In Fall 2023, The Cultural Conservancy (TCC) was honored to co-host with the Center for Ethical Land Transition (CELT) “Listening to the Land Series Part III: Land Back Convening” at Heron Shadow. This "Land Back" movement gathering provided a space to share, learn, and support each other across intertribal networks, interdisciplinary organizations and longstanding community efforts.
Collaborating organizations and participants:
This three-day gathering created space for intergenerational teachings, group discussions on Native and Indigenous folks navigating land access across California. Huge thank you again to all our participants for sharing their deep knowledge and expertise and the many hands that made this gathering possible.
Day 1 - Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Stepping into Time Together with Redbird Willie (Pomo, Paiute, Wintu and Wailaki), Cassandra Ferrera, Sara Moncada (Yaqui)
Day 2 - Thursday, October 19, 2023
Teatime with Aunties: Indigenous Women Leadership in Land Back with Theresa Harlan (Coast Miwok), L Frank (Tongva), and Melissa Nelson (Turtle Mountain Chippewa)
Partnerships, Structures, and Law Stories - The Story of Sawalmem, Cultural Easements, Land Trusts, and Law with Alejandra Cruz and Janelle Orsi (Sustainable Economies Law Center), Viola LeBeau (Sogorea Te’ Land Trust), Pom/Michael Preston (Winnemem Wintu), Desi Fontenot (Movement Generation), and Cassandra Ferrera (Center for Ethical Land Transition)
Day 3 - Friday, October 20, 2023
Youth Panel: What Does Land Back/Access Mean to Next Generation
With Carmen Lucich (Choctaw), Heaven Estrada (Chumash), Jordan Torres (Choctaw/Salvadorian), Delnor Johnson (Koyukon Athabascan), and Xavion Freedom
Articles on Land Return:
A Holistic Approach to Environmental Justice
Berkeley will buy Ohlone shellmound site, return it to Indigenous land trust
Ohlone People Rejoice After City of Berkeley Votes to Return Sacred Land
Indigenous stewardship sought for national park site on Marin County coast
Coming home to Felix Cove
Local Indigenous, LGBTQ+ organizations partner for youth kayak event
The Rematriation of Coast Miwok Homelands
Op-Ed: How a national park can honor Coast Miwok ancestors and their living descendants
Museum of the American Indian | The Alliance for Felix Cove
Preserving History: The Alliance for Felix Cove at Tomales Bay
How a Coast Miwok Group Is Buying Back a Piece of Their Ancestral Land in Marin
Miwok homeland site in Marin County returned to tribe after 150 years
Miwok Group Buys Back Ancestral Land In Marin County
Redbud Resource Group shines light on Native California
The Shelterwood Collective: A queer, trans, and BIPOC-led healing and restoration land project
Taking Back the Power (Literally)
KQED Youth Takeover: Four Stewards at Work Healing Their Land and Communities
Artist hub nestled among Forestville trees a dream come true for its Indigenous creator
Indigenous land trust empowers women to reclaim and restore ancestral land
'It's transformative': Bay Area nonprofit returns 43 acres to female-led Indigenous land trust
Reclaiming Indigenous Land: Corrina Gould, 2023 Community Leadership Award Winner
What It Takes to Return Land to Native People in the Bay Area
The Cultural Conservancy preserves Indigenous tradition, food cultivation
California Land Back: The Movement For Indigenous Sovereignty And Land Restoration