San Francisco Health Commission approves Ramaytush Ohlone land acknowledgment resolution

The San Francisco Health Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss a significant resolution acknowledging the Ramaytush Ohlone as the original inhabitants of the San Francisco Peninsula. The meeting began with a brief public comment period, although no comments were received.

Following this, the focus shifted to the Ramaytush Ohlone land acknowledgment resolution, introduced by Patrick Chang from the Office of Policy Planning and Commission Secretary Mark Morawitz. Both officials highlighted the collaborative efforts with community members, particularly Dr. Jonathan Cordero, founder of the Ramaytush Ohlone, and Shariah Souza, executive director of the American Indian Cultural District of San Francisco, in shaping the resolution.

The resolution outlines the historical context of the Ramaytush Ohlone, noting their population and tribal structure prior to European colonization, and acknowledges the ongoing challenges faced by the community, including systemic exclusion and discrimination. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the truth of the land's history as a human right and a means of honoring the contributions of the ancestors who cared for the land.

A key component of the resolution is the formal land acknowledgment statement, which will be read at the beginning of each public meeting of the Health Commission and the Department of Public Health. This statement recognizes the unceded ancestral homeland of the Ramaytush Ohlone and affirms their rights as the original stewards of the land.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue honoring the Ramaytush Ohlone and addressing the historical injustices faced by American Indian communities in San Francisco. The resolution marks a significant step towards greater recognition and respect for the Ramaytush Ohlone and their enduring relationship with the land.