Honoring the Land

Sonoma State University respectfully acknowledges that we are located on the ancestral lands of the Southern Pomo and Coast Miwok peoples, who are today represented by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. The Tribe’s mission centers on social justice and environmental stewardship, and they invite the broader community to join them in this shared responsibility.

Long before the establishment of California, Sonoma County, or Sonoma State University, this region was home to the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo peoples. Their descendants are now recognized as the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, led by Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris.

We acknowledge, with deep gratitude, the ancestors of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria for their enduring stewardship of this land and its resources. We also thank the Tribe’s current membership for their ongoing partnership in educational initiatives, including the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Learning Center at the Fairfield Osborn Preserve on Sonoma Mountain.

As Professor Sarris writes in his 2017 book How a Mountain Was Made,

“It is said that Coyote was sitting atop Sonoma Mountain when he decided to create the world and people—but that is part of the big story of the Mountain…”

We, too, are now part of that continuing story. Our collective stewardship of the land, the county, and the university is a living responsibility—one we recognize and embrace with humility and gratitude.

Learn more about Sonoma State University's Native American Initiative.