Land Acknowledgement
This land we call Hidden Villa is likely part of the ancestral homeland of the Tamien Nation, with the Ramaytush Ohlone as near neighbors. Neither group ever agreed to surrender any of their lands. We recognize that we benefit from living, working, and recreating in their aboriginal homelands.
The Tamien Nation continue to have a relationship with the land – one of deep respect, agreement and reciprocity, collaborating to help maintain balance. Aboriginal people are still working every day to nurture their cultural traditions and ancestral relationships to the land. Hidden Villa commits itself to supporting these efforts, and we invite you to do the same.
Equity Statement
We recognize and endeavor to remove barriers and create inclusive spaces that inspire appreciation for nature and one another. We embrace the legacy of our founders, Frank and Josephine Duveneck, to preserve people’s access to the land and expand the boundary of what inclusive community-building looks like in action.
We acknowledge that inequities in access to nature, food security, and environmental education opportunities are perpetuated by systems, and we want to play a positive role in changing them. Hidden Villa’s Board of Trustees and staff are committed to finding solutions and allocating resources to dismantle barriers to equitable access. To accomplish this, we practice reflection and celebrate diversity in all forms, mindfully serving our Bay Area communities. Through our farming practices, community partnerships, experiential education, and land stewardship, Hidden Villa expresses its values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
We are dedicated to building a community where individuals feel valued, heard, and seen. Working toward these goals is a continuous journey, and we may make mistakes along the way. Consequently, with a growth mindset, we commit to learning and continuously strive to embody these ideals. (Revised July 2025)
