We sent out numerous letters to City of Oakland Officials, today. [Here’s the contact list we used.] This is what the letter said:
Alameda Native History Project
2201 Shoreline Drive #6334
Alameda, California 94501
(510) 747-8423
info@alamedanativehistoryproject.com
October 31, 2022
Oakland City Council
Oakland City Hall
1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
Oakland, CA 94612
-VIA EMAIL-
Re: Proposed Cultural Conservation Easement at Joaquin Miller Park (Agenda Item #10 22-0849)
Dear City Council Members, and Staff,
I am writing to ask you to include all Ohlone people in the planning and consultation for the proposed cultural easement at Sequoia Point, in Joaquin Miller Park. Currently, there are only plans recognizing one Ohlone tribal group, the Confederated Villages of the Lisjan Nation, INC.
However, if Sequoia Point is to be treated as a Tribal Cultural Resource, then Tribal Consultation should take place with all of the Ohlone tribal groups. I know that you are familiar with Tribal Notification Requirements; so it’s especially dismaying that Tribal Consultation was not solicited from any or all of the groups in the Native American Heritage Commission’s Tribal Consultation Lists.
These groups include, but are not limited to:
- Amah Mutsun Tribal Band of Mission San Juan Bautista
- Confederated Villages of the Lisjan
- Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe
- Indian Canyon Mustun Band of Costanoan
- Muwekma Ohlone Indian Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area
- Northern Valley Yokuts Tribe
- The Ohlone Indian Tribe
Granting exclusive rights to use, and access, a Tribal Cultural Resource, as an easement in perpetuity, without consulting with other real parties in interest ( i.e., these other tribal groups) is a serious mistake that does not have to be made.
Please reach out to other affected tribes before granting exclusive rights to their land.
Sincerely,
Gabriel Duncan
Alameda Native History Project
2201 Shoreline Drive #6334
Alameda, California 94501
(510) 747-8423
info@alamedanativehistoryproject.com
