Native American Heritage Month

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.

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:

• Amah Mutsun Land Trust
• Association of Ramaytush Ohlone
• Cultural Conservancy
• Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria
• Kashia Band of Pomo Indians
• mak-'amham/Cafe Ohlone
• Muwekma Ohlone
• Sogorea Te' Land Trust
• Tamien Nation

Explore Native American contributions to science, conservation, art, and more through exhibits and film during your next visit to the Academy.

• California: State of Nature (West Hall): Learn how tribal communities across the state are regenerating California through Indigenous Science.
• Hidden Wonders (Collections Gallery): See Pomo baskets and Quechan figurines from the Academy’s collection.
• New Science (East Hall): See a spotlight on scientist Dr. Mary Jo Ondrechen, a member of the Mohawk Nation.
• Science Today (East Hall): Watch our short films Rejuvenating the Land through Fire and Two-Eyed Seeing: Science and Traditional Ecological Knowledge.
• Gems and Minerals Unearthed (Level 3): Be dazzled by a Navajo turquoise and silver squash blossom necklace.
• Naturalist Center (Level 3): View California Indian and Alaska Native baskets and other cultural items.