For Támal-ko daughter, memory is medicine

In a recent feature by Pt. Reyes Light, Theresa Harlan, Executive Director of the Alliance for Felix Cove and a fellow in the Native American and Alaska Native Women LeadStrong Fellowship, shares her deep connection to her Tamal–ko roots and her efforts to preserve her community’s cultural heritage. The article, titled For Tamal-ko, Daughter, Memory Is Medicine, highlights how memory—passed down through generations—is a vital force for healing and renewal for Native American peoples.

As a Tamal–ko descendant, Theresa sees memory not just as history, but as a source of strength and resilience. In her leadership at the Alliance for Felix Cove, she works to protect and restore sacred cultural practices tied to this historical land. Felix Cove is a symbol of survival and cultural identity for the Tamal–ko people, and through Theresa’s efforts, it has become a space for cultural revitalization, community healing, and education for younger generations.

Theresa’s work goes beyond cultural preservation; it’s an act of resistance against the historical erasure of Native communities. By reviving traditional practices, from language to sacred ceremonies, she helps her community reclaim its sovereignty and identity. Her leadership reflects the broader movement for Indigenous cultural reclamation and environmental stewardship.

As a LeadStrong fellow, Theresa is part of a powerful network of Native women leaders who are shaping the future of their communities. The fellowship supports her work and strengthens her voice, enabling her to further advocate for Native cultural preservation, land protection, and community resilience.

Through the article, Theresa underscores that healing happens within community, and that memory—rooted in culture and tradition—is essential for a strong, healthy future. By supporting initiatives like the Alliance for Felix Cove, Theresa and others are shaping a path forward, honoring the past while ensuring Native cultures thrive in the present.

Theresa’s story is a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of Native American peoples and the importance of cultural preservation in healing and resilience. Her leadership exemplifies how Native communities are not just preserving their heritage but actively ensuring its continuity for future generations.