Tribes of indigenous people have inhabited the Sierra Nevada for millennia. There were communities that lived and moved through many of the beautiful valleys and watersheds of this mountain range, and trading routes were established between tribes on the eastern and western sides of the Sierra. Just as we do now, many strove to reach the heights of the peaks and passes as a spiritual retreat and to enjoy the magnificent natural beauty. Today, backpackers, hikers, scientists, and researchers move through this region and may find artifacts or evidence of the deep histories of indigenous people in the Sierra Nevada. The Conservancy is dedicated to protecting these artifacts and respectfully documenting them to allow tribes and trained archeologists and anthropologists to curate their histories.

As the Conservancy moves forward in landscape-level wilderness restoration, we are committed to consulting with indigenous leaders to ensure the preservation of significant sites and artifacts. Ancestral stories, place names, and traditions are an integral part of the land and wilderness here. It is important to us that they are acknowledged and respected. Please learn more about the indigenous people of the Sierra Nevada by visiting the links below:

Owens Valley Paiute Shoshone Cultural Center
The Eastern California Museum