Land Acknowledgment

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Despite years of oppressive colonial pressure, the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo people continue to live and thrive within their ancestral territories here in Marin County and Sonoma County. The brutality of colonization, the mission systems, the gold rush, the population boom in California and the tactics of genocide imposed by federal and state governments have not prevailed over these tribe’s resilience. Marin County is on the ancestral lands of the Coast Miwok People, including the Coast Miwok Tribal Council of Marin and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. The Southern Pomo people are from the Sebastopol and Sonoma County area. 

The Coast Miwok Indians have occupied the lands throughout Marin, Marshall, Tomales, Petaluma, and Bodega since time immemorial. Their deep understanding of the ecosystems and landscape allowed for them to thrive in these areas before western contact, living off the abundance of resources, traveling the bay and celebrating the land through ceremony. Village sites have been identified and are continually discovered throughout these areas. The Coast Miwok are known for their skills in basketry, flint knapping, clamshell bead making, cordage making, fishing and tending of their ancestral landscape. They continue to practice these skills and share their traditions among their tribal communities.

We respectfully recognize that the Museum of the American Indian is located on Coast Miwok territory. We strive to be humble and respectful of the tragic colonial history that led us to this present circumstance, and we acknowledge that indeed colonial pressures still exist today. We are dedicated to listening, learning, and supporting the Coast Miwok people in their efforts to cultivate and maintain their tribal sovereignty. We stand in awe and respect of their strength and resiliency.

Exhibits

MAI shares exhibits that highlight Indigenous Peoples from all over the Americas. MAI rotates exhibition of our collections to share the magnificent artistry and creative skills of Native Americans.

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Education

 MAI provides educational tours and opportunities for all ages. We offer informative programming that educates visitors on Native California and Native America. Our programming includes lesson about local tribes, traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), Indigenous identity, and the history of Indigenous Peoples of the Americas.

Events

MAI is a gathering place year round! We host lectures, readings, workshops, and cultural events that uplift Indigenous Cultures of the Americas. Our events offer opportunities for Indigenous Peoples to share their traditional ways and arts with their community and the greater Bay Area. 

Join Us

Become a member and support the Museum! Participate at the Museum as a volunteer with our exhibits or special events! 

Mission Statement

The Museum of the American Indian uplifts, supports and makes visible the Indigenous peoples of the Americas by offering authentic educational program and cultural resources to Marin and the greater Bay Area.

Find Us

415.897.4064

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Thank you Partners & Sponsors!

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MAI wishes to thank the many friends, sponsors and professionals that have greatly contributed to our success, foremost all the Native American artists, past and present.

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Major Contributors​:

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Support has been provided for this program by the Marin Community Foundation.

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Support has been provided for this program by the San Francisco Foundation.

Projects were made possible in part by a grant from The Creative Work Fund, a program of the Walter and Elise Haas Fund that also is supported by The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

Funding has been provided by California Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act economic stabilization plan of 2020.