access to indigenous history through interpretive exhibits , education programs and events . The difference is that tribes are more empowered and acknowledged today . There ’ s more trust and reciprocity in partnerships .
The Muwekma and other Ohlone representatives are participating as indigenous advisors in a growing number of research projects , such as excavation and interpretive work at sites along Highway 101 near Metcalf Road , and at a development site North of Morgan Hill at Murphy Springs . The latter project revealed artifacts dating back 8,000 years . In another example , the Muwekma approached Santa Clara County Parks in 1989 to participate in site evaluation and indigenous interpretation for the Chitactac-Adams Heritage Park exhibit .
“ We are dedicated to raising public awareness of Muwekma Ohlone history and heritage , and ensuring they are included in discussions related to our rich , diverse Santa Clara County history .”
— Tere Johnson , Chairman , Santa Clara County Historical Heritage Commission
Scientific advances , from genome sequencing to carbon dating , are contributing to our understanding of indigenous history .
For example , a genomic study of indigenous peoples in the San Francisco Bay Area found that eight present-day members of the Muwekma Ohlone tribe share ancestry with 12 individuals who lived in the region as much as 2,000 years ago . The study was overseen by the Muwekma Ohlone Tribal leadership in partnership with Stanford , the University of Illinois , and the Far Western Anthropological Research Group in Davis , California . Study co-authors included Monica Arellano , former vice chairwoman of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area , and Alan Leventhal , Emeritus lecturer with San Jose State University and Muwekma tribe archaeologist . Results were published in the National Proceedings of the Academy of Science ( 2022 ). news . illinois . edu / view / 6367 / 1603805239
“ We need to be aware and resist the politics of erasure . My job is to help make visible the things that have been invisible .”
— Alan Leventhal , Emeritus Anthropology Lecturer with SJSU and Muwekma tribal archaeologist and ethnohistorian .
Leventhal said the Muwekma have also worked with the De Saisset Museum at Santa Clara University , Campbell Historical Society , Los Altos History Museum , Oakland Museum , Los Gatos Museum and even the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission , to interpret and share Muwekma history .
Charlene Nijmeh , Muwekma Ohlone Tribal Chairwoman currently leading the " Trail of Truth " to advocate for Federal tribal recognition .
Occasions for Recognition Indigenous Peoples ’ Day ( October 14 , 2024 ) National Native American Heritage Month ( November 1-30 )
Regional Exhibits and Resources : Muwekma Ohlone Tribe , https :// www . muwekma . org
UC Berkeley ’ s Phoebe A . Hearst Anthropology Museum and Bancroft Library , hearstmuseum . berkeley . edu , lib . berkeley . edu / visit / bancroft
De Saisset Museum-Santa Clara University , scu . edu / desaisset / exhibitions / californiastories
Muwekma youth dancer “ Josiah Dominguez .” The tribe encourages their youth to embrace the flame of tradition , culture , and history .
San Jose State University , sjsu . edu / transform / spartan-spotlight / muwekma-ohlone . php
Los Altos History Museum , losaltoshistory . org / 2023 / 02 / los-altos-history-museum-unveils-a-permanentcollection-making-connections-stories-from-the-land /
Campbell Historical Museum , campbellmuseums . com / muwekma-ohlone
New Museum Los Gatos , numulosgatos . org / exhibitions-2 / reclamation-aboriginal-ancestral-homeland
Learn more about the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe : http :// www . muwekma . org /
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