Reawakening: Muwekma Ohlone Culture and Connection in Pursuit of Recognition

Viewers will learn about the Muwekma Ohlone’s “Trail of Truth” journey on horseback from California to Washington D. C. to advocate for the reinstatement of their federal recognition. They traveled with sacred horses gifted to them by the Lakota Nation, and were supported by several tribal nations across the US that welcomed them on their land and reinforced their message to the US Bureau of Indian Affairs. Two companion exhibitions developed in partnership with the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area, San José State University Dept. of Anthropology, and New Museum Los Gatos highlight Muwekma Ohlone cultural practices, land stewardship, and their ongoing efforts to restore their federal recognition. Muwekma Ohlone Culture and Connection in Pursuit of Recognition will be on view in the Mike & Alyce Parsons Reception Gallery from June 19, 2026, through November 29, 2026, and Reciprocity of Land, Sea, and the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe will be in the Spotlight Gallery from July 17, 2026, through January 3, 2027. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.