President Joe Biden is set to establish two new national monuments in California, aimed at preserving areas significant to Native American tribes, as confirmed by the White House on Tuesday.
The upcoming proclamations, which President Biden is expected to sign, will inaugurate the Chuckwalla National Monument in Southern California and the Sáttítla National Monument in Northern California. These initiatives align with Biden’s ‘America the Beautiful’ strategy to conserve 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.
The Chuckwalla National Monument will span 624,000 acres near Joshua Tree National Park, while the Sáttítla National Monument will cover approximately 225,000 acres close to the Oregon border. These areas will be protected from drilling, mining, and other developmental activities, ensuring the preservation of clean water, cultural heritage, and natural landscapes for Indigenous tribes and local communities.
The Pit River Tribe, along with the Modoc Tribe, has long advocated for the Sáttítla National Monument designation, acknowledging the area as a spiritual hub. Similarly, numerous Native American groups, alongside environmental organizations, have supported the Chuckwalla National Monument to safeguard public lands and tribal cultural sites, which are integral to the region’s historical identity.
Carrie Besnette Hauser, president and CEO of the Trust for Public Land, expressed that these designations honor the perseverance of tribal nations and conservationists. According to her, such monuments reflect efforts to correct historical wrongs and promote a more inclusive narrative of American history.
The Chuckwalla monument, in particular, is intended to recognize tribal sovereignty, allowing local tribes to serve as co-stewards. This model follows precedents like the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, managed alongside five tribal nations.
Recently, the Biden administration has also expanded other national monuments in California, including the San Gabriel Mountains and the Berryessa Snow Mountain. In addition, a new marine sanctuary was designated with input from the Chumash tribes, further cementing the administration’s commitment to honoring Indigenous ties to these lands.
The forthcoming establishment of the Chuckwalla and Sáttítla National Monuments represents a significant stride in preserving culturally and ecologically vital landscapes. By recognizing the stewardship of Native American tribes, these initiatives not only protect the environment but also reaffirm the cultural heritage and historical significance of these lands for future generations.
Source: News4jax
