During this month of recognition, we would like to highlight the work of the American Indian Cultural District of San Francisco (AICD) and the Amah Mutsun Land Trust (AMLT).
The American Indian Cultural District is the first established Cultural District of its size in the United States dedicated to recognizing, honoring, and celebrating the American Indian legacy, culture, people, and contributions.
The Amah Mutsun Land Trust, an initiative of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, is the vehicle by which the Amah Mutsun access, protect, and steward lands that are integral to their identity and culture. The AMLT returns their tribe to their ancestral lands and restores their role as environmental stewards.
Chairman Valentin Lopez of the Amah Mutsun Tribe leads a cultural burn in San Juan Bautista in partnership with the Trust for Public Land and CAL FIRE. Paige Laduzinksy © 2024 California Academy of Sciences
There are countless ways to honor the ancestors of our lands. Here are additional actions to get you started:
Remember that Indigenous people are still here. Since colonization, there have been concerted efforts to erase Indigenous peoples and their culture. However, descendants of these tribes are still here living on the land of their ancestors. Remember when referring to these tribes to acknowledge they have lived here for thousands of years, are still here, and will continue carrying on their rich cultural traditions.
Learn about the land you live on. Find the traditional stewards of the land where you live, work, and visit and support the efforts being undertaken by those communities to restore their culture. Some local organizations across nine Bay Area Counties include:
Explore Native American contributions to science, conservation, art, and more through exhibits and film during your next visit to the Academy.
Enjoy this collection of Academy-produced videos highlighting Indigenous artists, scientists, and scholars.
Urban Native Era founder Joey Montoya (Lipan Apache) aims to increase the visibility of Indigenous peoples through fashion and design.
Learn how dam removal efforts along the Klamath River in Northern California are creating healthier rivers and forests.
Featuring Dr. Don Hankins (CSU Chico). This video is part of our IBSS Seminar Series hosted by the Academy's Indigenous Solidarity Committee.
Featuring Brook Thompson, PhD candidate (UC Santa Cruz). This video is part of our IBSS Seminar Series hosted by the Academy's Indigenous Solidarity Committee.
Featuring Sara Moncada (Cultural Conservancy). This video is part of our IBSS Seminar Series hosted by the Academy's Indigenous Solidarity Committee.
Watch 6 recorded livestream talks that address the history of racism and colonialism in science.
Explore profiles of marginalized, under-recognized Academy staff created by Careers in Science interns.
Explore the Academy's efforts to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in our offices, on the museum floor, and everywhere we do science.
