Considering the financial pressures from the last year-and-a-half for people around the world, it is no surprise that non-profit organizations and charities have suffered alongside businesses with little to no government support. However, as the rewards of preventative measures such as wearing masks, sanitizing surfaces, keeping distances, and vaccines allow businesses to open and individuals to work more, the ability to give back to great causes will hopefully return to the agendas of many people. Whether or not you have given to a non-profit or charity in the past, it is never too late to find an organization that matches your values and inspires you to help a great cause in achieving their goals.
“Here, I hope to introduce you to one of many inspiring women-lead organizations in the local Berkeley area you might choose to support in the upcoming future. ”
PHOTO BY WOMEN’S EARTH ALLIANCE
Corrina Gould is the tribal spokesperson and co-founder of The Sogorea Te Land Trust, an organization that strives to maintain the rights of existing Indigenous Land as well as return seized land to Indigenous people. One of the many projects she leads is the project to save the West Berkeley Ohlone Shellmound and Historic Village Site, which is a sacred site of the Ohlone tribe that represents more than 5000 years of historical ceremonial practices performed there and the existing culture that deeply values this site today. The Shellmound is threatened by a 2-acre housing project proposal that would take a hand in solving the city’s housing crisis. If the proposal to build the housing project is approved, it would be a silencing of the Ohlone Tribe Members, the public, and their tremendous efforts to protect the sacred site. However, Corrina Gould is refusing to be silenced by the outrageous plan.
PHOTO BY SACRED LAND FILM PROJECT
Corrina and her team of women are fighting to keep the Shellmound alive. They have hosted several events, including large gatherings of supporters (pre-pandemic) who come with art, posters, candles, and their voices that fill the streets of Berkeley in support of the Shellmound. They encourage you to participate in their events and join hands with their organization for a great cause. Due to distancing orders, Corrina and her team have recently moved many of the celebrations and events online, and they have led powerful virtual talks and educational presentations on behalf of the Ohlone Tribe and West Berkeley community. Just recently, I was inspired by her ability to convey the urgency and the beauty of the sacred site through an informational presentation of hers in my American Culture class at Berkeley, which ultimately led me to spread the message to you, the reader, in hopes you will join the support for this cause as well.
PHOTO BY PETE ROSOS
Additionally, if you are able to support this cause monetarily, Corrina is raising money for the Shellmound Defense Fund. I hope this organization will inspire you to give back to the community!
article by Kerren Zou ‘24
design by Carolyn Lu ‘24