Vesper Board Visits Humboldt County

Vesper Society believes a just society begins when everyone is well and respected as a human being. Every day we link arms with leaders and communities to uplift through service, break down barriers, and elevate community voices.

Last month, Vesper board members immersed themselves in Humboldt – Del Norte Counties to listen and learn from community leaders. Board members gathered in the Bay Area on a Wednesday, carpooled five hours north to Humboldt County, and over the next two days learned about a part of the state that many had never visited before.

We are deeply grateful to our partners for welcoming us to the land of the Wiyot, Yurok, and Hoopa Valley Tribes. Ancestral Guard, United Indian Health Services, K’ima:w Medical Center, and Two Feathers Native American Family Services told stories, introduced their staff, board members, family members, and youth, leaving an indelible mark on the Vesper board members.

During three evening dinners, we met with Wiyot Cultural Center, Mayor of Eureka, First Five Humboldt, Yurok Tribe, Humboldt Area Foundation, Cal Poly Humboldt, and Blue Lake Rancheria.

At its Saturday meeting, board members reflected on the purpose of the visit: to listen, learn, and understand the people, place, and possibilities. The power and beauty of Native peoples and culture, the connection between the health of the people and the land, and the profound sense of community-based leadership transformed how Vesper board members see the region.

The coming years will bring major developments to this northwestern part of California. The largest dam removal in US history will begin on the mighty Klamath River next year. Cal Poly Humboldt will be doubling their student population in the next seven years. The first west coast offshore wind farm is being planned in Humboldt.

Vesper is honored to walk alongside our partners and communities in Humboldt during this time of change and possibilities. In doing so, we are closer to our vision of a world that protects human dignity and enhances human potential.