Greg Sarris describes how his people (descendants of Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo) are using their understanding that they have always been a part of the natural world to embark on a major commitment to position themselves as “keepers of the land” once again. Using ancient ethics and aesthetics of place, bolstered by casino revenues, the 1,300 member tribe has partnered with county and state officials to secure and restore large tracts of open space, as well as to convert local farms to the production of organic produce for the low-income and needy, thus creating a model of local restoration and sustainability.
Greg Sarris is the Tribal Chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and professor of Native American Studies at Sonoma State University.