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Native America Calling: Reversing public lands protections
Monday, June 16, 2025
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Reversing public lands protections
President Donald Trump is expected to reverse President Joe Biden’s designation of two national monuments in California supported by area tribes.

The Department of Justice issued an opinion that it is in the president’s purview to do away with Chuckwalla National Monument and Sáttítla Highlands National Monument. There is additional pressure to at least reduce the side of Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase Escalante as President Trump did during his first term.

Chuckwalla National Monument
Community members in the Mecca Hills of the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument. Photo by Colin Barrows / CactusToCloud Institute

The changes to national monuments also come as Republicans in Congress propose selling millions of acres of federal land, some of which is important to nearby tribes. Tune into Native America Calling to get a rundown of the likely land moves and how it affects people.

Also, hear about the final piece in a land transfer to the Yurok Tribe that comprises the largest return of land to a tribe in California history. Nearly all of the Yurok’s traditional land—90%–was taken during the time known as the California Gold Rush.

Guests on Native America Calling
Joseph Mirelez (Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians), chairman of the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, headquartered in California

Anthony Sanchez Jr. (Zuni Pueblo), head councilman for Zuni Pueblo, headquartered in New Mexico

Matthew Campbell (Native Village of Gambell), deputy director of the Native American Rights Fund, a national legal non-profit

Tiana Williams-Claussen (Yurok), wildlife director for the Yurok Tribe, headquartered in California

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