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Listening to Maria Ynitia — Hopland, 1920 It was 1920, and my father was only five years old. Up in Hopland, he was surrounded by family. The house was filled with children—cousins, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews—little ones sitting on the floor, leaning against one another, or gathered close to the adults. There were far more children than grown-ups, and the room was alive with the quiet sounds of a family together. At the center of it all was Maria Ynitia. She was

Understanding the Coast Miwok People We dedicate ourselves to honoring and preserving the vibrant history, rich culture, and ancestral lands of the Coast Miwok people in Marin County. Our non-profit works closely with descendants like Lucina Vidauri, ensuring their legacy is recognized and protected for generations to come. We educate the community about this significant heritage! The Importance of Cultural Preservation Cultural preservation is essential for maintaining the i

A Celebration of Heritage I thought I would post a recap of the event, along with pictures gathered from Facebook of the Powwow. Here it goes: Community members gathered in Marin County this weekend for a powwow that celebrated Native American culture through dance, art, and education. The event drew families, elders, and visitors from across the region, creating a space for cultural sharing and connection. Vibrant Vendor Booths Guests were welcomed by rows of vendor booths o

Yes, this is true — I am the host here and one person. I am in my later years of life, and a descendant of the Coast Miwok people. Any misunderstanding that this is apart of any tribal group is not due to anything on my part. I do my best to make that clear. There is no tribal affiliation, but only in that I am a direct descendant of Camillo Ynitia. Thank you so much.

A Miwok Prayer

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In my lineage of the Southern Coast Miwok, we don't have stories like this, of survival. Our stories of survival include putting on Victorian dresses and blending in. The stories of hiding in the ravines and mountains have faded, like smoke over a fire. No words for this Clear Lake tragedy.

We don't have pictures of Camillo Ynitia with his daughters, Maxima and Maria, or even by himself. But if we did, maybe it would look something like this. All 100 percent Coast Miwok. We are direct descendants. We are deeply committed to preserving and celebrating the history of our ancestors. In that spirit, we're proud to share a poignant rendition of what life might have looked like for Camillo Ynitia with his daughters, Maxima and Maria. This image is a powerful reminder