BREAKING: The Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation has just reclaimed 897 acres of ancestral land at Henness Ridge, situated on the western edge of Yosemite National Park. This monumental land transfer, completed this week, marks a significant victory for the tribe, which has fought for generations to regain its foothold above the Merced River canyons.
This land return is not only a restoration of heritage but also a vital step toward ecological stewardship. The newly acquired territory will allow for traditional practices such as ceremonies, plant harvests, and sustainable land management. Tribal leaders, including Tribal Council Chair Sandra Chapman, emphasize the importance of this space for community gathering and cultural renewal. “We know how to take care of the land,” Chapman stated, highlighting a commitment to environmental restoration.
The transfer was facilitated by a $2.4 million grant from the California Natural Resources Agency through its Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Program, designed to support ancestral land returns and habitat restoration across California. The land was previously acquired by the Pacific Forest Trust two decades ago to prevent vacation-home development, thus preserving its ecological integrity.
Efforts to restore Henness Ridge were intensified following the 2018 Ferguson Fire, which prompted the Pacific Forest Trust to engage in ecological recovery. This included removing hazardous trees and planting approximately 125,000 native seedlings to improve the landscape’s resilience. The successful management of these initiatives has paved the way for the Southern Sierra Miwuk to implement traditional ecological practices aimed at reviving the land.
This land return is crucial for enhancing wildfire resilience and supporting wildlife corridors between Yosemite and the Sierra National Forest. Observers predict that the return of Henness Ridge will bolster the Merced River watershed, providing strategic habitat connectivity. Tribal leaders intend to utilize prescribed burns and native-plant restoration to revitalize oak woodlands and meadows, essential for cultural foods and medicines.
The Southern Sierra Miwuk have long sought federal recognition, and reclaiming this land strengthens their cultural continuity and self-governance. Additionally, the tribe is actively working to rebuild Wahhoga, a traditional village in Yosemite Valley, connecting this land return to a broader movement for cultural restoration.
For the Southern Sierra Miwuk, this land transfer symbolizes a homecoming after generations of displacement. It offers a practical foundation for cultural renewal while demonstrating how tribal stewardship can align with conservation efforts. Advocates believe that the Henness Ridge hand-back could serve as a model for future land returns across California.
As the Southern Sierra Miwuk prepare to manage their ancestral lands, the implications for environmental health and cultural revival are profound. This urgent development deserves attention as it unfolds, showcasing the power of Indigenous stewardship in addressing contemporary ecological challenges.
