wayfinders circle governance report english - Flipbook - Page 34
a) Native American Land Conservancy |
UNITED STATES
The work of the Native American Land Conservancy is focused on three key areas: protecting sacred sites, education and advocacy, and scientific research. Its work is representative of the desires of multiple tribes, and is guided by a majority Indigenous board
of directors. Its members are found in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, Chaparral and Coastal Scrub, and Colorado Plateau in the
Southern California region of the United States. The Native American Land Conservancy supports tribes and promotes tribal
engagement in public lands initiatives by directing tribes toward resources for sacred lands protection, providing expertise in
tribal outreach, and initiating partnerships between tribes and conservation partners.
The Native American Land Conservancy was founded in 1998 by local tribal elders and community leaders who understood
firsthand the connection of Indigenous peoples to their homelands, and who were interested in protecting off-reservation sacred
sites in the Southern California desert. It is administered and operated by both Native Americans and non-Natives.
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ARID AND SEMI-ARID
The board represents members of the Indigenous communities it serves and members of federally recognized Indian tribes. A
governing board of directors who represent different Native American leaders such as tribal elders and elected leaders, youth,
cultural specialists, and ceremonial leaders, make decisions based on a collective process. The nine-member board of directors
(seven of whom are Indigenous) include tribal members from five Sovereign Tribes: Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians,
Cahuilla Band of Indians, Chemehuevi Indian Tribe, Lummi Nation, and the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. The
board also includes other Native American and ally experts in conservation and Native Studies. The Native American Land
Conservancy embodies specialized cultural expertise among its board members, tribal elders and representatives, staff, and
professional partners and organizations to perform the distinct work it does.
The organization works to continue their rich Native American traditions and spiritual practices through youth and elder
exchanges, spiritual ceremonies and community gatherings at sacred sites, and mentorship and training of young leaders and the
next generations. Over the 20-year period of the organization young leaders have apprenticed and worked with the elders on the
Council to learn about the history and traditions of their tribal lands. Over time, the Elders become advisors or mentors and the
younger generation become active members of the Councils. There is much emphasis on cultural continuity and intergenerational leadership of both spiritual values and governance practices.
The Native American Land Conservancy works closely with tribes, voices, and advocates for the lands they care for in a respectful
way and has made significant contributions in mentoring other tribes and Native American organizations. The communities
including elders, knowledge bearers, youth, families, and leaders directly participate in Native American Land Conservancy
endeavors. They have working relationships with conservation partners who recognize the Native American Land Conservancy
strong advocacy for the protection and preservation of sacred ancestral lands and tribal peoples.
The Native American Land Conservancy continues to protect and acquire sacred lands across Southeastern California. They
currently own and manage sacred land at The Old Woman Mountains Preserve and Coyote Hole. The Conservancy also worked
alongside other tribes, conservation groups, and agencies in order to
protect the 1640-acre Horse Canyon in the Santa Rosa Mountains.
Native American
Land Conservancy
GOVERNANCE REPORT
|
APRIL 2022
34
