The removal of four huge dams on northern CA's Klamath River has freed up thousands of acres of land that were forcibly taken from Indigenous people a century ago to create the dam reservoirs. Today, the Shasta got 2800 acres of their homeland back.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is returning 2,800 acres of land to the Shasta Indian Nation as part of the largest-ever dam removal on the Klamath.
So proud that Newsom is my Governor. "Now we can return home, return to culture, return to ceremony, and begin to weave a new story for the next generation of Shasta, who will get to call our ancestral lands home once again. "This is justice for Shasta people." ~Shasta Nation Chair Janice Crowe.
I want to Like this more than once!
This is honestly some of the best news in CA right now.
@costasamaras.bsky.social All the future IRAs should include nature restoration. It’s hugely popular among the local and regional communities. Less contentious as changing the power system or transport, both being key to decarbonization but people should have nice things while at it
This is incredible. Also highlights how many tribes were left off official rolls due to their land being stolen. Very well reported article. Thanks for sharing!
Lots of journalists, including me, have been very critical of CA governor Gavin Newsom on a host of issues. But in this case he reacted quickly to take the chance to right a historic wrong. Lots of others were involved, notably the Shasta themselves, but Newsom was key to this.
I've been following this from a conservation perspective, but this is also wonderful!
I live just south of Copco dam and this is a great thing.
Hey off topic but just wanted to mention I ran into someone the other day who had just discovered 1491. And was blown away by it. Like to pass it on when people are saying good things behind someone's back.
This was the work of decades of activists. Newsome just couldn't get in the way at the finish line