This month's together@work blog brings you a special post exploring the background of the why, what, and hope in the LandBack movement in support of our tribal communities from Dr. Adina M. Merenlender and her co-contributor Beth Rose Middleton. 

Tribal community members participating in the California Tribal Naturalist Course visit UC Blue Oak Ranch (Chitcomini 'Árweh Wallaka-tka) within the Thámien Ohlone (San Francisco Bay Costanoan) speaking territory. Photo by Adina Merenlender

The Berkeley City Council recently agreed to purchase a two-acre site (currently used for parking) known as the shellmound and a place of sacred ceremonies and turn over it over to the Sogorea Te' Land Trust, which is planning to restore the site to a place of gathering and ceremonies. This is an example of LandBack.

LandBack is a growing movement focused on returning land to Indigenous people, encompassing various actions to enhance their access to and stewardship of ancestral homelands. To fully grasp the movement's importance, one must understand the history of U.S. law, as rooted in the colonial Doctrine of Discovery, dating back to the late 15th century. This legal and theological concept was rooted in the idea that Christian European nations had the right to claim and control lands that were inhabited by non-Christians to justify European exploration, colonization and the dispossession of Indigenous peoples who were relegated to a non-human status. This worldview facilitated the colonization of new lands and the enslavement of Native people for extracting resources like minerals, animal pelts, forests, range and agricultural production.

The U.S. courts persist in upholding the belief that the U.S. government holds the ultimate right to own and control the land, regardless of the presence and claims of Indigenous peoples. This perpetuation leads to ongoing land dispossession and creates enduring barriers to land access, impeding Indigenous stewardship. Consequently, Native communities experience adverse effects on their well-being, cultural vitality and intergenerational knowledge transfer. LandBack is crucial for Indigenous people to steward the land in a manner that restores their reciprocal relationships dating back to time immemorial.

Some recent policies help enable the principles of LandBack. For example, California law (SB-18, 2004) recognizes tribes' ability to hold conservation easements on land in order to protect cultural resources, enable access and engage in stewardship; and requires state agencies to have tribal consultation policies. The Native American Ancestral Lands Policy (2020) facilitates tribal access, use and co-management of state-owned or controlled natural lands. Goals include prioritizing tribal purchase or transfer of excess land, establishing co-management agreements and providing grants for land procurement and conservation.

The LandBack movement is gaining momentum to address justice, promote Indigenous stewardship, protect the community of life and advance climate resilience thanks to tribal leadership and collaborations with a variety of entities, including individuals, religious institutions, land trusts, and local, state and national governments. Actions range from the full return of land without restriction to more limited agreements including enabling co-stewardship of land, especially on public lands such as federal or state parks, forests, and wildlife refuges.

UC's Tribal Lands Workgroup

Through leadership from the UC Office of President, a systemwide Tribal Lands Workgroup is focusing on the following topics. Members of the workgroup, with assistance from UCANR's Informatics and Geographic Information System, assembled a mapped inventory of UC lands as well as tribal territory and other land cover information. The workgroup has also researched existing systemwide memoranda of understanding or other agreements with tribes related to the use of UC land.

A good example is the memorandum of understanding developed between the UC Hopland Research and Extension Center (UCANR) and Hopland Band of Pomo Indians (HBPI) who manage neighboring lands. This agreement is designed to increase the educational, research, land stewardship and cultural exchange opportunities between HBPI and UCANR, and delineate areas where we can work together on specific projects. Given the interest in creating these types of collaborative opportunities, this agreement is likely just the first of more to come. This UC workgroup is also exploring the best way to develop and share guidelines for engaging with tribes about use of UC land consistent with tribal consultation processes and existing rules and regulations.

Participants of co-stewardship workshop listen to introductory remarks by Ana Alvarez, deputy general manager of the East Bay Regional Park District and California 30x30 Partnership Planning Committee member. Photo by Monica Hernandez-Juarez

Co-stewardship Workshop

To learn from existing co-stewardship models, several UC scientists including myself, Steve Monfort, director of UC Natural Reserves; and Patrick Gonzalez, executive director of UC Berkeley Institute for Parks, People and Biodiversity; worked with other California Biodiversity Council steering committee members and in partnership with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and with consultation from the Native American Research Institute to organize a workshop titled “Indigenous Co-stewardship of Public Lands: Lessons for the Future.” Funding was provided by the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation, Resources Legacy Fund and Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.

This workshop held in February 2024 was well-attended by tribal leaders, Indigenous culture bearers and staff from public land-management agencies, with a total of 536 registered for the livestream and approximately 300 in person.

Chairman Greg Sarris of Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria provided important context, examples of co-stewardship in action from Sonoma County and inspiration to do more. Samuel Kohn, senior counselor to Office of the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, explained the various federal policies and guidelines that relate to co-management with tribes. The heart of the workshop was a series of co-stewardship case studies from California, other states and Canada. These were followed by examples of Indigenous people in Mexico engaging in stewardship and sustaining their livelihoods. A real snapshot of the topic across North America!

We spent the second day together visiting places now known as Point Reyes National Seashore and Tolay Lake Regional Park that have long-term co-management agreements initiated by Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. A more thorough summary of the workshop can be found at News from Native California by Tavi Lorelle Carpenter.

If you are interested in working with tribes and tribal communities, please join the UC ANR Native American Community Partnerships Work Group. Contact co-chairs Jennifer Sowerwine at jsowerwi@berkeley.edu and Christopher J. McDonald at cjmcdonald@ucanr.edu).

                                            Photo of Vice President Glenda Humiston during her presentation, taken by Evett Kilmartin

Reflecting on the inaugural EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Summit, “Creating Transformation,” held from January 31 to February 1, 2024, I'm inspired by a profound sense of hope and renewed determination. The two-day event was a dynamic gathering of 35 ANR colleagues who have shown and continue to commit to steadfast leadership in integrating equitable and inclusive practices and policies in our organization. We spent our time together addressing crucial issues within UCANR, and collaboratively charting a course for a more inclusive future. Throughout the summit, members embarked on a journey of transformative discussions and empowering insights. 

Vice President Glenda Humiston's welcome address set the tone, portraying the evolution of EDI within ANR. Drawing from the collaborative effort that culminated in the release of the Principles of Community back in 2016, Glenda highlighted the importance of fostering an environment where every member feels valued. She outlined upcoming initiatives, including focus groups, career advancement for Community Educators, and enhancements to translation services, all aimed at fortifying the EDI landscape. Her vision of the DEI Advisory Council as ambassadors for our Affinity/Employee Resource Groups resonated deeply, igniting a spark of inspiration among attendees.

Our Keynote Speaker, Lady Idos, Chief Diversity Officer at Berkeley Labs, graced us with her invaluable expertise, offering insights into the transformative potential of EDI initiatives within organizational settings. Her guidance on building stronger groups to drive impactful change ignited a sense of purpose among participants.

The summit continued with a reflective journey, celebrating milestones and triumphs in EDI endeavors. Members compiled achievements on a physical time line, serving as a testament to progress and a reminder of the journey toward fostering a culture of inclusion. 

             Left Image: Elizabeth Moon, Director of Workplace Inclusion & Belonging in front of the time line as she facilitates discussion.   Right Image: Esther Mosase, DEI Advisory Council Member  & Urban Watershed Resilience Advisor, attaching an achievement to the time line. Photos by Evett Kilmartin. 

Keith Nathaniel, DEI Advisory Council Member and LA County Director, led a candid discussion on EDI challenges within the organization addressing issues from budget constraints to issues of safety and collaboration. Over the two days, participants engaged in brainstorming both the originating problems, possible pathways to solutions, and priority setting.

        Photo of Keith Nathaniel and Elizabeth Moon as they address the room, taken by Evett Kilmartin.

Keeping the theme of instilling communication throughout the workplace; Ricardo Vela, DEI Advisory Council Chair-Elect and NOS Program Manager, shared insights on establishing robust communication pathways sparking lively discussions on enhancing engagement, emphasizing the need for transparency, engagement, and resource allocation within ;and between our internal groups. The exchange of ideas underscored our collective commitment to fostering open dialogue and collaboration. 

Eliot Freutel, DEI Advisory Council Member and Community Education Specialist for the California Environmental Stewards Program, prompted participants to envision ideal communities and the steps needed to realize them. Participants explored the concept of community beyond geographical boundaries, emphasizing the importance of spaces and relationships that foster wellness through a sense of support and belonging.

The summit concluded with a facilitated discussion on setting priorities for the year ahead. Initial collaborative dialogue began to identify themes from the challenges previously shared with a follow-up to be forthcoming. 

The vibrant discussions and commitment demonstrated at the summit serves as a beacon of progress. Together, we're poised to continue our journey toward a more inclusive, equitable ANR. Challenges lie ahead, and it is through these collective efforts and unwavering dedication we will continue to propel EDI initiatives forward, ensuring every voice is heard and valued within ANR.

                                   Photo of the Creating Transformation Summit's Handouts, taken by Evett Kilmartin. EDI Summit Logo                                                                        created by Saoimanu Sope, Staff Assembly Delegate & Communication Specialist.

                                             Photo by Saoimanu Sope, Staff Assembly Ambassador

Our Inaugural EDI Summit has brought together over thirty ANR colleagues celebrating the work and wins, while also focusing on the challenges to continue creating transformation within our organization. Together in community we have representatives from each Affinity/ERG group, Staff/Academic Assembly, Our Senior Leadership Team, DEI Advisory Council, Program/Workgroup Teams, and a few other staff whose roles directly impact EDI in their respective units. 

We started off our first day, January 31, with a welcome from Vice-President Glenda Humiston who shared her perspective on the history, current conditions, and future vision of EDI work within ANR. Lively discussions followed with an opportunity to create a time line of wins and significant moments over the last seven or more years. 

Our keynote speaker, Lady Idos, Chief Diversity Officer, Berkeley Labs continued our first morning by sharing her expertise in building stronger groups that impact change and support organizational goals in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion. She shared the over ten year journey of the lab to creation of their IDEA office (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability). Lady Idos words inspired many ideas and conversations over the rest of the day. 

With today, February 1, being our closing day, and the start of Black History Month, I am excited to bring the learnings of how we can continue to advocate, educate, and inform on issues around equity, diversity, and inclusion. 

Passion. Insight. Community: These three words defined our experience at the inaugural UCOP EDI Conference on December 5. Jaki Hsieh Wojan, ANR DEI Advisory Council Member & CISO, Kathy Eftekhari, ANR Chief of Staff, and I attended this all-day “Changemakers” event with over 120 fellow UCOP colleagues. 

The speakers sparked curiosity and insight to frame our time together, and conversations with colleagues deepened our understanding of how we are moving forward as an organization. Most important were our collaborative efforts to build and cement our shared commitment to embed EDI into the UC system. We left feeling renewed and inspired to continue this work. 

Lalitha Sankaran, Director of the Office of Workplace Inclusion and Belonging, set the tone with a thought-provoking welcome message. Acknowledging the divisive rhetoric surrounding equity, diversity, and inclusion, she posed a pivotal question: How can UCOP engage in intentional Changemaking beyond rhetoric and performative allyship? The conference aimed to answer this, providing attendees with skills, practices, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Marisa Hamamoto, a Transformational Speaker, Mover, and Inclusionist, took the stage with the opening keynote, "Beyond Checking Boxes: Inclusion That Moves Hearts." Hamamoto, also the Founder of Infinite Flow Dance, captivated the audience, inspiring a shift from checkbox diversity to authentic, heart-centered inclusion.

The day unfolded with Workshop Blocks, offering a diverse range of sessions. We delved into a variety of topics crucial to the theme of Changemaking, engaging in hands-on learning experiences that ranged from practical strategies for workplace inclusion to navigating the intersections of EDI and finance. During lunch, we were treated to a candid conversation with Michael V. Drake, President of the University of California. His insights into the role of leadership in fostering a truly inclusive environment added a layer of depth to the day's discussions.

Nathan Brostrom, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, led a compelling panel on the intersections of EDI and finance. The dialogue addressed the practicalities of implementing equitable practices in financial decision-making, highlighting the tangible impact of these choices on organizational culture. Laura Hassner, Co-Founder of Berkeley Changemaker, delivered the closing keynote, "Steadfast Leadership: Lessons from Living with Agency." Her insights on resilience, adaptability, and the necessity of steadfast leadership resonated with attendees, leaving them with a profound sense of purpose.

As the conference drew to a close, Yvette Gullatt, Vice President for Graduate and Undergraduate Affairs, Vice Provost for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Chief Diversity Officer, provided closing reflections. The event had achieved its goal - equipping UCOP employees with the tools and inspiration to become changemakers in their roles.

To learn more about this conference please visit: https://link.ucop.edu/2023/12/11/inaugural-ucop-edi-conference-provided-insight-connections-and-inspiration.