In a landmark act of cultural and ecological restoration, a Native American tribe has regained stewardship of a significant 900-acre parcel within California's iconic Yosemite National Park this week.
A Historic Transfer After Two Decades
The nonprofit Pacific Forest Trust formally transferred the property, which spans Henness Ridge, to the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation. This move culminates a conservation journey that began twenty years ago when the Trust purchased the acreage to prevent its development into vacation homes.
Laurie Wayburn, president of the Pacific Forest Trust, told the San Francisco Chronicle that re-establishing the tribe's connection to the land was the most fitting outcome. "It's an extraordinary spot," Wayburn said. "You just have a sense, sitting up on the ridge, of being tied to the past, present and future."
Returning to Ancestral Stewardship
The Southern Sierra Miwuk people lived in the Yosemite region for over 6,000 years before being forcibly displaced during the Gold Rush of the 1800s. Tribal leaders have outlined plans to manage the reclaimed land with traditional ecological knowledge, mirroring practices in the wider Yosemite wilderness.
These methods will include prescribed burns, reforestation, and native plant restoration. Sandra Chapman, tribal council chair of the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation, emphasised the deep-rooted connection to the land. "Our ancestors taught us how to take care of the land," Chapman stated. "We want to go up there and clean up some more and have a space where we can start to congregate."
Chapman expressed profound happiness at the return, noting it has been a long journey. "When the invaders came in, they thought that we were going to fade away," she said. "We have shown that we are here to stay."
Public Reaction and Stereotypes
The transfer has sparked a mixed reaction on social media. While many celebrated the act of restorative justice, some comments revealed persistent and harmful stereotypes. A number of users questioned the tribe's intentions, speculating incorrectly that the land would be used for casino development.
This reflects a broader, often damaging, misconception that Native American tribes primarily seek land for gambling enterprises. Other critics argued the land was only returned because it lacked commercial value, a claim countered by the tribe's clear ecological vision.
Conversely, many supporters hailed the move as a step towards rectifying historical wrongs. "If life were fair, the whole country should be returned to the Indigenous people," one comment read. Another supporter expressed hope: "I hope this is just the beginning of more land to come."
The transfer of Henness Ridge stands as a significant case study in conservation partnering with indigenous land rights, setting a potential precedent for future collaborations across the United States and beyond.
