Urge federal government to officially recognize Muwekma Ohlone Tribe

Political StatementsGovernanceCouncilmember Office

In Plain English

The Muwekma Ohlone Tribe has lived in the Bay Area since before European contact and was federally recognized from 1906-1927. The federal government removed them from recognition lists in 1927 without proper legal process, despite never formally terminating their status. If approved, Richmond sends a formal request to Congress and federal agencies asking them to restore the tribe's official recognition.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

To continue the item and bring it back to Council on February 24, 2026

Moved by: Councilmember Soheila BanaSeconded by: Councilmember Jamelia Brown

Passed

7 to 0

Soheila BanaAye

Jamelia BrownAye

Claudia JimenezAye

Doria RobinsonAye

Sue WilsonAye

Cesar ZepedaAye

Eduardo MartinezAye

Why This Vote Matters

The council unanimously voted to postpone consideration of a resolution supporting federal recognition for the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe until February 24, 2026. The resolution would have asked Congress and federal agencies to officially recognize the tribe and directed the city manager to send this request to Bay Area lawmakers and the Department of the Interior. This is a symbolic measure that would express the city's position but would not affect city services or spending. The item will now return for a vote in over a year rather than being decided at this meeting.

Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.