Photo: Steff Saavedra, Descendant: n̈han̈ho, Pueblo & Tsalagi tribes. Board member of the American Indian Recruitment (AIR) programs. Client relations manager for Colusa Indian Energy.
I stand upon the traditional lands of tribes that have been here for a millennia. Who have cared for the land as a living being.
We would like to acknowledge the land, legacy and that we are gathered on as the traditional territory of the Kumeyaay & Luiseño Nations and thank you for your stewardship, hospitality, prayers and songs.
We would also like to acknowledge the other original peoples of San Diego County, they are the Cupeno and Cahuilla Nations.
Modern day San Diego is a shared space which has one of the largest populations of inter-tribal peoples and as such, all these nations have nourished, healed, protected the lands, water and resources.
For a millennia, these tribes have all traded and traveled and worked together to conserve tribal lands, water, relations and resources.
Beyond acknowledging these tribes, I ask for forgiveness, guidance and clarity about how we can all work together to continue to build a legacy for generations to come.
I give my word to do my best to help human beings, including women, children, Tribal Nations & indigenous peoples. And do what I can to protect land, resources and water.
