California Returns Sacred Tribal Ground to Indigenous Peoples
Historic Agreement
The city of Berkeley, California, has reached an agreement to return a 2.2-acre parking lot to Indigenous peoples, keeping a progressive step towards reconciliation. This lot, situated atop a sacred tribal ground dating back more than 5,700 years, marks the site of the first human settlement on the San Francisco Bay. The agreement, hailed as historic by Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin, aims to rectify past injustices and honor the diverse history of the region.
Restoration of Sacred Land
Under the terms of the agreement, developers who own the land will receive $27 million for the property. The funds will facilitate the transfer of ownership to the Sogorea Te' Land Trust, an organization dedicated to reclaiming land for Indigenous communities.
The trust, backed by a $20 million grant from the Kately Foundation and a $1.5 million contribution from the city, played a pivotal role in securing the site's restoration.
End of a Lengthy Battle
The resolution concludes a protracted legal battle over the fate of the site, which arose when the city opposed a proposed mixed-use development on the land. After years of contention, this agreement represents a significant victory for Indigenous rights and cultural preservation.
Tribal leader Corrina Gould, co-founder of the Sogorea land trust, lauded the decision as a monumental achievement in California's history.
Cultural Significance
The parking lot sits on the last remaining undeveloped portion of the West Berkeley shell mound, a sacred site that once housed a massive funerary shell mound centuries ago. Sadly, rampant development over the years has led to the disappearance of over 400 similar mounds in the bay area.
The West Berkeley site holds immense cultural significance for the Ohlone people, serving as a reminder of their ancestral ties to the land.
Legacy of Colonization
The history of the site is marred by the legacy of colonization, with Spanish colonizers displacing Indigenous inhabitants and exploiting their labor. Subsequent waves of settlers further eroded the land's integrity, culminating in the destruction of the shell mound for road construction material.
Vision for the Future
Tribal leaders envision transforming the reclaimed space into an open area featuring an educational center and a 40-foot mound with a spiraling path to its summit. This vision reflects a commitment to preserving Indigenous heritage and fostering cultural awareness for future generations.
By returning this sacred ground to its rightful owners, the city takes a crucial step toward reconciliation and justice.
