The Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) acknowledges that we work in the unceded ancestral lands of the Coast Miwok people of present-day Marin County. We recognize the centuries of attempted erasure, displacement, and genocide these communities have endured and that many inequities exist to this day. We honor with gratitude the land itself and celebrate the ongoing relationship with the Coast Miwok people and their traditional territories.
The Coast Miwok have lived in relationship with this landscape since time immemorial. Prior to European colonization, more than 600 village sites existed between the Bodega Bay region and southern Marin County, comprising one of the most densely populated areas in all of North America. Their heritage and culture are deeply intertwined with the land itself.
We recognize that for too long the brutality of our shared history has been ignored and we are working to better honor and celebrate the Coast Miwoks—and the diaspora of Indigenous Tribes across California—for their care of the land on which we work. We strive to be respectful of the centuries of injustices these communities have endured and acknowledge that many inequalities exist to this day.
Today, the Coast Miwok people are working to restore healthy relationships with their traditional territories. At MALT, we are committed to building deeper connections with this community and supporting opportunities for collaboration in our work to further protect and steward agricultural land in Marin County. It’s only in working together that MALT can achieve our vision of a thriving and inclusive agricultural community in a healthy and diverse natural environment.
We also acknowledge that this statement—and the organizational transformation it represents—is merely a step in our pursuit of greater equity, inclusion, and justice. We remain open to continued dialogue, listening, and learning from our peers, partners and community as we navigate this new path.
Resources for further learning:
Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria
The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, formerly known as the “Federated Coast Miwok”, is a federally recognized American Indian tribe of Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo Indians.
Coast Miwok Tribal Council of Marin
This Tribal Council is organized under federal law PL 93-638, the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. They are recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) as the lineal descendants of Indigenous Marin Coast Miwok people.
Native Land.ca
This web-based map is a resource to learn what indigenous land you are on or visiting. It is not a perfect resource and it is recommended to also reference individual tribe’s websites for their perspective on territories.
Bay Area Equity Access: Indigenous Populations in the Bay Area
A resource used to track the state of equity in the Bay Area and to learn about what advocacy groups are doing to advance Indigenous sovereignty.
Overview of California’s Genocide
This difficult but critically important part of our shared history is something we need to better acknowledge.
A Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgments
If you’re looking to create a land acknowledgement, the Native Governance Center is a great resource.
Christensen Fund
A grantmaking organization focused on supporting Indigenous people and advancing their inherent rights, dignity and self determination.