Honor and celebrate Indigenous culture during November, National Native American Heritage Month, and throughout the year as we live, learn and play on the traditonal homeland of the Ramaytush Ohlone. SFPL has wonderful programs in store for you, from film screenings to arts and crafts workshops and more.
Land Acknowledgment
The San Francisco Public Library Commission acknowledges that we occupy the unceded Ancestral homeland of the Ramaytush Ohlone peoples, who are the original inhabitants of the San Francisco Peninsula. We recognize that the Ramaytush Ohlone understand the interconnectedness of all things and have maintained harmony with nature for millennia. We honor the Ramaytush Ohlone peoples for their enduring commitment to wahrep, Mother Earth. As the Indigenous protectors of this land and in accordance with their traditions, the Ramaytush Ohlone have never ceded, lost, nor forgotten their responsibilities as the caretakers of this place, as well as for all peoples who reside in their traditional territory. We recognize that we benefit from living and working on their traditional homeland. As uninvited guests, we affirm their sovereign rights as First Peoples and wish to pay our respects to the Ancestors, Elders and Relatives of the Ramaytush Community. We recognize to respectfully honor Ramaytush peoples we must embrace and collaborate meaningfully to record Indigenous knowledge in how we care for San Francisco and all its people.
Adopted by Resolution 2021-01.
About the Artists
Belen Islas is a California-based artist whose work is shaped by the region's cultural richness and her Indigenous heritage. Her community-focused practice is guided by research, engagement, and storytelling, with the belief that art can influence minds and transform lives. She has led public art projects with California State Parks, Starbucks, and youth groups, amplifying diverse voices and fostering healing through creativity. Islas' work is held in collections across Mexico, Europe, the U.S., and Latin America.
Jonathan Cordero (Ramaytush/Chumash) is Chairperson of the Ramaytush Tribe and Executive Director of the Association of Ramaytush Ohlone. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Berkeley and a doctorate from the University of California, Santa Barbara. In the arts, Jonathan works as an instructor, director, designer, and consultant. As a designer, Jonathan works with various artists to render Native visions of cultural significance. Recent works include “Care for Mother Earth,” “The Mirror of the Sea,” and “One Mother.”
About the Mural
atemtuhe is a large‑scale mural created by artist Belen Islas, in partnership with Jonathan Cordero, Executive Director of the Association of the Ramaytush Ohlone. The artwork is on view in the Main Library Atrium through Fall 2027.
The mural illustrates how knowledge and wisdom are shared across generations from a primarily Indigenous perspective. Set in a natural landscape filled with local flora and fauna —including California poppies, coast live oaks, Mission Blue butterflies, deer, and songbirds—it evokes the interconnectedness among all beings.
Across the scene, children learn through listening, exploring, dancing, and engaging with family, community, and the natural world. In one vignette, an Elder shares knowledge with attentive children; in another, a once-child has become an Elder, demonstrating the cyclical passing on of teachings. The mural uplifts Indigenous knowledge and emphasizes stillness, attentiveness, and humility as essential parts of learning.
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