A coalition of Maidu tribes, some with federal recognition and some without, are seeking to reclaim land within their aboriginal territory in northern California.

But instead of going to court, the tribes founded the Maidu Summit Consortium, a non-profit, to participate in the distribution of land that was formerly owned by Pacific Gas & Electric Co. As part of a bankruptcy agreement, the company is giving up its undeveloped properties, including more than 2,000 acres in Maidu territory.

The non-profit entity allows the tribes to seek the property through the Pacific Forest and Watershed Lands Stewardship Council. The Maidu people say they will be able to preserve the land, which includes sacred sites, for future generations.

The state of California is also vying for the land. The council will issue a recommendation next year, which could set a precedent for applications that other tribes submitted for PG&E land.

Get the Story:
A Land Claim With Strings Attached (The Wall Street Journal 11/15)