Mongabay · Climate & nature

California Returns Coastal Land to Indigenous Tribes

California has returned 136 acres of Northern California coastline, including Blues Beach and the ancestral village site of K’etim, to three Coastal Yuki tribes. This marks the first land transfer of its kind by the state's transportation department, Caltrans.

The land was transferred to Kai Poma, a nonprofit representing the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Round Valley Indian Tribes, and Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians. Tribes had sought the site since 2005 due to looting and disturbance of ancestral remains.

K’etim is culturally significant, tied to local creation stories. The area has faced damage from off-road vehicles and looting.

Years of tribal efforts and Senate Bill 231 in 2021 enabled the transfer, authorizing Caltrans to cede the land at no cost.

Kai Poma must keep the land public and free, prohibiting commercial development. The land returns to Caltrans if the nonprofit fails.

Tribes plan educational programs and ceremonies, aiming to protect the habitat and teach traditional practices.

This return is part of the 'Land Back' movement. California has recently returned significant acreage to other tribes as well.

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