Culture

Culture can promote economic growth (cultural tourism, handicrafts, food etc.) and environmental sustainability (cultural and natural heritage preservation). For this reason, it is essential to preserve cultural identities across the world as they can accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future.

Land Acknowledgement and Connecting with our Indigenous Communities

 The Santa Clara County Office of Education acknowledges the indigenous people and land of the Santa Clara County area. We honor and acknowledge that we are on the traditional territories and ancestral homelands of the Tamien Nation. This area was also the site of trade, hunting, gathering, and healing for many other Native Nations: The Muwekma, Ohlone, and others. We recognize the Indigenous peoples as the original stewards of the land, water, plants, and animals who called this place home. As these words of acknowledgment are spoken and heard, the ties that these nations have to their traditional homelands are renewed and reaffirmed. Let us also acknowledge the painful history of genocide and forced removal from this territory. We respect the many diverse Indigenous peoples still connected to this land on which we gather. We pay our respect to them and give thanks to all Tribal Nations and the ancestors of this place. We also want to recognize the community and families of San Jose displaced by the creation of this campus for the Santa Clara County Office of Education to have a place that we now call home. 

Please learn more about the Muwekma Ohlone Community here:  Muwekma Ohlone Tribe | American Indian | Native American Tribes  

Please learn more about the Amah Mutsun Community here: Amah Mutsun Land Trust

Peninsula Open Space Trust's -Acknowledging Indigenous Communities 




Schools can be a place where students get nature and sustainability experiences whether it's through learning and experiences in the school garden, participating in a "Green" club, or learning about climate change.  A District's and School's cultures are driven by their mission and vision and should reflect cultural identity, resiliency and sustainability practices. 



COMING SOON!!  

Examples of Santa Clara County school districts that have prioritized environmental literacy, sustainability and climate action.