State Endorses Land Return Effort to Shasta Indian Nation

SACRAMENTO – On the 5th anniversary of the state’s apology to California Native American peoples, Gov. Gavin Newsom June 18 announced the state’s support for the return of over 2,800 acres of ancestral land to the Shasta Indian Nation. This return is one of the largest in state history and part of the state’s ongoing efforts to right the historical wrongs committed against the Native communities of California.

Click to see a video recap of the Governor’s meeting with leaders of the Shasta Indian Nation. 

Earlier in June, Gov. Newsom visited the Klamath River dam removal project, the largest river restoration project in American history that will rehabilitate over 300 miles of salmon habitats, and discussed the ancestral land return with leaders of the Shasta Indian Nation.

With the support of the state, the Shasta Indian Nation is pursuing the transfer of 2,820.860 acres of “Parcel B” lands associated with the dams.

“The Shasta Indian Nation is pleased with the Governor’s decision to support the return of our ancestral lands and sacred sites. Having access to our ceremonial sites, including the site of our First Salmon Ceremony, is critical to the spiritual and emotional health of our people. The ceremony has not taken place since the lands were taken by eminent domain for the construction of Copco dam over 100 years ago. This is transformative and the beginning of restorative justice for our people,” said Shasta Indian Nation Chairperson Janice Crowe. “We welcome the opportunity to steward our ancestral lands in a manner consistent with tribal values and incorporating tribal ecological knowledge. Land return also allows us to educate the public by completing the Shasta Heritage Trail that incorporates Native art in the design along with informational placards that share the history of Shasta people from Kikacéki.”   

When Gov. Newsom officially apologized on behalf of the State of California to California Native American peoples five years ago – on the future site of the California Indian Heritage Center – he also announced the creation of the California Truth and Healing Council. Through collaborative and consultative work of the council, the Governor’s office of tribal affairs, and tribes across the state, the state has developed a number of programs and initiatives, including: 

• The state’s goal to conserve 30% of lands and coastal waters by 2030, also known as the 30 x 30 initiative, with a core commitment to strengthening tribal partnerships;
• The Tribal Nature-Based Solutions grant program, which builds on the Governor’s direction for state entities to work cooperatively with California Native American tribes in returning ancestral lands in excess of state needs to tribal ownership, and support California tribes’ co-management of and access to natural lands within a California tribe’s ancestral land.
• The California Department of Parks and Recreation’s Tribal Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) Program, which establishes agreements with tribes to ensure access and, in some cases, co-management of cultural and natural resources of concern or interest to the tribes within state parks. One such MOU led to the development of a Joint Powers Agreement, in partnership with the Yurok Tribe to reopen the Chah-pekw O’ Ket’-toh “Stone Lagoon” Visitor Center as the first tribally operated visitor center within the state park system.