Those who opposed it said it would desecrate indigenous culture.
Toward the end of the 18th century, Spanish colonizers traveling through Santa Clara County encountered flourishing Native communities near the Sargent Ranch area, according to an ethnographic study in the project’s EIR. Subsequently, the Uñijaimas, the Ausaimas and Mutsun tribes were forced into missions where they endured death, disease and dangerously unsanitary conditions. By 1800, 275 Mutsun had been enslaved and baptized at these missions.
Today, the document says that Ohlone tribes continue to practice ancient traditions that are relevant to the quarry project area. And there’s still historic remnants of pre-Mission life: At the northern end of the site, there are at least six human burials and evidence of tools and ornament production – indicating that it was once a sacred, ceremonial site for the Ohlone. Near the project entrance, animal remains and stone tools were also discovered.
If approved, the project could damage ancestral trails associated with tribal leaders, deities and spirits, ceremonial areas used for healing and harvesting, and sacred live oak trees, among many other features of historic, cultural and spiritual value, the document says. Further, the site could also contain ceremonial plants and artifacts that would provide more data on the Ohlone tribe’s legacy.
“We have taken this land by force from the indigenous people, and we owe them profound reparations,” said Aleksandra Wolska.Sargent Ranch representatives did not respond to SFGATE’s request for comment before publication.
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