More than a century after their homeland was devastated by the California Gold Rush, the Yurok Tribe is reclaiming 125 acres of ancestral territory. This land, known as ‘O Rew in the Yurok language, was stripped away nearly two centuries ago as settlers flooded the area in search of gold, displacing tens of thousands of Native Americans and decimating the region’s natural resources.
A Return to Ancestral Stewardship
Rosie Clayburn, a Yurok descendant, reflects on the tribe’s deep connection to the land. “As the natural world was destroyed, so were the Yurok people,” she explained. Historically, the Yurok thrived by hunting, fishing, and gathering in harmony with the environment—practices that were disrupted as redwood forests were felled for timber and waterways were polluted.
The nonprofit Save the Redwoods League, which acquired the land in 2013 from a former timber mill, originally intended to transfer it to the National Park Service. However, discussions led to a different conclusion: returning the land to its original caretakers.
“No one understands and cares for this land better than the Yurok Tribe,” said Paul Ringgold of Save the Redwoods League. “They have been stewards of this territory since time immemorial.”
Restoring Balance to Nature
The Yurok’s environmental restoration efforts include reviving controlled burns, an Indigenous practice once outlawed but now recognized as crucial for reducing wildfire risk. “Fire has always been a management tool,” Ringgold noted. “Bringing it back will help restore the landscape.”
California’s redwood forests, which serve as some of the most significant carbon sinks on Earth, have been heavily impacted by deforestation and wildfires. A single redwood tree can absorb up to 250 tons of carbon in its lifetime—equivalent to removing nearly 200 cars from the road each year. Yet, due to logging and wildfires, 95% of the state’s redwood forests have been destroyed. Over the past decade, the Yurok have worked tirelessly to restore these lands.
Reviving the Salmon Population
Salmon, once a staple food for the Yurok people, have also suffered due to habitat destruction. The Yurok word for salmon translates to “that which we eat,” emphasizing the species’ cultural and ecological significance. However, salmon populations have dropped to just one-quarter of their levels from 20 years ago, according to state and federal environmental agencies.
To combat this decline, the Yurok Tribe is constructing stream channels, connected ponds, and floodplains to support fish spawning and survival. “Salmon not only sustain our people but also nourish other wildlife and replenish the soil,” Clayburn said. “Everything in nature is interconnected.”
A Symbol of Healing and Rebirth
The tribe’s conservation success is evident in the reintroduction of the California condor, a crucial scavenger, into its natural habitat. This marks the first time in over a century that the condor has soared over Northern California. “When we see these animals returning, it tells us that our land is healing—and so are our people,” Clayburn added.
By 2026, the Yurok will take full control of ‘O Rew. In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the Save the Redwoods League, California State Parks, and the National Park Service will support the tribe in managing the land.
“This is an opportunity to correct past mistakes and build a future of shared stewardship,” said Chuck Sams, the first Native American director of the National Park Service. “For too long, Native and American histories have been told separately. Through co-management, we have the chance to write a new history—together.”
A Vision for the Future
The Yurok Tribe’s plans for ‘O Rew include:
- New hiking trails to connect visitors with nature
- A traditional Yurok village to showcase cultural heritage
- A state-of-the-art visitor center featuring historical artifacts and exhibits
The goal is to educate visitors about the land’s history from the perspective of the Yurok people, ensuring their legacy endures for future generations.
“I hope ‘O Rew symbolizes a true homecoming for our people,” Clayburn said. “It’s about reconnecting with our landscape, restoring what was lost, and ensuring our traditions thrive.”
Source: CBS News
