The history of California's indigenous culture is all around us, but that history is often hidden beneath layers of modern development. Take Emeryville's Bay Street Mall, which is just off the 580 freeway. For centuries this land was an Ohlone burial ground, also known as a Shellmound.
"I invite you to close your eyes; imagine the mall isn't under your feet but you have ground. And that you're some place that was here a long time ago, and that you're going to take a walk and understand what was here before you."-- Corrina Gould
Those are the opening words of an audio walking tour called "An Unsettling Sound Walk," created by producer George Lavender, and featuring the voice of Corrina Gould, one of the lead organizers of Indian People Organizing for Change.
The tour uncovers the history that's buried literally beneath the feet of shoppers.
Click the audio player above to hear the interview
More information on An Unsettling Sound Walk:
The walk starts next to the fountain at the corner of Ohlone Way and Shellmound Street in Emeryville. The best way to get there is to take the free "Emery-Go-Round" shuttle from MacArthur BART station to the Bay Street Mall. It can be done anytime between 10am and 8pm Monday-Saturday, or 11am-6pm on Sundays.
You can find the audio for An Unsettling Sound Walk at the link below: