Honoring Living Traditions

Native American Heritage Month in the Bay Area

November invites us to pause and reflect. It begins with All Saints’ Day, when many Catholics remember loved ones who have passed away. It’s also the season of Thanksgiving, marked by family gatherings, recipes, and a spirit of gratitude. And while our grocery stores are full year-round, November once marked harvest time—a moment to celebrate the gifts of the earth and prepare for winter. This makes it the perfect time to rethink the Thanksgiving story, which often overlooks or misrepresents native voices. That’s why Native American Heritage Month is so important. Officially established in 1990 by President George H. W. Bush, it’s a chance to listen to Indigenous voices, honor living cultures, and learn the deeper history of this land.

Among others, in the San Francisco Bay Area, that story is being kept alive by Tony Cerda, Chairman of the Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe, and his granddaughters, the Ohlone Sisters—Carla Marie and Desiree Muñoz. The Rumsen Ohlone are the original people of this region, with ancestral territory stretching from Big Sur to the East Bay. Today, their tribe is based in Pomona, but their cultural roots remain strong in Northern California.

Tony Cerda has spent decades leading ceremonies, reviving the Rumsen language and traditions, and educating the public. His granddaughters, Carla Marie and Desiree—known across schools, community centers, and libraries as the Ohlone Sisters—are now carrying this work forward. They share traditional songs, lead talks about native plants like tule and soaproot, and tell stories that help reclaim public space and reconnect with the land. Whether at a local school or public library, their message is simple but powerful: our culture is still here.

Despite their efforts, the Ohlone Tribe still lacks federal recognition, which limits access to funding and protections. But as the Ohlone Sisters show, recognition also comes from community—from being seen, invited, and included.

As we celebrate this season of gratitude, let us take a moment to recognize the past, present, and future of the Ohlone and other Native American communities. Their timeless presence and contributions continue to shape and enrich the places many of us call home. Let’s carry this awareness—not just this month, but every day—with respect, curiosity, and a commitment to learning and listening.

Sofía López-Ibor, parishioner, Anti-Racism Committee member