WE ARE STILL COLLECTING / DRYING / BUILDING OUR
TULE WATERCRAFT
JOIN US – For More Info
Laurie Morales (Coast Miwok/Southern Pomo) at 707-331-5275, or Beverly Ortiz at 720-648-4306 –beverly.ortiz@sbcglobal.net
You’re Invited:
To participate in the gathering of tules on this coming Saturday, September 7, and Sunday, September 8 to be used in the creation of a full-sized tule boat of the size and style of those “drawn from life” in 1806 and 1816 on the waters of the place now known as the San Francisco Bay, most likely paddled then by Ohlones or Bay Miwoks, although the 1816 one might also have been paddled by Patwins or Wappos. Those who assist with tule gathering are also invited to participate in the making of the actual boat on Sunday, September 22 and Sunday, September 29 from 10am-4pm at Hyde Street Pier in San Francisco, located in the homeland of the Ramaytush Ohlone. There may also be additional excursions to gather tule on Saturday, September 14 or Sunday, September 15, depending on how much tule is gathered this weekend.
The completed boat will be displayed at Aquatic Park in San Francisco or on Alcatraz Island itself on Indigenous Peoples Day (Monday, October 14) in honor of the 50th anniversary of the 1969-1970 occupation of Alcatraz Island by Indians of All Tribes, with the goal of paddling the completed boat on the Bay sometime in the next 19 months, the number of months over which the Alcatraz Occupation unfolded. Its display on Indigenous Peoples Day will coincide with the 2019 Alcatraz Canoe Journey that will take place on October 14 immediately following Indigenous Peoples Day sunrise observances on Alcatraz Island.
Background:
For more about local tribal peoples’ involvement in the 1969 Alcatraz Occupation, the 2019 Alcatraz Canoe Journey, and the inspiration and vision of the current tule boat project, see the attached article, which will be published in Fall Issue of News from Native California. See below for all logistical details.
Details about the Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8 Opportunities to Gather Tule:
PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO ANYONE ELSE YOU THINK MAY WISH TO HELP OR POST IT TO YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT
PLEASE NOTE: For those of you who are unable to do the type of bending, walking, or sitting on uneven or wet ground necessary to gather the actual tules, you are welcome to assist with: (1) taking the cut tules to higher ground; and/or (2) the on-site sorting, “cleaning,” and bundling of the tules that needs to happen before they are transported at the end of the day to the place where they will be dried prior to the building of the actual boat.
PLEASE RSVP BY EMAIL WITH THE DAYS AND TIMES YOU CAN COME.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO CANCEL YOUR ATTENDANCE THE MORNING OF, PHONE:Laurie Morales (Coast Miwok/Southern Pomo) at 707-331-5275, orBeverly Ortiz at 720-648-4306.
LOGISTICS
Meeting LocationThe Orwood Resort on the Delta, 4451 Orwood Rd, Brentwood, CA 94513, in the homeland of the Julpun Bay Miwok. For those of you who plan to use the address to find the best route to the site, we’ll meet in the parking lot next to and immediately west of the resort buildings. For those of you who prefer to car caravan to the site from Discovery Bay, please phone or text Mike Bonillas (Rumsien/Mutsun Ohlone) to make those arrangements at 559-668-3598.
Start Time10am, with an opening prayer, followed for those who have never gathered tules, with instructions on how to gather and process them.
End Time4pm, although if you need to leave early, you are welcome to do so.
LunchIn keeping with the tradition of sharing food when people come together, please bring a pre-prepared, easy to transport potluck lunch item, enough for 7-10 other people.
Recommended to Wear1. Although most of the tules grow along the sides of levees, where they can be accessed without getting wet, we recommend wearing shoes that can get wet and muddy, or bringing a pair of rubber boats, just in case;2. A wide-brim hat or baseball-style cap that will stay on your head if wind kicks up;3. Long pants to protect: (1) your legs from any “stickery” non-native plants (eg. bristly ox tongue) that may be growing near the tules; and (2) your legs from the elements;4. A lightweight, long-sleeved shirt to protect your arms from the same; and5. A lightweight sweater or jacket, just in case.
Recommended to Bring (in addition to the aforementioned potluck lunch item and your own good feelings)1. Your own washable plates, cups, bowls, and utensils, or use the paper and compostable versions we’ll provide.2. For cutting and/or “cleaning” the tules, a sharp pair of clippers that fit easily in your hand. Alternatively, for cutting the tules, a small, sharp scythe. In the old days, scapular saws are known to have been used in some areas.3. Insect repellent, since whenever there is no breeze or wind, mosquitoes and gnats can become an issue;4. Sunscreen, as there will be no shade, except where we settle in for lunch;5. Water;6. A portable, fold-up chair; and7. Gardener knee pads for those who chose to kneel on the ground.
The Weather Prediction in BrentwoodOn Saturday: A high of 83 and a low of 59, partly cloudy, with west-southwest 20 mph winds, and 53% humidity.On Sunday: A high of 85 and a low of 59, mostly sunny, with westerly 15 mph winds, and 51% humidity.
