FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2025
Tamien Nation Reclaims Ancestral Land with $6 Million State Grant: A Historic Step Toward Justice, Restoration, and Climate Resilience.
San José, CA — In a moment that marks the return of land, voice, and presence, the Tamien Nation proudly announces the acquisition of 235 acres of its ancestral homeland in East San José — a historic achievement made possible by a $6 million grant from the California Governor’s Office Tribal Nature-Based Solutions program.
This is the first time in more than two centuries that land in the South Bay has returned to full tribal ownership — 100% owned, governed, and protected by the original people of the Silicon Valley: the Tamien Nation.
“This moment is more than a land acquisition,” said Chairwoman Quirina Luna Geary. “It is a homecoming. It is an act of restorative justice. It is the rekindling of our sacred, reciprocal relationship with the land. After generations of removal and dispossession, we are returning home.”
The newly acquired property, located within the historic boundaries of Tamien Nation, will serve as a living cultural landscape dedicated to climate resilience, ecological restoration, and traditional cultural practices. This land back initiative is part of California’s broader commitment to tribal climate leadership and environmental justice.
In addition to its ecological and cultural significance, the property will be a cornerstone of the Tamien Nation’s food sovereignty efforts, where traditional land management practices will support the regenerative cultivation of Indigenous plants. These practices will not only restore native ecosystems but also revitalize the Nation’s relationship to traditional foods, medicines, and intergenerational knowledge.
“Our vision for this land includes restoring our ability to feed and care for our people in ways our ancestors did for thousands of years,” said Geary. “We will grow culturally significant plants and seeds that have sustained us, not just physically, but spiritually and ceremonially since time immemorial. This is about self-determination, health, and healing.”
As part of this vision, the Tamien Nation is committed to sharing cultivated Indigenous foods and medicines with other tribal communities, strengthening a broader network of food sovereignty, cultural preservation, and intertribal solidarity.
“This is not just for us — it is for all communities,” Geary said. “We are growing these plants not only to nourish our people, but to support other tribes reclaiming their own food systems and sacred traditions.”
Among those moved by this moment is Tamien elder Susana Luna Arias, known to many as Susie, whose family has prehistoric ties to this region. After decades of advocacy and community work, Elder Susie expressed deep emotion and pride at seeing the tribe reclaim its homeland:
“I’m just so happy I lived long enough to see this happen. We’ve worked so many years to finally have land again. It means everything.”
Through the Governor’s Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Grant Program, the State has recognized the unique expertise of Indigenous nations in stewarding California’s natural and cultural resources. This investment enables Tamien Nation to implement Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) to restore biodiversity, manage fire-adapted ecosystems, and protect culturally significant resources.
“We are not just restoring habitat — we are restoring memory, identity, and belonging,” said Geary. “This is a responsibility to our ancestors to set things right, and for the benefit of generations yet to come.”
The Tamien Nation extends deep gratitude to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and the California Natural Resources Agency for their partnership and vision, and to the many community allies, educators, and tribal citizens who helped bring this moment to life.
As Chairwoman Geary stated, “May we continue this path together guided by our ancestors, with strength, with memory, and with shared purpose.
Media Contact:
Miranda Fry
Grant Manager
Tamien Nation
grantsmanager@tamien.org
Since Time Immemorial
Tamien Nation has inhabited the Santa Clara Valley
Tamien Nation remains unacknowledged by the Federal government. Yet, is a Tribe under California State Law and continues to live and act accordingly as a sovereign Nation, sustaining our social and political continuity throughout time. Tamien Nation’s priorities are land rematriation and Tribal Cultural Resource (TCR) protection. Like our baskets, TCRs are an interweaving of our land, stories, culture, religion, language and overall Identity that ties us to thousands of years of being.
Access to our homeland is crucial for our sustainability as Indigenous people. It is also a Human Rights issue under Article 25 of the UN Declaration.
Latest News
The Aboriginal Tribe of Santa Clara Valley
Tamien Nation enrolled Tribal citizens have direct lineages to precontact villages of the Greater Santa Clara Valley including the Ritocsi village (AKA San Cupertino Rancheria - Mountain View, Sunnyvale and Cupertino) San Juan Bautista Rancheria (Upper Guadalupe River to Central Coyote Creek), San Antonio Rancheria (east San Jose to Coyote Valley), Santa Clara Rancheria (site of Mission Santa Clara/University of Santa Clara), and San Francisco Solano Rancheria (site of Mission San Jose in Fremont).
Our Mission
To treat our citizens with respect, dignity and equality;
To preserve and promote our culture, language, and religion;
To protect our ancestors, tribal cultural resources, and environment;
To enhance the quality of life and economic sustainability for all Tamien citizens;
To promote our traditional values honoring our agreement with the world; and
To acquire our unceded traditional homelands to secure our worldview and way of life.
Culture
We continue to live the Indigenous way practicing our traditional culture and religion.
Traditional Territory
Tamien Traditional lands are on the Southern San Francisco Peninsula encompassing over 1300 square miles.
Cultural Resources:
Protecting our ancestors, sacred sites and history.
Our cultural Resource Department was developed for the protection, preservation, and promotion of our culture, language, resources, and sacred sites.
For Tribal Consultations under AB 52, Section 106 or private property owners wishing to return artifacts found within our homeland, contact our Tribal Cultural Resource Officer, Johnathan Costillas at THPO@tamien.org.
Bureau of Indian Affairs Documentation
All enrolled Tribal citizens have direct lineages from historic Tamien villages verified by a certified genealogist and are direct lineal dependents of/or are on the California Judgment Fund Rolls (CJFR) of 1953 and 1972, and have Certificates of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) issued by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Tamien Nation elders were also subject to the Indian Relocation Act of 1956 (also known as Public Law 959) implemented by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Cultural Fire Stewardship and Prescribed Burning Program
Our ancestors used fire to manage lands for thousands of years to safely maintain a healthy ecosystem.
History and Resiliency
Despite the events and policies of state-sanctioned murder, land theft, and massive societal pressures, we managed to maintain our cultural identity.
Language Preservation
We hold Tribal language classes. From utilizing the latest technology to new pedagogical methods, we help our participants make their language learning engaging and successful.
Food Sovereignty
Our community-based food sovereignty program aims to empower our citizens by preventing food insecurities and providing clean and healthy Indigenous foods sources learned from thousands of years of intergenerational knowledge, teachings and experiences.
Tamien Nation is excited to be partnering with #CACommunityColleges to support student enrollment
I CAN go to college.
Community college offers access to more than 200 career education programs and financial aid to help you reach your goals. Classes fill up quickly. Enroll today at ICanGoToCollege.com.
Our cultural values are at the heart of everything we do.
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
info@tamien.org
