Lafayette installs new signs honoring Bay Miwok heritage at Rain Garden and community center

In a heartfelt moment during the Lafayette City Council meeting, the council members took a significant step towards honoring the rich history of the Bay Miwok people, the original stewards of the land. As the meeting unfolded, the mayor led a land acknowledgment, recognizing Lafayette as part of the unceded ancestral homeland of the Bay Miwok and neighboring Ohlone tribes. This acknowledgment was not just a formality; it was a tribute to thousands of years of history and stewardship that these communities have provided.

Council member McCormick highlighted the installation of two new signs in the city, which serve as a lasting tribute to the Bay Miwok people. One sign is located at the Rain Garden on the corner of Golden Gate Way and First Street, while the other is positioned at the community center. These signs are a direct outcome of the land acknowledgment task force, which aimed to foster educational opportunities for the community about the indigenous heritage of the region.

Earlier that day, a sign unveiling ceremony took place, attended by an elder who had worked closely with the task force. This event was described as a "tremendous" addition to Lafayette's landscape, symbolizing a commitment to honor the past while strengthening ties with the indigenous communities that continue to thrive in the East Bay.

As the council members expressed their gratitude for the profound legacy of the Bay Miwok people, it became clear that this initiative is just the beginning of a broader effort to engage with and support the local indigenous communities. The meeting underscored a growing recognition of the importance of history and community in shaping Lafayette's future.