As a local environmental group working in Sonoma County, we acknowledge that the land we are on is the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Miwok and Pomo peoples, who have lived on this land for thousands of years. We recognize that these tribes have stewarded and cared for this land, water, and air for generations, and we honor their continued relationship with this place. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present, and to all indigenous people who call Sonoma County home.
Our group is committed to promoting sustainable and just practices that protect the environment and support the well-being of all living beings. We recognize that the complex relationships between humans and nature require us to listen and learn from indigenous peoples, who have developed deep understandings of the natural world and sustainable practices over thousands of years.
We acknowledge that the arrival of Europeans and subsequent colonization of this land has resulted in the loss of ancestral lands, languages, and cultures, as well as numerous other injustices that continue to affect indigenous peoples today. We recognize the importance of acknowledging and addressing these harms, and working towards reconciliation and healing.
Our work is grounded in the understanding that environmental issues are deeply interconnected with issues of social justice, including indigenous sovereignty and rights. As we continue our work in Sonoma County, we commit to centering the voices and perspectives of indigenous communities, and to advocating for policies and practices that promote environmental justice and the well-being of all communities. We recognize that this work is ongoing, and that we must remain committed to listening, learning, and taking action towards a just and sustainable future for all.