Tiburon is considering bronze statue to celebrate Coast Miwok

An 8½-foot bronze statute, including the pedestal, of a Coast Miwok dancer is seen as a preliminary model. (Will Pettee, WJP Studios)

Tiburon could become the home of an 8½-foot bronze statue honoring the Coast Miwok, the Native American tribe that once inhabited the peninsula.

In a July 25 presentation to the Heritage and Arts Commission, part-time Sausalito resident Lucina Vidauri said the depiction of a male dancer represents “a gesture of reconciliation and unity.” Vidauri is chair of the nonprofit Coast Miwok of Southern Marin and direct descendent of Camillo Ynitia, the last head of the Coast Miwok living in Southern Marin. She said it is essential to acknowledge the ancestral heritage of the Native American community and that the statue can become a “focal point where people can gather, reflect and engage.”

While commissioners said they were interested in learning more about the proposal — including the historical accuracy of dress — they rejected the initial suggestion that the statue be placed at Shoreline Park and expressed some concerns about the cost, which could run over $100,000.

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