ForestWatch acknowledges that our work takes place on the ancestral territories of several tribes, including the Chumash, Yokuts, Tataviam, Salinan, and Esselen people. These lands have been continuously inhabited, protected, and stewarded by Indigenous communities who maintain vibrant cultural traditions, languages, and deep connections to these territories spanning countless generations.
We recognize our responsibility to understand the complex history of these lands, including the systematic displacement of Indigenous Peoples and the ongoing impacts of colonization. This understanding drives our commitment to support Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination. As an organization, we actively work to:
- Learn from Indigenous knowledge and land management practices that have sustained these ecosystems for millennia
- Build meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities in our environmental conservation efforts
- Educate ourselves and others about the history and continuing presence of Indigenous Peoples in these territories
We encourage everyone to learn about the Indigenous Peoples whose lands they live and work on, and to support Indigenous-led initiatives for land protection and cultural preservation.
