The Tribunal Project Art Initiative

Who We Are

The Tribunal is a research collective that offers critical perspectives on democracy and media in the American Hemisphere. Our diverse collective includes undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, artists, performers, and community members.

Building upon the 1992 Tribunal in San Francisco, CA, which was initiated by a broad-based indigenous-led coalition in the Bay Area, the Tribunal Project is committed to advancing and upholding this legacy. Our group's Community Fellow, Judy Talaugon was a key organizer in the 1992 Tribunal. She took part in the shutting down of the quincentennial celebration of the myth of discovery by Christopher Columbus and the genocidal practices against Indigenous communities in the Western Hemisphere.

In 2024, the Tribunal Project is engaged in research for an upcoming Indigenous feminist-led Peoples Tribunal. This Tribunal focuses on collective memory, the recording and archiving of oral histories, and the Treaty Land and Sovereign Rights of the traditional peoples of California. Building on the rich history of activism, our collective is dedicated to bringing attention to vital issues and advocating for justice and Indigenous rights in the region.

Tribunal Art Initiative

The Art Initiative is the public awareness component of the Tribunal Project and will be focusing on Mission Solano and the current histories of Sonoma County. Sonoma County is important to native history because that is where the last Mission was built on July 4, 1823. Mission Solano is currently a site of tourism and produces an inaccurate representation of what occurred in the 1800s to California mission Indians. The Tribunal Project Art initiative focuses on reimagining, and re-educating Central and Northern California Mission history past and present through three artistic activities.

1) Invited speakers

Speakers who are invited will feature Indigenous leaders to participate in dialogue interviews focused on Indigenous perspectives of how California Mission history should be shared. These dialogues will be documented in media channels in video and podcast, and are based on participant-discussion and a process of full consensual agreements. The interviews are an integral part of the project as they will be a guide to better understand California Mission history and how it should be shared through the Indigenous perspective.

2) Performance

In the creative stage, a forthcoming performance by the Tribunal Project will be a powerful blend of oral history, art, and activism. With a focus on untold stories drawn from interviews and art production, the performance aims to weave a tapestry of diverse voices. We are excited about the collaborative process, it promises to be a groundbreaking narrative that challenges historical imbalances and fosters a deeper understanding of untold histories. 

3) Zine Launch

As a culmination of their research The Tribunal group also decided as a collective to create a Zine showcasing their work titled Voices Set Free. The Zine was a compilation of original art by students consisting of collages, digital media art, and photography that came from the Art Build. Art, in this way, became central as a powerful tool for bringing research work to life. Art became a catalyst for re-imagining, understanding, re-education, and action. Through its own language, art offered a unique platform to engage the community, foster dialogue, and promote transformative change. 

Join us on our journey!

The history and genocidal practices of the California Missions are largely unknown. Up until 2017 students in public school classrooms built miniature model Missions as a part of their curriculum on California history. By focusing their primary hands-on activity on architecture there was a lack of insight on the people experiencing the Mission system and the harm it caused. As students and future leaders of the State of California, it is important to learn and share histories with the broader community. Through our art making we hope to make that possible.

As a research collective, our strength lies in the diversity of voices within our group, drawing members from across the state. We are passionate about providing students with a platform to gain valuable experience in archival research while embracing and showcasing their diverse talents. Our commitment extends to harnessing skills in digital media, music, performance, and writing, creating an inclusive space where every member can contribute their unique gifts. This collaborative approach not only enriches our research initiatives but also empowers students to explore and express their creativity within the realm of critical perspectives on democracy and media.

Please support us in making our vision come to life! Our $12,000 ask will support our needs for transportation, art supplies, performance materials, speaker stipends, printing and design, and more. Below is a detailed budget for our project. 

Lastly, here is a reflection from one of our Tribunal Project members Abby Roman. Abby is a sophomore from San Diego:

Students like Abby are the driving force behind the success of the Tribunal! We are fortunate to have a dedicated group of students and community members who contribute to making this project possible.

Your support and contributions to our project would be immensely meaningful to both us and our community!

Please feel free to reach out to us via email at katherine.garcia@berkeley.edu. Additionally, you can connect with us on Instagram by visiting @tribunalproject, and explore more about our initiative on our webpage linked HERE.

Thank you for considering our project, and we look forward to the possibility of your involvement.