**Biden Establishes New National Monuments in California to Honor Tribal Heritage**
**WASHINGTON** — President Joe Biden has announced the establishment of two new national monuments in California, recognizing the significance of tribal heritage. The proclamation will create the Chuckwalla National Monument in Southern California, adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park, and the Sáttítla National Monument in Northern California.
The new monuments will protect approximately 600,000 acres in Southern California and 200,000 acres in Northern California, prohibiting drilling, mining, and other forms of development. This initiative reflects Biden’s commitment to conservation and honoring the rich cultural landscapes of Indigenous tribes.
Advocates for the Sáttítla National Monument, including the Pit River Tribe, have worked diligently for this designation, while support for the Chuckwalla National Monument grew among Native American tribes and environmental groups in early 2023. The Chuckwalla area aims to safeguard public lands from the Coachella Valley to the Colorado River, enriching local ecological and cultural resources.
Supporters assert that these monuments will protect vital tribal cultural landscapes, enhance public access to natural resources, and ensure the preservation of significant military historical sites. The California Legislature expressed support for these changes and urged the establishment of connected national park sites.
Tribal leaders emphasized that the Chuckwalla National Monument should honor tribal sovereignty by allowing local tribes to participate as co-stewards of the land, mirroring successful partnerships seen in places like the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah.
A statement from the Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe conveyed their enthusiasm: “The protection of the Chuckwalla National Monument brings the Quechan people an overwhelming sense of peace and joy. Tribes being reunited as stewards of this landscape is only the beginning of much-needed healing and restoration.”
In recent months, Biden’s administration has focused on expanding protected areas in California, including the San Gabriel Mountains and the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. The ongoing dialogue with local tribes underscores a growing recognition of Indigenous rights and environmental stewardship in land management.
