California Native American Tribe would gain federal recognition under new Cook bill

U.S. Rep. Paul Cook (R-CA) recently sponsored H.R. 8208 to extend federal recognition to the Mono Lake Kutzadikaa Tribe, which is based in the Mono Basin of east-central California, adjacent to Nevada. 

The tribe has sought federal recognition since the 1970s to guarantee its right to self-government and preserve its sovereignty, as well as to allow it access to more federal protections, services and benefits.

“Federal recognition of the Mono Lake Kutzadikaa Tribe is long overdue, and it’s time we honor their tireless efforts in preserving their culture and history,” said Rep. Cook, ranking member of the U.S. House Natural Resources Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States.

Like all California tribes, the Mono Lake Kutzadikaa did not benefit from the U.S. treaty process and has remained landless and without federal protections for centuries, according to information provided by Rep. Cook’s office.

Nevertheless, the Kutzadikaa have remained politically and culturally distinct, living continuously near Mono Lake, where the tribe has maintained and revitalized its cultural practices and supported the preservation of Mono Lake, which is central to its culture and history, according to the information. 

All seven federally recognized tribes in Mono and Inyo counties support federal recognition for the Mono Lake Kutzadikaa Tribe, which also has received support from the seven affiliated tribes of Yosemite National Park and the Mono County Board of Supervisors.

“This congressional process started with a visit from Congressman Cook and his staff in October 2019,” said Charlotte Lange, chairperson of the Mono Lake Kutzadikaa Tribe. “Dorothy Alther, California Legal Service, has also committed her hard work for years. The Mono Lake Kutzadikaa Tribe would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to both of them for their efforts to present this bill for federal recognition.”

“I commend the hard work and dedication of Chairperson Lange and the Mono Lake Kutzadikaa people for their unwavering commitment to their tribe and to Mono Lake,” Rep. Cook said.

The bill has been referred for consideration to the House Natural Resources Committee.