PALO ALTO – Green Foothills’ annual Nature’s Inspiration celebration Sunday, September 27 from 5-6:30pm will honor Valentin Lopez, the highly respected Chairman of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band since 2003. Chairman Lopez is being recognized for his tireless work bringing international awareness to the experience of Indigenous Peoples and his dedication to fighting for sacred lands.
“I am excited to be performing during Green Foothills’ Nature’s Inspiration in celebration of environmental land conservation and Indigineous rights.” Raul Pacheco, founding member of Ozomatli.
“Green Foothills has been a valued partner for the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band in our fight to protect Juristac from a sand and gravel mine,” explains Chairman Lopez. “Juristac is the Tribe’s most sacred site and serves as a major wildlife corridor in Santa Clara County. This is a natural partnership and we are stronger together. I’m honored to accept this award”
In addition to a live acoustic performance by Grammy award winning Ozomatli’s Raul Pacheco, this virtual event will also feature Indigenous vocalist Calina Lawrence and a special pre-recorded performance by Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Neil Young who was moved by the fight for Juristac and the work of Chairman Lopez. Chairwoman Charlene Nijmeh of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe will open the event with a Land Acknowledgement.
“This is a celebration of the people in our community who are fighting for a livable planet. Join us for a few moving performances as we stand in solidarity with local Native American community members. Tickets and sponsorships support the work of Green Foothills and the Amah Mutsun and include a local pie, what’s not to love about that?” said Megan Fluke, Green Foothills Executive Director.
For more information, visit greenfoothills.org/natures-inspiration.
About Green Foothills
Founded in 1962, Green Foothills has worked collaboratively in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties to help protect over 183,000 acres from development, weighing in on over 900 land use issues and 60 ballot measures. According to Executive Director, Megan Fluke, “We envision a resilient region where wildlife thrive, everyone has natural beauty to enjoy, and communities live in balance with nature.” For more information, visit www.greenfoothills.org
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