BREAKING: The Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation has just reclaimed 900 acres of ancestral land at Henness Ridge, on the doorstep of Yosemite National Park. This monumental land transfer, which occurred earlier this week, marks a significant victory for tribal members who have fought for generations to restore their connection to this vital landscape.
The newly acquired land, approximately 897 acres, has been returned to tribal stewardship, allowing the Miwuk to engage in traditional practices such as ceremonies, plant harvesting, and ecological management. Tribal Council Chair Sandra Chapman expressed the importance of this area, stating they desire “a space where we can start to congregate” and restore the land for future generations.
The Pacific Forest Trust facilitated this transfer by acquiring the property two decades ago to prevent vacation-home development. The transaction was bolstered by a $2.4 million grant from the California Natural Resources Agency through its Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Program, which aims to support tribal land returns and ecological restoration efforts statewide.
Efforts to restore Henness Ridge have been underway since the 2018 Ferguson Fire, which prompted the Pacific Forest Trust to focus on ecological recovery. They have successfully implemented measures to improve reforestation, including planting around 125,000 native seedlings and restoring 500 acres affected by the fire. These actions have created a more resilient environment for the Southern Sierra Miwuk to manage using traditional ecological practices.
This land return is not just about reclaiming territory; it symbolizes a broader movement toward cultural revitalization and ecological stewardship for the Southern Sierra Miwuk. Tribal leaders intend to utilize prescribed burns, reforestation, and native-plant restoration to revive oak woodlands, meadows, and springs, fostering the growth of culturally significant foods and medicines.
The Southern Sierra Miwuk have long sought federal recognition, and this land return strengthens their cultural continuity, self-governance, and legal standing. They are also working on rebuilding Wahhoga, a traditional village in Yosemite Valley, emphasizing that this land return is part of a larger cultural restoration initiative.
The implications of this transfer extend beyond cultural revival. Experts assert that returning Henness Ridge to Indigenous stewardship can enhance wildfire resilience and improve wildlife corridors between Yosemite and the Sierra National Forest, creating a critical buffer for the Merced River watershed. The ridge overlooks both branches of the Wild and Scenic Merced River, providing essential habitat connectivity that advocates believe will help mitigate the risk of severe wildfires and restore biodiversity.
For the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation, this land recovery is both a profound homecoming after years of displacement and a practical foundation for future land management and cultural renewal. The Henness Ridge agreement serves as a public case study demonstrating how tribal stewardship and conservation objectives can align effectively.
As this story develops, the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation’s actions may inspire similar efforts across California and beyond, showcasing the potential of Indigenous-led initiatives in restoring both land and culture. Stay tuned for more updates on this significant and impactful land return.
