Submitted 7/25/11 to the Vallejo Times-Herald
Dear Vallejo Times-Herald,
The Committee to Protect Glen Cove/Sogorea Te would like to extend our thanks to the residents of Glen Cove, as well as the greater Vallejo community, who have supported us in the struggle to preserve and protect this sacred burial ground.
While our presence may have been an irritation to a few neighborhood residents, we have appreciated the support of the vast majority of those living in the area, as they have recognized the importance of maintaining Sogorea Te in its original state, as opposed to refurbishing it in ways that would disturb the ancestors buried there. We successfully collaborated with these same neighbors to maintain our presence while still fully respecting theirs.
In doing so, we found that individuals from all walks of life were able to come together and learn from each other while in the process of reaching a resolution. We applaud the cultural easement signed by the Yocha Dehe and Cortina tribes, GVRD, and the City of Vallejo as a victory, because it provides a framework for preserving the sanctity of Sogorea Te/Glen Cove forever.
We all look forward, with great anticipation, to returning to our lives, families, homes, jobs, schools, and other commitments with warmer hearts knowing what is possible when we stand up for what we believe in. The terms of the easement provide us with ten days to wrap up our prayer vigil. As we have been there for 103 days in a sacred ceremony, it is vital that it draw to a close in a consistent manner.
On Saturday, July 30th, we will have a closing ceremony to honor those who have participated in the struggle and extinguish the sacred fire. We vacate the land on Sunday July 31st, leaving the condition of Glen Cove/Sogorea Te improved from when we first arrived. We thank the residents of the area again for their participation in this precedent setting chapter of local history.
– The Committee to Protect Glen Cove/Sogorea Te
