The Ohlone (pronounced: O-LO-nee) have lived throughout the San Francisco Peninsula for thousands of years. During construction of the Bay Division Pipeline Reliability Upgrade Project (project)*, a new 21-mile pipeline from the City of Fremont to Redwood City that included a 5-mile crossing under the Bay, several buried Native American sites were exposed. We collaborated with Ohlone representatives, San Francisco Planning Department cultural experts, and archeological consultants to share about Ohlone history, culture, and these sites.
Many Ohlone live throughout the Bay Area today. We would like to acknowledge the following people for their guidance during this project: Jakki Kehl, Mutsun Ohlone, who was assigned by the Native American Heritage Commission as the Most Likely Descendant to provide recommendations for the respectful treatment of Native American remains and artifacts; Amah Mutsun Ohlone Irene Zwierlein, Michelle Zimmer, and Garry Zimmer who monitored construction; and artist Linda Yamane, Rumsien Ohlone.
*The project is one of the Water System Improvement Program projects to upgrade our regional and local water systems.
For at least 10,000 years before the San Francisco Bay Area became a bustling urban center, Ohlone people lived successfully and creatively upon this land in this very area.
The San Andreas Valley area was a rich and beautiful landscape of rolling hills and gentle valleys that supported a diverse array of plant and animal species.
Today you enjoy playing in your neighborhood park. Did you know that for thousands of years Ohlone Indian children and their families lived and played here too?
Eight different language were spoken by the Ohlone people of the Central Coast. This area was once home to the Ssalson, a small tribe that spoke Ramaytush.
Ohlone people thrived on the land. They provided for their everyday lives and also enjoyed creating things of great beauty.