Shuumi Land Tax: A Gift to Heal and Honor
In the heart of the East Bay, a unique initiative is silently working towards a future where past injustices are acknowledged, and communities can thrive together. The Shuumi Land Tax, which translates to "gift" in the Ohlone language Chochenyo, is an annual, voluntary contribution that non-Indigenous people living on the Confederated Villages of Lisjan's territory can make to support the vital work of the Sogorea Te' Land Trust.
This tax directly contributes to Sogorea Te's mission of rematriation – the process of returning Indigenous land to Indigenous people. It also involves the establishment of a cemetery to reinter stolen Ohlone ancestral remains and the creation of urban gardens, community centers, and ceremonial spaces. These endeavors ensure that current and future generations of Indigenous people can thrive in the culturally rich Bay Area.
For the Ohlone people, survival has been a legacy shaped by centuries of adversity. They have endured three waves of genocide, from the Spanish soldiers to the American 49ers. Despite these hardships, the Ohlone community has preserved their language, stories, and traditions. Today, they stand as an inter-tribal community in the East Bay, though they lack a land base and federal recognition. Their ancestral remains lie hidden away in museum basements at institutions like U.C. Berkeley and San Francisco State University.
If you call the East Bay home, whether in Oakland, Berkeley, Albany, or any of the neighboring areas, you reside on traditional Ohlone land. This land carries a profound history, having been home to a vibrant community for thousands of years. As a resident, you inevitably benefit from the history of violence against the Ohlone and the theft of their land. The civic infrastructure, the economic system, and the consumption of natural resources are all connected to this colonial occupation. Contributing to the Shuumi Land Tax is a way to acknowledge this history and participate in the healing process, supporting the Ohlone community's current efforts to create a brighter future.
The Shuumi Land Tax also extends an invitation to get involved. You can volunteer at one of their gardens, encourage others to give Shuumi, organize your organization, school, or religious group to participate, educate yourself and your community about Indigenous history, and explore more ways to contribute to this important work.
The Bay Area holds a special place in our hearts, cherished for its moderate climate, natural beauty, and cultural diversity. The Shuumi Land Tax is not about erasing the past but about taking a step in the long-term process of healing and showing support for the self-determination and sovereignty of the local Indigenous community. While no amount of money can undo the past, it is a small, impactful way to participate in this movement.
Your gift of Shuumi is a contribution towards rematriating the land and strengthening the bonds within our community. Together, we can work towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all those who call the Bay Area home.
For more information about the Shuumi Land Tax, you can explore the Shuumi FAQs on their website. Give Shuumi, and be a part of the journey to heal and honor the land and its Indigenous community.
