Reclaiming Place: Mapping Erasure and Cultural Sites of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe Using ArcGIS Storymap

Abstract

I partnered with the New Museum of Los Gatos, Mosaic America, San José State University, and the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe to construct a StoryMap using ArcGIS to highlight the significant cultural and ancestral sites in the Bay Area that represent the tribe. I conducted oral history interviews with members and youth members, to convey their significance to mapped sites more effectively. My project uses ArcGIS StoryMaps to create an immersive experience that combines stories, an interactive map, and narrative context to the rich history of the Muwekma Ohlone, told by the members of the tribe. This StoryMap lived in a physical museum exhibit space and resided on a StoryMap webpage associated with the digital Mosaic Atlas of Bay Area cultural arts. In this article I discuss the importance of mapping these culturally significant sites to demonstrate the steady reclamation process of place and cultural heritage for the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe. I also share processes of collaborative decolonization in museums and the responsibility these institutions have to provide a space for historically marginalized communities.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

In the collaborative project, “Reclaiming Place Mapping Erasure and Cultural Sites Of The Muwekma Ohlone Tribe Using ArcGIS Storymap,” I partnered with the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, San José State University Applied Anthropology Department, New Museum of Los Gatos, and Mosaic America to highlight the cultural sites in the Bay Area using ArcGIS StoryMaps. Through interviews and site visits, we collaboratively crafted an immersive narrative, aiming to participate in efforts to decolonize museum spaces. The StoryMap we produced features quotes, photos, and descriptions, offering an interactive journey into the tribe’s rich history. Educational institutions like NUMU play a crucial role in supporting such initiatives. Feedback from the exhibit has been overwhelmingly positive, with attendees eager to learn more and support the tribe’s efforts towards reclaiming their cultural heritage and federal recognition.

Keywords:

• decolonization
• StoryMap ArcGIS
• collaborative anthropology

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The Mosaic Atlas is a project of Mosaic America, developed with support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. San José State University's Research Foundation managed these funds for university researchers. The Wallace Foundation's Field Studies by Arts Service Organizations Rooted in Communities of Color grant provided funding to expand the project. The university's Tower Foundation manages those funds. Garcia received the Columbia Vecchi Fellowship for Research in Native American Culture and Society and the Nuttall Graduate Fellowship.

Notes on contributors

Alexandra Alderete Garcia

Alexandra Alderete Garcia is a Researcher and Project Manager based in San José, CA. She holds an M.A. and B.A. in Applied Anthropology from San José State University. Her experience in ethnographic research, data analysis, and community engagement spans roles at Mosaic America. Alexandra’s passion for social impact drives her to create meaningful, data and community driven insights that enhance experiences.