More than 1,000 acres of ancestral land being returned to Indigenous tribe 

SANTA YSABEL, Calif. (FOX5/KUSI) — The Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel (INSY) on Tuesday announced 1,107 acres of land in the San Fellipe Valley is being returned to them. 

The acquisition is being funded by the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) to support Indigenous led conservation in biologically diverse areas across the state.  

“The return of these 1,107 acres of Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel ancestral land is more than a restoration of territory, it is a restoration of identity, responsibility, and healing,” INSY Chairman Kevin Osuna said in a press release. 

The agency awarded $100 million to tribal related solutions to environmental issues across California. This is in accordance with California's 30x30 initiative which aims to conserve 30% of costal water and land by 2030.  

“Through the CNRA 30x30 initiative, we honor our ancestors by reaffirming our sacred relationship to the land,” Osuna said. 

Diverse habitats can be found throughout the San Fellipe Valley such as desert riparian woodland, chaparral, oak woodland, native grassland and more, according to the CNRA.  

“This extraordinary landscape will now be protected and cared for through Indigenous knowledge and leadership, advancing biodiversity conservation and climate resilience across the San Felipe Valley,” CRNA Deputy Secretary for Tribal Affairs Geneva E.B. Thompson said. 

The INSY plans to create the “Ewiinally Traditional Ecological Knowledge Center” to serve as an educational resource for the public. There will also be a conservation management plan to help protect the area. 

There will be an upcoming land return ceremony in August to acknowledge this achievement.  

“This is a profound step forward for our people, and a powerful example of how true stewardship and Indigenous leadership can shape a more just and sustainable future,” Osuna said.