Resilience Rooted Beneath the Oak: Health, Friendship, and Leadership with Restoring Right Relations

Picture: One of the 200-year old Oak Trees at Dos Rios State Park in Modesto, CA (March 2025). 

There is something deeply powerful standing underneath a thriving 200-year old oak tree nestled in the heart of California’s Central Valley - surrounded by vast agricultural lands that dominate most of the region. This oak tree has seen dramatic changes in the surrounding landscape of what is now known as Dos Rios State Park in Modesto, CA.  As our Restoring Right Relations program field trip host, Austin Stevenot (Northern Sierra Miwok, River Partners) shared,  this tree has survived explosions of dynamite and has narrowly escaped extermination.  

It’s no coincidence that those of us in the presence of this tree felt a familiar connection-a reflection of our own survival as Native peoples. The fact that we are still standing despite countless efforts to get rid of us,  is a testimony to our resilience. As our Restoring Right Relations participants sat in a circle beneath the oak during our program field trip to Dos Rios, we were reminded of the beauty and power of coming together to share story, prepare food, laugh, and weave just as our ancestors    did.

Picture: Restoring Right Relations program participants sitting under the Oak Tree at Dos Rios State Park in Modesto, CA (March 2025).

“I’m awed by the bonds we’re building so quickly, grateful for the shared knowledge, and my heart is full with how seen and supported I feel with this group. Such beautiful, hilarious, talented folks and I’m already looking forward to the next time we’re together! Shuururu (thanksand blessings)”  - Violet Smith, 2025 Restoring Right Relations participant

The joy and healing created through our Restoring Right Relations program are integral to the future of our Native leaders as they bring change to their communities, collaborate with other Tribes, and build strategic alliances with non-Native partners.

Picture: Restoring Right Relations program participants at Dos Rios State Park in Modesto, CA (March 2025).

The program covers a wide range of topics, including combating cultural erasure, the impacts of colonization, the importance of collective healing through land back, strengthening Tribal sovereignty, and recognizing how the strengths and skills of program participants serve as invaluable assets for future generations.  As a part of these discussion topics, we have incorporated helpful tools like the  Allyship Spectrum, and Land Back Spider Graph , both of which are integral in supporting Native and non-Native communities alike.

Picture: A brainstorm from one group’s response to the prompt- ”What does a healthier future look like?” 

As our Restoring Right Relations cohort of intertribal leaders, intergenerational peer-to-peer 

culture and knowledge exchange has been fulfilling to say the least. We have a space that is full of healthy, sober, and positive Native people who all share a similar goal of creating positive changes in our communities. We are creating a space that feels safe and secure for 

everyone to share ideas, to connect with like minded people, as well as a space to bounce ideas off of each other. 

We are excited to see our program participants thrive and grow into their roles as leaders in       their communities. Much like the 200-year old oak tree,  they are strongly rooted as they sow seeds of hope for the future, a future in which we all benefit. 

Special thanks for Austin, Kimberly, and Allison Stevenot for hosting our 2nd field trip of the year!

If you would like to learn more about the Restoring Right Relations Program, visit our webpage 

today! https://www.redbudresourcegroup.org/restoringrightrelations

With Gratitude,

Rose M. Hammock

Pomo, Wailacki, & Maidu

Enrolled Tribal Member, Round Valley Indian Tribes

Lead Program Facilitator, Restoring Right Relations program