Biden Establishes Two New National Monuments in California to Honor Native American Tribes
President Joe Biden has announced the creation of two new national monuments in California as part of his administration’s effort to conserve U.S. lands and waters. The monuments, Chuckwalla National Monument and SáttÃtla National Monument, aim to protect culturally significant lands for Native American tribes and contribute to the broader conservation goals set by Biden’s “America the Beautiful” initiative. This initiative seeks to conserve 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.
The Chuckwalla National Monument, located in Southern California near Joshua Tree National Park, covers approximately 624,000 acres. It will protect the desert landscape, tribal cultural sites, and military history, while also preserving local wildlife and ensuring public access to nature. The monument will prohibit drilling, mining, and other forms of development.
In Northern California, the SáttÃtla National Monument spans around 225,000 acres near the Oregon border. It is a sacred site for the Pit River and Modoc Tribes, featuring mountain woodlands, meadows, and rare species. The establishment of this monument follows years of advocacy by the Pit River Tribe, aiming to safeguard this spiritual and ecologically significant area.
The new monuments are seen as vital for preserving clean water sources for surrounding communities and enhancing access to nature. These actions also support the Biden administration’s broader efforts to honor Native American heritage and address climate change.
Local tribes, including the Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe, expressed deep appreciation for the Chuckwalla monument, emphasizing its role in restoring tribal sovereignty and fostering healing. The establishment of these monuments also highlights the increasing role of tribal nations in land stewardship, following the model of the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, co-managed by multiple tribal nations.
These steps are part of the Biden administration’s ongoing commitment to expand and protect national monuments, furthering the goal of ecological conservation and social justice for Native American communities.
