Tule Root Initiative
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PROGRAMS & PROJECTS
At Tule Root Initiative, we are dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of our community through a variety of exciting programs and projects. Explore the wonderful initiatives we have underway throughout the delta and see how we are making art more accessible and engaging for everyone.
ABOVE
GROUND
On October 11th, 2025, community members gathered at Big Break Regional Shoreline for a powerful day of art, learning, and storytelling. Participants took part in a collaborative community art project before joining Executive Director Jimmy Ramirez for a special screening of his film Above Ground, a documentary that examines water management and the slow violence impacting Oakland’s Fruitvale Neighborhood. The event also included insights and reflections from Ramirez’s recent experience at the Venice Biennale, where he participated in the Venice School of Indigenous Arts. His global learnings grounded the local conversations in a broader context of Indigenous knowledge, environmental justice, and community resilience. This meaningful gathering was made possible through the support of Bay Area American Indian Two Spirits, whose partnership helped bring the event to life.
ROOTED
Rooted was a living, breathing artistic project created along the quiet back paths of the Delta—an invitation for walkers, bikers, and wanderers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the land beneath their feet. For this installation, dried tule roots—natural, historic, and deeply symbolic to the Delta—were hand-tied to an empty fence that lines the path. What was once a simple barrier transformed into a textured tapestry of earth, heritage, and creativity. The roots, once hidden below water and soil, were brought into the light, reminding visitors of the unseen systems that nourish life, community, and culture. As passersby moved along the peaceful trails, they encountered these art pieces unexpectedly—woven shapes, organic forms, and natural fibers dancing in the breeze. Many stopped to take in the details, touch the roots, or simply enjoy this moment of art in nature. Rooted became more than an installation—it became a shared experience. A place where people could slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the beautiful Delta landscape in a new way. It stands as a reminder that art doesn’t always live in galleries; sometimes it lives right where we walk, carried by the stories of the land itself.
DREAMING
SUSTAINABLE
FUTURES
Our recent lecture panel, Dreaming Sustainable Futures, brought board members and community members together to discuss the urgent need to protect the Tule Root Delta. With increasing threats from housing developments, the panel highlighted the delta’s environmental importance, its deep Native history, and the wildlife that depends on it. Speakers shared both the challenges and the hopeful possibilities of preserving this precious ecosystem. Together, we imagined sustainable paths forward and encouraged collective action to safeguard the delta for generations to come. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this important conversation.
CITY HALL
ENGAGEMENT
Our City Hall Engagement in Oakley, CA was a warm and inspiring community gathering focused on sharing our vision for Tule Root Delta Preservation, local art, history, and culture. Held inside City Hall, the event offered a welcoming space for residents to learn about our mission and connect with one another. Community members shared valuable feedback about their relationship with the Delta, the nature they want to protect, and the types of art and cultural experiences they hope to see in Oakley. This wonderful social event highlighted the power of community collaboration and strengthened our shared commitment to preserving the natural and cultural roots of the region.