The Tule Project

Tule Project braids Indigenous knowledge surrounding tule with cutting-edge eco-cultural research. On this project we are working together to restore tule wetlands in Ramaytush homelands, celebrate tule cultural heritage, and foster healthier, more resilient Bay Area ecosystems through public engagement.

Specific partners:

Association of Ramaytush Ohlone (ARO)

Native California Research Institute (NaCRI)

Goals:

Tule Eco-Cultural Regeneration & Stewardship

TEK Collaboration, Boatbuilding, and Community Engagement

Collections, Exhibits, and Public Education

Timeline:

January 2026: Tule boat event on Alcatraz. The event included talks and discussions with tule boat builders, artists and researchers. On the same day:

The newly built 12-foot tule reed boat was transported to Alcatraz, where it is now on public display as part of the NPS's new exhibit, Welcome to Indian Land: Resistance, Resilience and Activism on Alcatraz.
Simultaneously, the historic 2019 tule boat, was successfully transported form Alcatraz to the California Academy of Sciences Anthropology Collections. This culturally significant boat will support future exhibition, research, and public programs, ensuring its teachings and history are respectfully preserved and shared.

Fall 2025 - Spring 2026: CAS joins with ARO and NaCRI to support building a tule reed boat for display on Alcatraz.