California returns 55 hectares of coastline to Indigenous peoples — Mongabay
Authorities in the U.S. state of California transferred 55 hectares of coastline in the northern part of the state to the nonprofit organization Kai Poma, including Blues Beach and the site of the ancient settlement of K’etim. This is the first time that the California Department of Transportation, Caltrans, has returned land to the ownership of Indigenous peoples, Mongabay reports.
The deed transferring the parcel was officially recorded on July 6. The land was received by Kai Poma, an organization established by representatives of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Round Valley Indian Tribes, Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, as well as descendants of the Coastal Yuki and Yuki peoples.
Site near Westport
The area is located south of the small community of Westport, about 300 kilometers north of San Francisco. It includes about 800 meters of beach, around 40 hectares of a terrace above the coast containing archaeological sites, as well as 16 hectares of former pastureland descending from Highway 1 to the ocean.
For the Coastal Yuki and Pomo lineages, this place is known as K’etim. According to traditional community stories, it is connected to the story of Seaweed Woman and Coyote, which explains the creation of the coast and its people.
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Tribal representatives approached Caltrans with a request to transfer the area to them as early as 2005. At that time, they learned about excavations conducted by looters at archaeological sites and the discovery of human and archaeological remains. Kai Poma also reported damage caused by off-road vehicle traffic and the looting of archaeological monuments.
Transfer terms and community plans
The transfer became possible after the adoption of Senate Bill 231 in 2021, which allowed Caltrans to transfer Blues Beach free of charge to a qualified nonprofit organization. The law requires Kai Poma to preserve free public access to the area, prohibits commercial development, and provides for the land to return to Caltrans if the organization does not properly maintain it or ceases operations.
The beach will remain open to visitors. Kai Poma representatives are still determining rules for managing the site, including those concerning vehicle traffic on the beach. The organization is considering building a traditional roundhouse, holding ceremonies, and conducting educational programs for youth about gathering local food, seaweed, and fishing.
Since 2023, Kai Poma has had a grant for an archaeological survey to identify all sites in the area. The work is planned to begin after the transfer deed is finalized, along with a celebration and ceremony for eight communities in Mendocino County.
