Coast Miwok need chance to be heard now

Members of the Coast Miwok Council of Marin want a seat at the decision-making table.

When it comes to writing a new management plan for the Point Reyes National Seashore or making plans for using controlled burns to reduce the threat of wildland fire, its leaders say the organization is being excluded.

Since the 2000 reinstatement of federal recognition of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, which includes Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo members, that organization has assumed that role.

The rancheria was formed in 1920, when the Bureau of Indian Affairs created a small rancheria just west of Sebastopol for the “homeless and landless Indians” of Marin and Southern Sonoma’s coast.

Initially the rancheria population numbered 75, but that number dwindled because of the property’s lack of water supply and its steep terrain.

In 1958, federal recognition of the rancheria was terminated as authorities swept such smaller Native American groups off the books.

While the reinstatement was a major milestone for the restoration of the rights of local indigenous tribes, the

Coast Miwok now want to have more of a say in important issues than they say they are getting as part of the Graton Rancheria.

In fact, the two have clashed in recent months, with the Miwok council opposing the seashore’s management plan to extend the leases of the park’s historic ranches and the planned limited culling of the park’s elk population to keep its numbers in check with its boundaries.

The council also has pushed for greater say in the creation of Kule Loklo, the replica Coast Miwok village built in the park by the Miwok Archaeological Preserve in Marin to both serve as an educational tool to learn about the tribe’s culture and a gathering place for tribal ceremonies.

The council has spoken out on both matters.

That may be the best way to avoid being ignored.

But it should be up to the council and Graton Rancheria to figure out how they should work together.

Obviously, with its federal recognition and the financial clout from its Rohnert Park casino complex, Graton Rancheria exercises a lot of influence. It has not been shy about flexing that political and financial muscle.

But Graton Rancheria also needs to be responsive to criticism, including the feedback from Coast Miwok member Lucinda Vidauri, who says Graton Rancheria’s leaders “have neglected Marin so much.”

Council leaders are right in the need to “show ourselves and make ourselves present.” They need to show their numbers and their connection and commitment to issues, not only to Graton Rancheria, but to local officials who at times need to connect with experts on Miwok history and culture.

That way, council members’ viewpoints will not be “neglected.”