COARSEGOLD, CA — The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians sent a formal letter to President Biden opposing the proposed establishment of the Range of Light National Monument. The Tribe outlined deep concerns regarding the lack of government-to-government consultation. Furthermore, the designation would have severe adverse impacts on its ancestral lands, traditional practices, and modern economic opportunities.
As the original inhabitants of this land, we hold an enduring connection to the Sierra Nevada, including the areas encompassed by the proposed monument. Our history, culture, and way of life are deeply intertwined with these lands,” said Chairwoman Tracey Hopkins.
Tracey continues, “Yet, this proposal has moved forward without any meaningful tribal consultation, a fundamental process required by federal law and policy. Our letter to President Biden makes clear this cannot proceed without tribal voices at the table.”
In the letter to the President, the Tribe emphasized that the monument designation would have devastating consequences, including:
- Restricting access to ancestral lands is vital for traditional and cultural practices.
- Inhibiting modern economic opportunities for the Tribe and its members.
- Complicating essential land management and wildfire prevention efforts in an area already prone to catastrophic wildfires.
The Tribe also notes that over 600,000 acres in the Sierra Nevada already have wilderness area designations. Designations that include extensive environmental protections. Additional federal designations would be unnecessarily restrictive and duplicative, disproportionately impacting self-sufficient tribes like Chukchansi. Tribes that work to preserve their heritage while building a sustainable future.
The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians cited the 2022 White House Memorandum on Tribal Consultation. A memorandum that outlines clear standards for engaging Tribal Nations in decision-making processes that affect their lands and communities. The failure to consult with the Tribe on this proposal runs counter to those federal obligations.
Chukchansi members continue to utilize these lands for gathering traditional materials, food, and recreation. The proposed monument designation threatens to disrupt these longstanding practices without considering alternative solutions.
Elena continues, “Alternatives such as placing affected lands into trust for Tribal Nations or establishing co-stewardship agreements must be explored to protect our ancestral lands and honor tribal sovereignty.”
The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians remains committed to protecting the ancestral lands, culture, and economies of Sierra Nevada tribes and urges federal leaders to engage with affected Tribal Nations before advancing any redesignation of these territories.
The Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians is a federally recognized Indian Tribe that has lived continuously in California’s Central Valley and Sierra Foothills for more than 14,000 years. Today, the Chukchansi Tribe operates the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino on its ancestral territory in Coarsegold, California. The casino employs over 1,200 individuals, making it one of the largest employers in Madera County. For more information on the Chukchansi Tribe, go to http://www.chukchansi-nsn.gov.
