Restoration of Traditional Place Names

The North Coast Redwoods District (NCRD) recently completed the installation of over 50 “Land Acknowledgement” signs in parks across the district. The signs let visitors know the name of the people whose ancestral land they’re on, as well as the Indigenous place name of the location where they’re standing (where place names are available). The signs also include basketry designs provided by Tribal partners. The project aligns with the broader Reexamining Our Past Initiative, which seeks to remove derogatory and inaccurate names and materials from the State Parks system, while restoring Native names and other significant aspects of California's cultural heritage. Read the full article, “North Coast Redwoods District Completes Installation of Land Acknowledgement Signs”, in the Field Report section of the November 4, 2022 Weekly Digest.

State Parks and Redwood National and State Parks in Del Norte County along with the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation (Nation) installed new land acknowledgement signs throughout the state and national park locations within the Nation’s ancestral land territory. Located in high visitation areas, the nine signs are placed on existing structure to which avoids land disturbance. 

State Parks sees these signs as a continued opportunity for visitors to connect with, foster appreciation for the original stewards of park lands and further elevate, honor and celebrate the Indigenous voices and stories that are rooted in the ancestral lands that the California State Park System now protect.