For a decade, wind farm companies have been eyeing Molok Luyuk, a mountain ridge of religious significance to tribes in northern California. This area is home to a diverse ecosystem with elk, mountain lions, black bears, and rare plants like the pink adobe lily. The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, with a longstanding connection to Molok Luyuk, advocated for its protection. Thanks to their efforts, Molok Luyuk was recently included in the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.
The Biden administration has supported co-stewardship agreements as a way for federal agencies to collaborate with Indigenous nations in managing federal lands. The expansion of the national monument to include Molok Luyuk has paved the way for co-stewardship agreements with tribes in the region. While co-stewardship involves shared decision-making, co-management grants tribal nations more authority in managing the land.
The Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition in Utah serves as a successful example of tribes gaining co-management status through an intergovernmental cooperative agreement. By giving Indigenous nations a say in how national monuments are managed, the federal government can benefit from traditional knowledge and conservation practices. The ultimate goal is to empower tribes to steward their ancestral lands and protect the environment for future generations.
Mia Durham of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation looks forward to finalizing a co-stewardship agreement for Molok Luyuk. By recognizing tribal sovereignty and implementing equal partnerships between tribes and government agencies, we can ensure that public lands are properly cared for. The journey towards co-management may be complex, but it represents a crucial step towards honoring Indigenous nations’ connection to the land.
