Our Board

Cata Gomes

Catalina (Cata) Gomes was raised by a long line of ranchers in what is known today as Silcon Valley, California. Witnessing the transitions of what was previously the Valley of the Heart’s Delight into urban sprawl as a child left a lasting impression on Cata. She found refuge in the redwood forests, living off the grid where she has remained for more than 40 years.  For 20 of those years, she also paddled outrigger canoes, all of which has led to establishing a closer relationship to the earth and ocean.

As a young adult, Cata learned she was descended from the Tépótá ah l (Salinan) tribe. It was also recently revealed through records from Mission Dolores that Cata’s family carries lineage from both Saklan (Bay Miwok) and Rammaytush peoples.  In the records, Muchia Te’ is named as the family matriarch who links Cata’s lineage to the Rammaytush tribe, and in who’s honor the land trust is named.  Cata is dedicated to revitalization of Rammaytush culture and the rematriation of her ancestral homeland.

Rena Beltran

Rena grew up on a ranch in the foothills of the Santa Cruz mountains. Rena has always carried a deep love for animals and nature and has fond memories of being lulled to sleep at night by the crickets and bullfrogs.

In the last couple of years, Rena became aware of her Rammaytush, Bay Miwok & Salinan heritage. This information came with a profound sense of pride and honor.  But it also came with a deep sense of responsibility, especially to her Rammaytush ancestors, whose voices were almost completely erased.  

She is now learning ways in which she can help to give voice back to her ancestors. She is studying her native Rammaytush language and taking steps to learn her ancestral ways, as she would not be here today if her ancestors had not had the tenacity to survive what they experienced.

Brin Beltran

Brin grew up in Silicon Valley on a ranch in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Her love of the land, and animals grew as she did. She continued to grow up in the area and found herself a career in the computer chip industry.

More recently, Brin has taken an interest in her family history. Finding her Indigenous Rammaytush ancestry became very exciting. Finding out that she was only a few of the descendants left of her Rammaytush lineage gave her a real sense of pride but also responsibility. To be part of keeping the Rammaytush culture and spirit alive has been an honor to pursue. In doing so, Brin has taken the time to begin learning the native language of the Rammaytush people. She is learning some of the traditional ways of basket making the way her Rammaytush ancestors did. Her participation in ceremonies and prayer to the elders has kept Brin’s own Indigenous inner self alive. She continues to learn and discover the spirit of her ancestral land.

Beth Craig

Beth has been living with her family on the unceded lands of the Rammaytush-speaking California natives since 2000. She has spent much of this time raising her children (homeschooling for several years) and taking care of the land and animals on a small farm. Earlier life experiences include studies in literature and linguistics, teaching children in Tohatchi, NM and taking care of sheep on Dine lands, as well as years in publishing in New York, research in linguistics, and teaching undergraduate students in New Jersey. Spending time in nature — learning from plants and animals — has always been paramount and has led to a lifelong commitment of learning best practices for living in reciprocity with the Earth and for the good of future generations. Beth is very honored to be working with the Muchia Te’ Indigenous Land Trust in the role of treasurer, friend and ally.

Nicole Wong

Board Secretary