On Friday, June 10, at the new CNRA Headquarters building, California Department of Conservation Director David Shabazian joined California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot to celebrate Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians (FTBMI) in the launch of their new Tiüvac’a’ai Tribal Conservation Corps Program.
Tiüvac’a’ai, pronounced tier-wuc uh-eye, and meaning healthy land, will work in coordination with DOC’s Regional Forest and Fire Capacity (RFFC) Program to promote climate resilience through forest health.
“By establishing Tiüvac’a’ai Tribal Conservation Corps, my Tribe is delivering the practical value of preservation in tandem with the unique perspectives and relationships of the First Peoples of the greater Los Angeles region.”
FTBMI Tribal President Rudy Ortega, Jr.
An innovative, hands-on training program, Tiüvac’a’ai Tribal Conservation Corps will work with native youth and young adults toward the goals of “regaining ecological functionality, enhancing climate resiliency, and human well-being.”
“The Department of Conservation is thrilled to support this historic program. Tribal-led stewardship is a foundational goal of the RFFC program.”
Director David Shabazian
Read the full announcement at the Fernandeño Tataviam website.
Our RFFC Program provides block grants to regions to build local capacity and support the development of fire-adapted regions by improving ecosystem health, community wildfire preparedness, and fire resilience.
California Department of Conservation Director Shabazian speaking at the June 10 press conference outside of the California Natural Resources Agency Headquarters.
