‘ammatka Cafe Opening

The ‘ammatka Cafe is the latest infusion of Ohlone culture into The Lawrence as part of the university-wide ‘ottoy Initiative. This ongoing effort aims to foster understanding and respect for Ohlone people and culture and to repair the relationship between UC Berkeley and the Ohlone community. The initiative is led by Cafe Ohlone co-founders Vincent Medina and Louis Trevino.

The ‘ottoy Initiative has transformed our science center as we continue to integrate Ohlone knowledge and culture into our exhibits and programs. After enjoying a meal or treat in the ‘ammatka Cafe, take a walk around The Lawrence and keep your eyes peeled for Ohlone elements throughout, including:

• Land acknowledgements posted at the entrance to The Lawrence and to the Outdoor Nature Lab

• Vincent & Louis featured as “food heroes” in our Future of Food exhibit, sharing Ohlone knowledge and tradition around oysters in ‘ommu, the San Francisco Bay

• California native plants in the Outdoor Nature Lab, with the opportunity to learn about their names in Chochenyo (the language of the East Bay Ohlone people) and the plants’ traditional uses and personalities

• Nature discovery through an Ohlone lens for our youngest visitors in Curiosity Corner / Esquina Curiosa, exploring Ohlone ways of knowing and being

This is only the beginning, with plans to incorporate Chochenyo signage and Ohlone science in every major exhibit moving forward at The Lawrence. Future exhibits will include new mixed reality experiences developed by Ohlone youth in participatory design workshops as part of tappenekšekma, the Ohlone Science Diplomats program. We hope you’ll return again and again to eat delicious Ohlone-forward food and explore the rich tapestry of Ohlone culture with us!