Indigenous Writers and Activists at Mesa Refuge
Indigenous Knowledges Holder Fellows at Mesa Refuge. Clockwise from top left: Octaviana, Julia, Sandra, Otilia, and Juanita. Photo Credit: Kamala Tully
This summer we were honored to host three cohorts of Indigenous writers and activists at Mesa Refuge. Funded by the Indigenous Knowledges Holder Fund (a sister fund of Tamalpais Trust) and Heyday Roundhouse, eight Indigenous residents across three cohorts were able to meet, share knowledge and stories, and work on projects surrounded by the natural beauty of Mesa Refuge.
Indigenous Knowledges Holder Circles
Our Indigenous Knowledges Holder Circles offered a unique opportunity for (elder) language keepers and (younger) knowledge learners to convene, exchange ideas, rejuvenate, and build meaningful connections. The project shared knowledge, culture and Indigenous language across generations.
The first group of younger knowledge learners—Juanita Ovalle Tum (Maya Kiche/Kaqchikel), Sandra Gonzalez (Yaqui), and Julia Kihi-Coates (Maori)—had a residency in May. Then, the elders—Otilia Lux de Coti (Maya Kiche) and Octaviana Trujillo (Yaqui)—convened for a week in August. During the elders’ second week, the youngers returned and joined them. Together, they experienced special gatherings, delicious meals from Wahpepah’s Kitchen, and outings on the land and Tomales Bay learning about Tamal-ko/Coast Miwok history and present day, and meeting others in the Bay Area-based Indigenous community.
Theresa in front of her family’s cabin with elders Octaviana and Otilia, alongside Xila and Efrain of the Indigenous Healing Center. Photo Credit: Noya Kansky
One such gathering was planned by Mesa Refuge alum Theresa Harlan (Jemez Pueblo/Coast Miwok). Theresa is the founder and director of the Alliance for Felix Cove, which aims to re-indigenize the ancestral homelands of the Felix Family—the last Tomal-ko family to live on the western shores of Tomales Bay at Felix Cove. She brought the Indigenous Knowledges Holder Fellows together with members of the Indigenous Healing Center in Novato, and RISE, an academic program for Native American and students of color in Berkeley. Theresa led us on a walk to Felix Cove, where she discussed her family’s history, and her work to rematriate this piece of land. As we stood in front of her family’s original cabin, we offered prayers and connected with the Felix family land and each other.
At Felix Cove, Tomales Bay. Photo Credit: Noya Kansky
Heyday Roundhouse Native California Writers Fellowship
Terria Smith (Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians) and Sara Calvosa Olson (Karuk)—our Heyday Roundhouse Native California Writers Fellows—were here in July to work on their book projects. Joining them was Christina Castro (Taos Pueblo/Jemez Pueblo/Chicana), the Terry Tempest Williams Fellow for Land and Justice.
The Heyday Roundhouse Native California Writer Fellowship supports the diverse voices of Native California writers and celebrates Indigenous storytelling and culture-keeping. The 2024 fellows were chosen by Heyday Roundhouse and supported with a residency to work on books or articles on California Indian culture and history. Heyday Roundhouse brings books by and about Native Californians to press—from tribal memoirs to children’s stories to cookbooks. These books preserve cherished knowledge and offer new perspectives with integrity and deep respect. We worked closely with Terria, who is the director of Heyday’s Roundhouse program, to apply for funding and design this residency.
Left to Right: Terria, Theresa, Sara, and Christina on the walk to Felix Cove. Photo Credit: Theresa Harlan
Theresa Harlan also had a hand in creating a meaningful outing for these residents. On their last day at Mesa Refuge, they visited Felix Cove, sharing knowledge of local plant relatives, history, ancestry and healing. Sara, Terria, and Christina not only inspired each other creatively but also enjoyed their time in Point Reyes.
Indigenous writers and activists included in this story:
Juana Leticia Ovalle Tum (Heyday Roundhouse Native California Writers Fellow)
Julia Kihi-Coates (Heyday Roundhouse Native California Writers Fellow)
Sandra Gonzales (Heyday Roundhouse Native California Writers Fellow)
Otilia Lux de Coti (Heyday Roundhouse Native California Writers Fellow)
Octaviana Trujillo (Heyday Roundhouse Native California Writers Fellow)
Terria Smith (Heyday Roundhouse Native California Fellow)
Sara Calvosa Olson (Heyday Roundhouse Native California Fellow
Christina Castro (Terry Tempest Williams Fellow for Land and Justice)