Sogorea Te Spiritual Encampment Enters 8th Week

Sogorea Te Sacred Site Protest Day 50

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Challenges. Discussion »

50th Day

VALLEJO, CALIFORNIA - Protesters who have occupied for the past seven weeks the Sogorea Te sacred burial site, commonly known as Glen Cove, celebrates their 50th day of holding off construction proposed by the Greater Vallejo Recreation District.

The protesters are beginning their eighth week of their spiritual encampment.

The protesters have been at Sogorea Te to oppose the Greater Vallejo Recreation District's plan to spend $1.5 million on the proposed park that, if constructed, will have 15 parking spaces and two toilets at the Sogorea Te sacred burial site.

Since the group of American Indians from the San Francisco took over the site seven weeks ago, the Greater Vallejo Recreation District has held off the construction.

On Sunday, June 5, the Winnemem Wintu (“middle river people” or “middle water people”) will hold a Salmon Dance at Sogorea Te.

“Salmon need the split tail to survive in the Estuary,”

said Caleen Sisk-Franco, chief and spiritual leader of the Winnemem Wintu Tribe.

“The Estuary is necessary for the survival of Chinook. The Chinook are necessary for the water to be drinkable, and for the People. Climate change will come in to balance once we follow the salmon runs. This is why the Winnemem will dance for the salmon and the Estuary on June 5th at Glen Clove in Vallejo!“

Sogorea Te was an Ohlone village that dates back 3,500 years. American Indians from various tribes from throughout the United States gather there for ceremonies at various times throughout the year.

posted June 3, 2011 8:52 am et