasizes the importance of returning land to Indigenous control, not just for symbolic reasons, but to enable the Ohlone people to practice their cultural traditions and revitalize their communities.

• Shellmound Protection: She has been a leading voice in the fight to protect shellmounds, ancient burial sites and cultural landmarks that are threatened by development.

• Decolonization: Gould advocates for decolonization, which involves dismantling the ongoing legacies of colonialism and recognizing the inherent sovereignty of Indigenous people.

• Intertribal Solidarity: She emphasizes the importance of building alliances and solidarity with other Indigenous communities and social justice movements.

End of unit exercises

Short Answer (5 points each):

Choose ONE of the following questions and write a short answer for each with a paragraph or two:

• Explain the importance of land rights to Native Californians, and describe some of the specific ways they are working to reclaim their ancestral lands, such as land back movements, federal recognition efforts, and the protection of sacred sites.

• Discuss the connection between environmental justice and the cultural survival of Native communities in the Bay Area. Provide examples of how Native people are addressing environmental challenges and advocating for the protection of the land and water.

• Analyze the impact of inaccurate or incomplete representations of Native Americans in media and education. How do these representations perpetuate stereotypes and erase Indigenous history?

Essay (10 points):

Choose ONE of the following questions and write a well-developed essay response:

• Research and discuss a specific contemporary issue facing a Bay Area Native community, exploring their perspectives, challenges, and efforts to address the issue. Consider incorporating information from the featured voice or other contemporary Native sources.

• Reflect on how this unit has deepened your understanding of the history, culture, and contemporary experiences of Native Californians. How can you contribute to a more just and equitable future for these communities? Consider the role of allyship, advocacy, and education in supporting Indigenous rights and cultural revitalization.