Resilience through Resistance: Indigenous Stories of the Past, Present, and Future

Oppun towis?

This traditional Costal Miwok greeting translates to Are you well?

The library is a place where stories and language are always honored. This November, the Marin County Free Library reinforces its steadfast commitment to uplifting the voices of the original caretakers of Marin County land by sharing stories, art, and programs that remind us of the past and present struggles and triumphs of Indigenous Peoples.

Indeed, Institutions historically and presently continue to implement practices of erasure and misinformation of Indigenous Peoples:

• Cultural Suppression: As reported by the New York Times on March 7, 2025, a list of terms were used as editing markers for a wide variety of materials. In places where the words Tribe and Indigenous People (as well as dozens of others) were included, content was deleted from public-facing websites, school curriculum was eliminated, and grant proposals were automatically flagged for review.

• Book Challenges and Bans: In the past several years during the current wide-scale increase of book banning across the United States, books by and about Indigenous Peoples faced challenges and bans, putting pressure on publishers, book sellers, and librarians. However, where there is pressure there is also resistance. An article by the literary publication Publisher’s Weekly stated, "…it seems publishing is paying long overdue attention to people of Native backgrounds."

The current reality, which has been shaped by hundreds of years of genocide and erasure, are difficult topics. However, the more we as a community can come together to listen and learn, we can collectively make space for, not just those historical voices, but the voices of those here today that are actively persevering in the face of individual and institutional-level challenges. Here are some such examples:

• George Forman: Mr. Forman is an attorney who has fought for Native rights in California for the last 55 years. As stated in The Acorn, the Newsletter of the Miwok Archeological Preserve of Marin, the Marin American Indian Alliance presented the Turtle Island award to Mr. Forman on March 17, 2024 for his environmental contributions and, "…landmark legal advocacy in defense of the pure sovereignty of Native American Tribes." Here is an article from The Point Reyes Light where you can learn more about George Forman and his many accomplishments.

• Sara Calvosa Olson: Ms. Calvosa Olson is an Indigenous California food writer. Her work dwells in the intersection of storytelling, Indigenous food systems, security, sovereignty, reconnection, and recipe development. Her book, Chími Nu’am (translation: “Let’s eat!”): Native California Foodways for the Contemporary Kitchen, is available for check out at the Marin County Free Library.

Looking for ways to listen and learn as a collective community? Libraries, as welcoming, centralized community spaces, are here for you.

The Stewards of the Land Exhibit (July 1 - November 30) has given all Marin County Free Libraries the opportunity to "highlight the Indigenous diaspora in Marin County and seeks to uplift them as essential voices in our communities." Join us for the final few weeks of this exhibit at the Civic Center Library. 

Here is the list of programs hosted all across the Marin County Free Library, featuring opportunities to hear stories and create tokens of friendship.

Beyond this November, the Marin Indian Alliance has monthly gatherings on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm. Click here to learn more.

We also have a booklist, made for community members of all ages, to learn about and listen to the stories of Native authors.