“It’s important to have this history known. It’s been an erased history—part of the continuous erasure of our people. What if we were to actually have a place where Ohlone people could talk about not only the past, and how we survived a genocide, but the resilience of still being here today? To talk about what it could look like to be in reciprocity with one another living on this land. Wouldn’t that be a great gift, not only to ourselves, but to future generations of people in the Bay Area?” 

Corrina Gould, Spokesperson for the Confederated Villages of Lisjan

Sacred Time at a Sacred Site

At the invitation of Corrina Gould, the Spokesperson for the Confederated Villages of Lisjan, JOOL began celebrating havdalah at the West Berkeley Shellmound in the summer of 2021. We have been showing up there at least once a month ever since. We entwine Jewish ritual, learning about the Shellmound and beloved community.  Our presence and ritual is a prayerful protest against the private development that threatens this sacred Ohlone space. 

Learn about the significance of the West Berkeley Shellmound, the fight to save it, and the vision that Lisjan Ohlone people are holding for its future. Follow this work on social media: Facebook and @savetheshellmound.  

Each of us can participate in this beautiful struggle to protect the West Berkeley Shellmound at any time. Place ribbons, signs, flowers and other offerings on the fence imprisoning the site. Donate to the legal defense fund. Educate a friend. Show up on your own and say a prayer