Five Tribes Unite to Form InterTribal Commission for Chuckwalla National Monument on Indigenous Peoples Day

This evening marks a powerful moment of unity and purpose as five Native American tribes have officially come together to form the Chuckwalla National Monument InterTribal Commission—an alliance committed to the protection and stewardship of over 600,000 acres of sacred land stretching from California’s Coachella Valley to the Colorado River.

The announcement comes on Indigenous Peoples Day, a fitting backdrop for a decision rooted in cultural preservation, environmental responsibility, and historical justice.

“We've always wanted to be part of the stewardship,” said Thomas Tortez, a commissioner representing the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians. “All of the tribes involved have long shared the same goal—protecting this land.”

The newly formed commission includes representatives from:

• Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians

• Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe

• Cahuilla Band of Indians

• Chemehuevi Indian Tribe

• Colorado River Indian Tribes

Together, these tribes bring generations of traditional ecological knowledge and cultural ties to the Chuckwalla region.

Tortes emphasized the importance of not only protecting the physical environment but also using education and outreach to build broader understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures. “Once someone is educated in the culture and the ways of other people, I think it instills compassion. You start to see the similarities and differences—and respect them.”

Since forming, the commission has already started drafting bylaws and formal articles to work closely with federal and state governments. Their mission? To ensure that all decisions related to the monument prioritize Indigenous stewardship and environmental conservation.

Future plans include increasing the number of guides across the monument and bringing younger generations—especially school groups—into the fold to educate them about the area’s rich cultural and ecological history.

The announcement of this collaborative effort couldn’t have come at a more symbolic time.

“Today, on Indigenous Peoples Day, it’s about learning the history of others and honoring it,” Tortez said. “This commission is a step in the right direction—not just for Native people, but for everyone who calls this land home.”