Bears Ears

North America, Sacred Site Reports, United StatesBy Toby McLeod August 15, 2019

The greater Bears Ears area encompasses more than 1.9 million acres and is saturated with geological, cultural, spiritual, ecological, and archaeological diversity. Located in the southeastern corner of the land commonly known as the state of Utah, the region is defined by two 8,000-foot mountain buttes that rise above the landscape, twin plateaus resembling the ears of a large bear peeking over the northern horizon. The Hopi Tribe calls this land Hoon’Naqvut; for the Navajo, it is known as Shash Jaa’. For the Ute Tribe it is Kwiyagatu Nukavachiand for the Pueblo of Zuni, Ansh An Lashokdiwe. In each language it is “Bears Ears.”

We Can Save the West Berkeley Shellmound

North America, Threatened Sacred Sites, West Berkeley ShellmoundBy Toby McLeod November 20, 2018

After a two-year battle, developers have withdrawn their plans to build a 5-story condo complex at the West Berkeley Shellmound. We are not calling this a “victory” because the land owners say they’ll try to move ahead—but now is the time to advance another vision for the site.

Upcoming Film Screenings in October

North America, Threatened Sacred Sites, West Berkeley ShellmoundBy Toby McLeod October 3, 2018

An expensive public relations campaign cannot obscure the fact that an important cultural landscape and designated historic landmark — a sacred site — still graces Berkeley where Strawberry Creek once flowed into the bay and a 5,000 year-old Ohlone village built a massive mound of shells and revered ancestors.

Redacting Inconvenient Facts at the Shellmound

North America, Threatened Sacred Sites, West Berkeley ShellmoundBy Toby McLeod May 28, 2018

There is very clear evidence of cultural artifacts beneath the pavement of Spenger’s Parking Lot at 1900 Fourth Street, no matter what the developers may claim.

Action Alert: Berkeley Shellmound Letters Needed!

North America, Threatened Sacred SitesBy Toby McLeod May 25, 2018

With a June 5 deadline looming, we need your help! Register your opinion with Berkeley decision-makers.

Propaganda vs. Facts at West Berkeley Shellmound

North America, Threatened Sacred Sites, West Berkeley ShellmoundBy Toby McLeod May 15, 2018

Assault Begins on West Berkeley Shellmound Site

North America, Threatened Sacred Sites, West Berkeley ShellmoundBy Toby McLeod March 12, 2018

The Ohlone campaign to protect the West Berkeley Shellmound and Village Site suffered a setback last week as the developer invoked a new state law that takes control of housing project approval away from local zoning boards and requires over-the-counter rubber stamp approval by planning departments.

Corrina Gould Defends Her Ancestors

North America, Threatened Sacred SitesBy Toby McLeod December 21, 2017

Corrina Gould, leader of the Confederated Villages of Lisjan, leads a remembrance at the Emeryville Shellmound site on the day after Thanksgiving to sing and pray and remind shoppers of the history of this sacred site and its meaning to living Ohlone culture.

Let’s Celebrate Sacred Lands We Have Protected

North America, Success Stories, Threatened Sacred SitesBy Toby McLeod December 14, 2017

At the end of a tough year, let us celebrate the success stories from recent decades that can inspire us in the battles that lie ahead.

The Attack on Bears Ears

North America, Threatened Sacred SitesBy Toby McLeod December 6, 2017

One man’s reaction to Trump’s attack on a sacred cultural landscape.

Category Archives: North America