In a powerful moment of historical reckoning, the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California has reclaimed over 10,000 acres of ancestral land north of Lake Tahoe, marking a significant step towards healing generational trauma. After being forcibly displaced during the Gold Rush in the 1850s, the tribe has now purchased the Loyalton Ranch through a collaborative effort with environmental groups and state agencies.

The $6 million land acquisition, supported by the Northern Sierra Partnership and the California Wildlife Conservation Board, represents more than just a property transaction. For Serrell Smokey, the tribe’s chairman, this is a profound journey of cultural restoration. “Being able to regain the land is part of a healing process for our people,” Smokey explained.

The sprawling 10,274-acre property, located between Highway 395 and Highway 49, is a breathtaking landscape rich with wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, mountain lions, and golden eagles. Under the new ownership of the Waší·šiw Land Trust, the tribe plans to use the land for ceremonial purposes, native plant restoration, and educational programs that will help young tribal members reconnect with their heritage.

This landmark purchase is part of a growing trend in California, where environmental organizations and state agencies are supporting Indigenous communities in reclaiming their ancestral territories. The land, which will be renamed the Wélmelti Preserve, will remain predominantly undeveloped, preserving its ecological integrity.

The tribe’s connection to the region runs deep - even the name “Tahoe” originates from the Washoe word “Da ow,” meaning “lake”. With approximately 1,400 members living around Lake Tahoe, this land acquisition represents a crucial step in preserving their cultural identity and environmental stewardship.

As Lucy Blake from the Northern Sierra Partnership noted, these land restoration efforts are “one of the most exciting developments in land conservation in America today”. The Washoe Tribe’s reclamation is a testament to resilience, cultural preservation, and the ongoing process of reconciliation.