In a significant achievement for Indigenous rights and environmental stewardship, the Mono Lake Kootzaduka’a Tribe has acquired 160 acres of ancestral land known as Tupe Nobe in Mono County, California. This milestone, announced today, represents the culmination of years of collaborative effort to return sacred territory to tribal care.
The project was spearheaded by partners at the Eastern Sierra Land Trust (ESLT), who spent the last few years building strong relationships with the tribe and securing funding to make the purchase possible. As a standout example of California’s 30×30 initiative—aiming to conserve 30% of the state’s lands and coastal waters by 2030—this acquisition highlights the power of partnerships in advancing both cultural preservation and biodiversity protection.
Tupe Nobe holds deep historical and spiritual significance for the tribe, serving as a vital link to their heritage in the Mono Basin region. The land will now support tribal-led initiatives, fostering community resilience and traditional practices.
For a deeper dive into this heartwarming story, explore the interactive StoryMap “In the Heart of the Land” at https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7067be0264f44c6d80e3a1b092627750.
This victory is worth celebrating—it’s a step toward healing and sustainability for future generations!
