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The Sacred History of Indian and Mortar Rocks in Berkeley

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A climber flags his right foot for balance on an overhanging part of Indian Rock.  (Ximena Natera, Berkeleyside/CatchLight)

Nestled in the Berkeley Hills, Indian and Mortar rocks are popular hangout spots known in part for epic views of the Bay. For climbers like Berkeleyside reporter Ally Markovich, they’re known for their outsized role in the development of bouldering.

But for the native Ohlone, the boulders are a symbol of a destroyed cultural landscape, and an urgent call to protect native history.

This episode first ran on Dec. 23, 2023.




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