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Before the fog had a name, before the bay was crossed by sails, the Coast Miwok lived along the curves of the Tiburon Peninsula, where the hills meet the salt water and Angel Island rises from the bay like a sleeping guardian. Their villages sat near the shore and the creeks, dome-shaped homes woven of tule and willow, warm in winter and cool in summer. Smoke lifted gently from central fires where stories were shared and food was prepared. Dogs moved freely among the people,

BOGO on Cups! Buy one, get one free! Through to December 23rd! https://www.marinmiwok.com/product-page/i-we-acknowledge-that-we-are-on-coast-miwok-land https://www.marinmiwok.com/product-page/stylish-coffee-cup Get your while we have them!

In the soft light of early morning, the Coast Miwok village stirs as smoke rises gently from the central fire. Women gather to grind acorns, their rhythmic work echoing through the roundhouses, while men prepare nets and tools for fishing along the nearby creek. Children run between the tule shelters, laughing as they help gather berries and plants from the edges of the village. As the sun climbs, families work together—shaping baskets, drying fish, and tending to the land th

Archeology Digs Uncover Indian Villages As they say in the real estate business, “never underestimate the value of a good location.” That may be the case of the Rancho Olompali which has been the center of some attention recently. Olompali, for centuries the site of a large Indian political unit, now belongs to the federal government and has been included as a part of the new Olompali State Park. Novato resident Charles Slaymaker doesn’t care who owns what so long as the new

The holiday season is the perfect time to find thoughtful gifts that show you care. This Christmas, give your loved ones something special with our lavender and white sage soaps . These handcrafted soaps combine soothing scents and natural ingredients to create a luxurious experience that everyone will appreciate. Lavender and White Sage Soaps Ready for Holiday Gifting Why Lavender and White Sage Soaps Make Great Gifts Lavender and white sage are known for their calming and c

Picture was captioned "Last One from Petaluma," probably meaning last Coast Miwok in Petaluma.

After thousands and thousands of years inhabiting the land, it was not a drama-free takeover in California in the mid 1700s. This is what the first encounters were like. Don't know if the Coast Miwoks were aware or realized that this would be the beginning of the end of their time as the main caretakers of the earth, the redwoods and the land of Marin, although resilient and still survive today, but in much smaller, very small numbers, and no one that doesn't have a story of

In the mid 1800s, when the Europeans came, it was about — lace-collared dresses, stiff portraits, polite society clubs.. were popping up. People admired the young girls who wore ribbons in their hair and posed in photographs with straight backs and practiced smiles. But hidden in plain sight were two girls who did not belong to that world at all. Their names were Maxima and Maria, Coast Miwok children whose families had survived mission rule, land seizures, and the forced mar

“The Road from Olompali to Hopland” — A Short Story (a two minute read.) She was still just a girl when the world broke open. Her name was Maxima, daughter of Camillo Ynitia, last recognized chief of the Coast Miwoks of Marin County. In those years, she wore her hair in long braids, sometimes tied with string, sometimes flying loose behind her when she ran along the edge of the bay. She loved the wind most of all — the way it spoke in the tule reeds, the way it called the osp

The Coast Miwok: Life by the Water A long time ago, the Coast Miwok people lived in the beautiful places we now call Marin and Sonoma. They lived near the ocean, bays, and rolling golden hills—just like in your coloring pictures below! The little round houses you see are called kotchas . They were made from tule reeds and grasses. These houses were cozy, warm, and perfect for the windy coast. Families slept, told stories, and stayed safe together inside them. Every day, Coast

The Coast Miwok people have lived in what is now Marin County, California, for thousands of years. Their history is deeply connected to the land, water, and natural resources of this region. Understanding their story offers insight into the rich cultural heritage and enduring legacy of the indigenous communities in Marin County. Early Life and Territory The Coast Miwok inhabited the coastal areas and inland valleys of Marin County, extending north into southern Sonoma County.

Acknowledging the land we stand on is a meaningful step toward respecting the history and culture of the original inhabitants. Our cup design proudly features the phrase "We are on Coast Miwok land" as a tribute to the Coast Miwok people, past and present-day, who have cared for this region for thousands of years. This blog post explores why this acknowledgment matters, how it connects us to the past, and the story behind our new cup design. Cup design honoring Miwok land Wh

The Coast Miwok people have a rich and vibrant history deeply rooted in the lands of Marin County. As a dedicated non-profit, we work to honor and preserve their ancestral heritage. Our mission is to ensure that the legacy of the Coast Miwok is recognized, respected, and protected for generations to come. Through education and community engagement, we share the profound story. Coast Miwok Historical Overview The Coast Miwok are indigenous people who have lived in what is now

The unveiling of the Coast Miwok statue in Southern Marin represents a vital moment in the local Native American community and for all Marin County residents. This statue is more than a simple monument; it embodies cultural heritage, community unity, and the rich history of the region. Let's explore the deeper meaning behind the Coast Miwok statue and how it strengthens community connections and raises awareness of cultural identities. A Symbol of Heritage The Coast Miwok peo

Please send your letters to the council members of Sausalito so that we can see about getting this going! Why the Coast Miwok Statue Belongs at Dunphy Park, Sausalito Dunphy Park, located along the Sausalito waterfront, is an ideal site for the Coast Miwok statue because it sits on ancestral Coast Miwok land—an area once home to thriving villages that shaped the region long before modern settlement. The park’s open, welcoming setting offers both residents and visitors a cha

Today is Indigenous Day! Today, we honor the Coast Miwok people, the original stewards of the land. With deep roots in the rich legacies of California's history, the Coast Miwoks have nurtured and protected this vibrant ecosystem for generations. Native connection to the land is woven into the very fabric of our environment, from the rolling hills to the shimmering coastlines. As we celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, we acknowledge the resilience and strength of the Coast Miwo

Reflecting on Our Heritage: An Anonymous Poem We're sharing an anonymous poem that beautifully captures the essence of Coast Miwok...

California is a land rich with history and culture, especially when it comes to its Native American heritage. Exploring the stories and...