While plaques can be instrumental in representing a group and educating on a small scale, there are only so many words that will fit on it; there is no way it could encompass the entire rich and diverse history of the natives. That is why it is pivotal to numerous options for edification. Another approach that SCU could take would be the implementation of walking tours with a focus on Ohlone history. These tours will allow students, faculty, parents, or anyone interested to be educated on the history of the Native Americans who lived on the land we do today and correct the common misconception that the mission cemetery is more than just a gated rose garden. The Archives & Special Collections department of SCU is already in the progress of implementing such a tour, but it needs sufficient resource and time funding to allow the program to flourish.
Additionally, Native history could be incorporated into all tours. General tours of campus occur frequently and it is feasible that they could include Native American history when talking about significant sites that have historical value. Since the tours walk by the cemetery anyway, it would only take a moment to detail its historical context, which will be impactful to many people previously ignorant about the history. Incorporating it into all tour curriculum will also ensure everyone is exposed to the information instead of just the select few who choose to seek ways to learn more about Native history.
While all of these proposals are valid and substantial, before the enactment of any of them, it is pivotal to converse with Ohlone representatives to determine what exactly they would like to see happen. This is their history we are representing so every detail should be confirmed by them and their input should drive the proposal.
