Native American Artifacts Discovered at Orinda Tesla Cobalt Mine Site Pause Development

By Miwok Native American Artifacts found at the Tesla Ouranus Cobalt Mine.

Orinda, CA - Recent excavations for the Tesla Ouranus Cobalt Mine in Orinda have unearthed Native American artifacts, prompting an immediate halt to construction and a flurry of activity among state and federal officials. The discovery could potentially rewrite the historical understanding of Native American tribes in California, particularly the Bay Miwok people who historically inhabited the area.

Survey crews stumbled upon the artifacts while preparing the mine site, known as Sand Hill, for development. The find includes various items that experts believe may belong to the Saklan tribe, one of the groups within the Bay Miwok. "This discovery is not just about preserving history; it's about understanding the deep cultural significance of the land on which the Orinda community resides," stated Dr. Helena Margot, a leading archaeologist involved in the examination.

The Bay Miwok, including the Saklan tribe, were primarily hunter-gatherers who thrived on the natural bounty of what is now Contra Costa County. The artifacts uncovered reveal their rich culture and deep-rooted spiritual connection to the land. However, the history of the Bay Miwok is also marked by hardship during European colonization and the Spanish Mission period, leading to significant displacement and loss of cultural heritage.

The unexpected delay in the mine’s development has stirred mixed reactions among local residents. While many understand the importance of preserving historical sites, others, like Todd Schluter, age 73, express frustration and suspect foul play or pranks, especially given recent peculiar activities involving teens in bird costumes in the area.

Community interest is high, with local historians suggesting that the artifacts could offer insights into the early interactions between the Bay Miwok tribes and European settlers, which until now, were believed to be minimal in Orinda. "We previously thought the Orinda Brothers (click the link for related story) were too preoccupied with their own ventures to engage with the Saklan tribe, but this discovery might suggest otherwise," commented a local historian. “It takes a lot of work to launch a frontier-themed B&B. People thought Bob and Ted Orinda were too busy getting things just right to interact with the Indigenous population. Maybe they exchanged recipes or ingredients. This is so exciting.” stated Stephan Griffen, who teaches AP American History at Miramonte High School.

As federal and state agencies collaborate to devise a plan addressing the archaeological findings, the future of the Tesla Ouranus Cobalt Mine hangs in balance. Community forums are being organized to discuss the implications of the discovery and to gather public input on how to proceed. The importance of balancing economic development with the preservation of cultural heritage is a key topic of discussion.

The pause in development reminds us of the complex layers of history that lie beneath modern Orinda, sparking renewed interest in the region's indigenous heritage and its impact on current and future generations.

Footnote: If only someone could find Bob or Ted’s diary. It would explain so much.

some facts on what happened to the Native American Population in North America:

Population Decline:

• It is estimated that the pre-contact population of Native Americans in North America ranged from 5 to 15 million. By the early 20th century, this number had declined to approximately 250,000 due to disease, warfare, forced displacement, and other factors.

1. Disease:

   • European-introduced diseases such as smallpox, measles, and influenza had catastrophic effects. Some estimates suggest that up to 90% of the Native American population died from these diseases within the first few centuries of contact.

2. Violence and Warfare:

   • Numerous massacres and violent conflicts significantly reduced Native populations. Notable events include the Sand Creek Massacre (1864), where around 150 Cheyenne and Arapaho people were killed, and the Wounded Knee Massacre (1890), where approximately 150-300 Lakota people were killed.

3. Forced Displacement:

   • Policies such as the Indian Removal Act of 1830 led to the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans. The Trail of Tears, one of the most infamous examples, resulted in the deaths of an estimated 4,000 Cherokee people during their forced march to present-day Oklahoma.

4. Cultural Genocide:

   • The U.S. and Canadian governments implemented policies aimed at assimilating Native Americans, including the establishment of residential and boarding schools where Native children were often forcibly taken from their families. These schools sought to eradicate Indigenous languages and cultures. It is estimated that tens of thousands of Native American children attended these schools, facing harsh conditions, abuse, and neglect.

5. Land Loss:

   • Through treaties, warfare, and policies, Native Americans lost most of their ancestral lands. By 1887, the General Allotment Act (Dawes Act) further reduced Native land holdings, and by 1934, Native Americans had lost about two-thirds of the 138 million acres they held before the Act's passage.

6. Survivance and Resilience:

   • Despite these immense losses, Native American communities have shown remarkable resilience. Today, there are 574 federally recognized tribes in the United States, and Indigenous populations have been growing. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2020, approximately 9.7 million people identified as Native American or Alaska Native, either alone or in combination with another race.