Equity Through Art: Ohlone Culture Past and Present

Thanksgiving is around the corner and families across the U.S. will come together over a meal to celebrate. But what do we truly understand about what we are celebrating? Native perspectives offer a critical lens of our understanding of the holiday and of our knowledge about the effects of colonialization.

The Ramaytush Ohlone peoples are the original inhabitants of the San Francisco Peninsula, and we tend to know little about the Indigenous history of the land we call home in San Mateo County. Looking back at the history of San Mateo County through the lens of communities of color facing the inequities today is not just important, but necessary to chart a path toward equity.

Gregg Castro and Jonathan Cordero of the Association of Ramaytush Ohlone, opens a new window will join us on Thursday, November 18, at 5:00 PM to discuss the effects of Spanish colonization on California Indian culture, especially Ohlone culture. The discussion will include the role scholars play in preserving and at times undermining Ohlone culture. They will also share some of the core teachings of their ancestors and help build our mindfulness around the colonial history of the land we live on.   

Ohlone Culture Past and Present is part of our 2021-2022 Equity Through Art Series in partnership with the County of San Mateo Chief Equity Officer, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Office of Diversity & Equity and the Native and Indigenous Peoples Initiative. By offering this series, San Mateo County Libraries aims to highlight the complex relationship Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) have had living and trying to thrive in San Mateo County.

If you missed our spring Equity Author Talk series, you can see it here. You can also view our past programs in the series on our YouTube, opens a new window channel.

Looking for more content? Our staff has created this book list for all ages.

Books For Native American Heritage Month