San Francisco Urban Indian Development Hailed as National Model

San Francisco, CA – The Village SF, a six-story development in the heart of San Francisco, was celebrated as a national model for creating a community and support system for urban Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

Mayor London Breed (D-SF) was joined by Harold Mitchell, a member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council and founder of the ReGenesis Institute, Congresswoman Pelosi’s Chief of Staff Dan Bernal, Supervisor Ronen, and Yurok Tribal Chairman Joseph L. James for a celebration of Friendship House’s the Village SF. As an organization of experts and leaders focused on helping frontline communities achieve environmental justice and climate resiliency, the ReGenesis Institute has identified The Village SF as a “demonstration model” for the country.

“On January 27, President Biden established the Justice40 Initiative to commit 40% of federal infrastructure spending to support disadvantaged communities overburdened by pollution and other environmental impacts,” said Mitchell.  “Justice40 is a call to action, and Friendship House and the city of San Francisco, by working in partnership, are answering that call.”

The ReGenesis Institute recognized the work of Mayor Breed and Friendship House in a proclamation honoring their joint commitment to supporting the Justice40 Initiative and creating a model for environmental and social justice.  The ReGenesis Institute is supported by the TomKat Foundation so that Mitchell can contribute to a “learning hub” for communities that have been harmed by environmental racism.

Congresswoman Pelosi also presented Friendship House with Special Congressional Recognition for the organization’s significant contributions to the city of San Francisco.

The oldest and largest Native-led organization serving American Indians in San Francisco, Friendship House has launched a citywide initiative to address environmental, social, and economic injustice through green infrastructure development, and supporting strong cultural connections and community-wide prosperity.

The Village SF and the Regenesis Institute are part of the Good Life Pledge. The ReGenesis Institute is supported by the TomKat Foundation so that Mitchell can contribute to a “learning hub” for communities that have been harmed by environmental racism.

 

“San Francisco’s strong leadership on climate action, its collaborative partnership with the Friendship House and the city’s American Indian community, and the availability of “shovel-ready” projects make our city an ideal location to demonstrate the transformative impact of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative,” stated Mayor Breed.

The Village SF is an initiative aimed at reclaiming and rebuilding community for urban Indians, many of whom were displaced from their homelands by federal relocation policies and racist policies that starved reservations of resources.

“Friendship House has always been a safe place for San Francisco’s urban Indians looking for a place they feel welcome,” said Dauwila Harrison, project lead for the Village SF. “The Village SF starts with a building for services, cultural gatherings, youth and elder programming, a health clinic, affordable housing, and treatment and recovery. But our vision is that this is just the beginning of building a larger community for our relatives.”

The Village SF represents a systemic, community-based approach to achieve lasting solutions to California’s environmental and public health issues. The Village SF Initiative includes a partnership with the Yurok Tribe, the largest tribe in California. Friendship House is providing technical assistance to the Yurok’s treatment and recovery center; while the Yurok are collaborating with Friendship House and the City to develop affordable housing for Native families in San Francisco.

“We are proud and honored to work with Friendship House and Mayor Breed to better serve our people living in both urban and rural communities,” said Yurok Tribal Chairman Joseph L. James. “Together, we are building a stronger community for Native peoples wherever they live.”

“Today we celebrate President Biden’s historic Justice40 commitment and The Village SF being recognized as a demonstration model for the rest of America, but I want to go further,” said Mayor Breed. “The City and County of San Francisco is ready to create oversight for shovel ready projects like the Village SF and stand proud as a ‘demonstration city,’ assuring maximum benefit to all San Franciscans.”