Over the past months, we’ve shared with you about our exciting partnership with the Muwekma Ohlone people of California’s Bay Area. We’ve helped the tribe create media and, together, we designed a call to action to assist the Muwekma — proud descendants of some of California’s original inhabitants — as they seek to restore their rightful status as a federally recognized tribe.

This week, we met with the Muwekma again to discuss and help amplify another of their important initiatives: namely, returning the Presidio to their caring hands. Giving this sacred and historic land back to its original stewards would be a huge win for Indigenous justice — and it’s a real possibility in this moment of change and opportunity. Please watch the new video from the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, in which they lay out the reasons why it should happen.

Watch: The Muwekma Ohlone have the original right to the Presidio.

You may recall that, years ago, I helped to organize the #landback movement by calling to return the Black Hills to the Lakota. I was present at the protest action near Mount Rushmore when President Trump visited for American Independence Day during his first term. Today, we remain dedicated to the return of our own sacred lands — and we stand in strong solidarity with other Indigenous groups seeking the same.

Perhaps ironically, Trump’s return to office could present a new opportunity to achieve those goals. His administration’s efforts to gut the federal workforce, eliminate programs, and lessen the financial burden for the federal government could create openings for tribes to step into voids created around stewardship of federal lands. And while Lakota Law stands with needed federal workers who keep our society running smoothly, we also recognize Indigenous ownership and stewardship as the ultimate outcome for stolen, sacred lands.

As with many things these days, this is a rapidly evolving issue, and we’ll have more to say on it soon, including action opportunities and more messages directly from our friends at the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe. As always, I’m grateful for your solidarity with us and with Indigenous landback efforts across Turtle Island.

Wopila tanka — thank you for standing for the sacred.
Tokata Iron Eyes
Spokesperson & Organizer
Lakota People’s Law Project
Sacred Defense Fund