• Arts
  • Creative Work Fund

The Chochenyo Ohlone are the original peoples of what is now called Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Because of a history of genocide and cultural erasure, most current Bay Area residents are unaware of Chochenyo Ohlone culture. Making Ohlone Visible aims to reclaim the indigenous history of this land, honoring traditions and customs of its original peoples. Celia Herrera Rodriguez, Indian People Organizing for Change (IPOC), Jesus Barraza and Melanie Cervantes from Dignidad Rebelde, and Chochenyo Ohlone youth and elders are creating three sculptures to be installed as monuments marking the sites of Chochenyo villages in Berkeley, Oakland, and Emeryville. The sculptures will be built with locally sourced materials. Project partners are beginning by researching verified Chochenyo baskets and village sites. This will include visiting baskets held in museums. Herrera Rodriguez then will create sculptures for which Dignidad Rebelde will design and produce signage. Project partners will ceremonially install the sculptures in spring 2018. Celia Herrera Rodriguez is an indigenous Xicana O’dami visual and performing artist. This project grows out of her ongoing collaborative work with Corrina Gould, a Chochenyo Ohlone community activist. Dignidad Rebelde, founded in 2007, is a graphic arts collective dedicated to creating and distributing screen printed political posters.