Welcoming the Ohlone Sisters
This month we had the honor of welcoming Carla and Desiree Muñoz, also known as the Ohlone Sisters (@ohlonesisters), back to our Tapscott campus. These tribal and councilwomen from the Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe shared their culture with us through song, stories, and images during an interactive morning meeting.
Carla and Desiree taught us the Rumsen language, one of eight Ohlone languages. We learned how to count to three: Imala! Utiz! Kapez!, and how to show appreciation by saying OH! in a strong voice. Students sang, danced, and clapped along to the sisters’ songs, including a song of gratitude for Ishmen, the sun, which was shining brightly for us this morning.
The Ohlone sisters talked about the importance of native Bay Area plants in their culture, like soaproot for brush making and tule and willow for basketry. They spoke about how we are connected and related to all things, what that means for us, and how we take care of each other and the earth. Thank you for an inspiring visit, Ohlone sisters!
