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The Call for Healing: Supporting Indigenous Sovereignty in the Bay Area
In the heart of the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, we stand on unceded territories of the Lisjan Ohlone people, a poignant reminder of the deep-rooted histories and connections to this land. Recent initiatives, especially the Shuumi Land Tax, are reshaping our understanding of philanthropy and community responsibility, inviting us to contribute to the healing and rematriation of Indigenous lands.
The Significance of the Shuumi Land Tax
Instituted to acknowledge and rectify the historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities, the Shuumi Land Tax — meaning "gift" in the Chochenyo language — serves as an invitation for individuals and organizations to support the efforts led by the Sogorea Te’ Land Trust. Founded by Indigenous women, this trust works to return Lisjan Ohlone lands and preserve their cultural heritage.
Unlike traditional taxation methods, the Shuumi Land Tax is a voluntary contribution that represents a collective step away from patterns of extraction and towards restorative relationship-building with the land and its original stewards. As Jes Montesinos from the San Francisco Foundation expresses, paying this tax is a meaningful acknowledgment of the Lisjan Ohlone as the rightful residents of the region.
Understanding the Impact
Through the Shuumi Land Tax, over twenty Bay Area foundations are beginning to embody a shift in philanthropy. Contributions from these organizations have facilitated substantial progress in cultural preservation programs, land acquisitions, and community healing initiatives. Corrina Gould, Co-Director of Sogorea Te’ Land Trust, highlights how these efforts enable a reclamation of identity and heritage for the Indigenous community, stating, “The Shuumi Land Tax offers us an opportunity to dream in a place our ancestors have always been rooted in.” This focus on restorative practices helps to address the long-standing disparities and disconnections woven into the fabric of our society.
Multiple Pathways for Engagement
Philanthropic organizations interested in supporting Shuumi can do so in various impactful ways. Some ideas include:
- Direct Grant Contributions: Organizations can calculate their annual contributions using institutional guidelines tailored to their financial impact.
- Administrative Integration: Including Shuumi in operational expenses alongside other costs such as property taxes reinforces the commitment to being responsible land stewards.
- Event-Based Payments: Prioritizing Shuumi payments during events not only honors the territory but also fosters powerful connections to the land and its people.
These strategies not only highlight the ever-present need for understanding and respect towards Indigenous communities but also serve as a model for how philanthropy can reimagine its role in addressing historical wrongs.
The Broader Movement Towards Healing
Beyond the Bay Area, there is a growing recognition of the importance of supporting Indigenous sovereignty through similar land and honor taxes across the United States. Just as the Shuumi Land Tax acknowledges the Lisjan Ohlone, initiatives like the Honor Native Land Tax and many others aim to establish a collective commitment to reparations. As more organizations engage with these concepts, the potential for meaningful change expands.
In this pivotal moment, we encourage philanthropic institutions to increase their involvement, aiming to double the number of foundations participating in the Shuumi Land Tax by the end of 2025. This invitation extends beyond financial contributions; it calls for a deep reflection on practices that empower Indigenous voices and foster sustainable relationships.
Moving Forward Together
The Shuumi Land Tax represents more than a call to action; it's a bridge connecting us to the land’s enduring legacy and the vibrant cultures that have thrived here long before us. As we unite to support these initiatives, let us reflect on how we can honor the land and its original inhabitants in every aspect of our lives — through our businesses, events, and daily interactions.
This is a moment for both acknowledgment and action, where each of us has a role to play in the journey towards healing, sovereignty, and justice. We can foster a more impactful philanthropic community by committing to understanding and supporting Indigenous communities; ultimately, our collective efforts can pave the way for a more equitable future.
Join the growing movement today, embracing the opportunity to contribute to repair, reconciliation, and the preservation of our shared heritage. Together, we can transform philanthropy into a tool for respect, healing, and community empowerment.
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