Yurok Tribe Enters Into Historic Deal

By Isaac White.

The Yurok Tribe, California’s largest tribe, will soon reclaim a portion of its ancestral land that was taken from them more than a century ago. The 125-acre parcel, known as ‘O Rew in the Yurok language, will serve as a new gateway to the Redwood national and state parks, an area that attracts over a million visitors each year. This initiative not only signifies the return of sacred land to its rightful guardians but also establishes a novel model of environmental stewardship and cultural preservation.

The historic agreement was solidified through a memorandum of understanding signed by the Yurok Tribe, the National Park Service, California State Parks, and the non-profit Save the Redwoods League. This agreement outlines the collaborative management of ‘O Rew, emphasizing the tribe’s inherent role as the land’s original stewards and their ongoing commitment to its conservation.

Rosie Clayburn, the Yurok Tribe’s cultural resources director, articulated the significance of this moment, stating, “As the original stewards of this land, we look forward to working together with the Redwood national and state parks to manage it. This is work that we’ve always done, and continued to fight for, but I feel like the rest of world is catching up right now and starting to see that Native people know how to manage this land the best.” This sentiment echoes the deep connection the Yurok people have with the redwoods, which they regard as living beings and have traditionally used only fallen trees for building homes and canoes.

The restoration of ‘O Rew is a testament to the resilience and perseverance of the Yurok people. The land, situated at the heart of their ancestral territory, was seized in the 1800s to exploit its resources, including its old-growth redwoods. In recent years, efforts to restore the land have been underway, led by Save the Redwoods League in partnership with the Yurok Tribe. These efforts include restoring salmon habitat, dismantling a defunct mill site, and planting over 50,000 native plants to revive the ecosystem.

The agreement also marks a significant advancement in the relationship between Native American tribes and federal and state agencies, setting a precedent for future collaborations. Joseph L. James, the Chairman of the Yurok Tribe, expressed gratitude towards the partnership, emphasizing the creation of a new conservation model that acknowledges the value of tribal land management.

“This is a first-of-its-kind arrangement, where Tribal land is co-stewarded with a national park as its gateway to millions of visitors. This action will deepen the relationship between Tribes and the National Park Service,” said Redwoods National Park Superintendent Steve Mietz. “The restoration efforts completed by the partners on this site link the large-scale watershed restoration upstream by the Redwoods Rising collaborative with downstream landowner-led efforts to restore the Redwood Creek Estuary, healing the land while healing the relationships among all the people who inhabit this magnificent forest.”

Sam Hodder, president and CEO of Save the Redwoods League, highlighted the significance of returning Indigenous guardianship to ‘O Rew and the opportunity to reshape visitors’ experiences of the redwoods. This collaborative effort aims to change the narrative around stewardship of natural lands, focusing on Indigenous knowledge and practices.

“Today we acknowledge and celebrate the opportunity to return Indigenous guardianship to ‘O Rew and reimagine how millions of visitors from around the world experience the redwoods,” said Sam Hodder, president and CEO of Save the Redwoods League. “Today’s agreement starts the process of changing the narrative about how, by whom and for whom we steward natural lands. There’s a lot of important work to be done in the coming years to realize our shared vision. But the League and our partners are fully committed, and we’re honored to collaborate with the Yurok Tribe, National Park Service and California State Parks to create a new model of shared environmental and recreational stewardship.”

The ‘O Rew Redwoods Gateway is envisioned as a cultural and recreational hub that will offer visitors new trails, including a segment of the California Coastal Trail, interpretive exhibits, and a visitor center showcasing the Yurok Tribe’s history and culture. Additionally, a traditional village, including plank houses and a sweat lodge, will be constructed, further enriching the visitor experience and educational opportunities.

This pioneering arrangement, where tribal land is co-stewarded with a national park, deepens the relationship between tribes and the National Park Service. Redwoods National Park Superintendent Steve Mietz remarked on the healing potential of such collaborations, both for the land and the relationships among all who cherish these forests.

Armando Quintero, director of California State Parks, also acknowledged the strengthening bond with the Yurok Tribe, highlighting the agreement’s role in fostering Indigenous land management alongside state, federal, and non-profit resources.

“On behalf of the Yurok people, I want to sincerely thank Save the Redwoods League for committing to repatriate this critical part of our homeland. We are also appreciative of Redwood National and State Parks’ participation in this truly one-of-a-kind partnership. Together, we are creating a new conservation model that recognizes the value of tribal land management,” said Joseph L. James, the Chairman of the Yurok Tribe.

The reclamation of ‘O Rew is more than just the return of land; it symbolizes a broader recognition of Indigenous rights and knowledge in environmental stewardship. As this unique partnership between the Yurok Tribe and governmental agencies unfolds, it sets a hopeful precedent for similar initiatives across the nation, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable approach to managing and preserving America’s natural treasures.