Start of Native American Heritage Month Marks Two Milestones

Today marks two significant milestones for the Pit River Nation and our  allies across California: the start of Native American Heritage Month and the one-year anniversary of our press conference announcing our call to action for others to join us in protecting Sáttítla as a national monument. This month serves as an opportunity to honor Native history and look back at the injustices so that we can create a path forward that builds on our Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) to preserve culturally significant lands for generations to come.

As we did one year ago today, we not only invite President Biden to join us in protecting these vital areas – we call on him to use his power as President to leave a lasting legacy for him, the Pit River Nation, and the world. Protect Sáttítla as a national monument.

Brandy McDaniels, the lead for the Sáttítla National Monument Campaign, recently represented the Pit River Nation on a global stage at COP16 in Cali, Colombia, highlighting how safeguarding culturally and ecologically important lands contributes to planetary health. As she shared, protecting small but critical pockets of biodiversity, like Sáttítla, collectively strengthens efforts across the globe to meet the ambitious biodiversity and climate goals that scientists insist are essential for our planet's survival.

“Each place that is protected, each plant, each animal, however small, contributes to a much larger impact worldwide. When our lands and waters are honored and protected, it’s not just for our communities but for the future of all people.” - Brandy McDaniels

Here in California, state leaders have embraced the challenge of protecting our environment by identifying critical areas for preservation. We are doing all we can on a state level to help the U.S. reach its “30x30” goals: to conserve 30% of our nation’s lands and waters by 2030. In California, this means working hand-in-hand with Tribal nations, scientists, conservationists, and local communities to protect places of significant ecological and cultural value. But, as Brandy reminded the global audience, local and state efforts are not enough without the commitment of federal leaders.

This year, the Pit River Nation, along with California state leaders, Tribal Nations, and communities across the state, urge President Biden to hear the call we issued one year ago. To truly honor Native American Heritage Month, we urge the President to take action to safeguard the Sáttítla region.

Protecting Sáttítla as a national monument would represent a powerful legacy for conservation and a meaningful step toward achieving our 30x30 and biodiversity protection goals. It would honor Native lands, support biodiversity, and protect water resources that California’s communities and ecosystems depend on.

This anniversary is a reminder of what is possible when we work together. Let’s make sure that this Native American Heritage Month isn’t only about remembrance but also about action. President Biden, we urge you to take this historic step and protect Sáttítla.