You cannot respect the living unless you respect the dead - Shellmounds.

It as not been easy in this on going struggle to respect our ancestors.

Our ancestors who had no chance to live on land that belonged to them - but were driven out, shot at , scalped for little money. The women raped, the children killed, and the men shot and left to die.

Thousands of acres of land were stolen - and when it comes to little land - more Sacred Burial Grounds - the thieves want to claim it all - with no compassion and hatred in their hearts.

All over the world the indigenous people respect the graves where lie their ancestors.

The same here in the Bay Area among Miwoks,the Pomos, the Ohlone the many other tribes.

Except that some folks that committed the past atrocities - have learned little - and continue to build on top of the Shellmounds - Sacred Burial Grounds of our ancestors.

For years some of us - have fought those evil folks who do not give a second thought when it comes to desecrating burial grounds.

We are in the year 2011 and yet in seems difficult for some folks to respect the dead.

The Ohlone - as some of you may know were simple folks and very generous in giving. From all accounts recorded the Ohlone embraced the strangers and shared generously what they had.

The strangers did just the opposite - killed the Ohlone, introduced diseases, stole the land and committed many atrocities all recorded for future generations to read and ponder.

Today, at Glen Cove near in Vallejo - we have the same strangers challenging the Ohlone and other Native Americans - instigating conflict, quoting some drab Environmental Impact Reports - some fake General Management Plan - to build restrooms, other facilities; to desecrate - Sacred Burial grounds.

This fight is not about anything but sheer ignorance and blatant arrogance.

The Great Spirit that watches all - will deliver the message - to those that desecrate. You who do not pay deed; will receive your reward and the consequences will not be pretty.

In my life time - I have seen it again and again.

Vallejo already is bankrupt - but yet is challenging those that are innocent, mean well and want to respect the burial grounds of their ancestors.

Some cannot comprehend good and respecting Sacred Burial Grounds.

Today we have the "living dead" - greed in all that matters to them.

Here are some photographs that take you on a journey:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/franciscodacosta/sets/72157626575060322/show/


Francisco Da Costa
Director
Environmental Justice Advocacy