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‘ottoy is the Chochenyo word for “to repair” or “to mend.” Chochenyo is the Indigenous language of the East Bay.
UC Berkeley’s ‘ottoy Initiative aims to strengthen the university’s relationship with East Bay Ohlone people by recognizing the continuous Indigenous culture of xučyun, the land where UC Berkeley sits.
Vincent Medina and Louis Trevino
With a commitment to repair, UC Berkeley launched the 'ottoy Initiative to establish a just and respectful relationship with members of the local Indigenous community and provide a true sense of belonging to Indigenous members of UC Berkeley’s community.
'ottoy works to create tangible representation of Ohlone people on campus and to educate the community about the permanence of the resilient Ohlone people through activities such as:
● Engaging in candid discussions about living identity and sharing of place-based cultural knowledge, history, aesthetics, culinary traditions, language, and land management practices that originate in the East Bay.
● Sparking research across departments, student life programming, educational outreach initiatives, and facilities and landscape development.
● Enjoying meals of seasonal Ohlone food served in ‘ottoytak, or “the place of repair,” paired with sharing authentic narratives about the history and experiences of the East Bay Ohlone people.
Funds raised through this campaign will support our ongoing education efforts and promote Ohlone-designed enhancements to and care for ‘ottoytak, the gathering place for ‘ottoy programming and meals on UC Berkeley’s campus.
Ohlone meals and cultural experiences
Please donate today to support the ‘ottoy Initiative to recognize the rightful presence of the Ohlone people beyond simple land acknowledgements, to stand as allies of the Ohlone people through this historic effort, and to contribute to an inclusive campus community.
