Cris Alarcon, News@InEDC.com

PLACERVILLE, CALIFORNIA, June 13, 2022 — American River Conservancy is raising funds to accompany a substantial land transfer to the local Native American community.

Two local land trusts joyously invite the public to participate in an extraordinary community experience. American River Conservancy (ARC), which has protected lands in the upper American River and upper Cosumnes River watersheds since 1989, will give both real estate and “seed money” to the Native American land trust, Cosumnes Culture and Waterways (CCAWW). To support the effort, ARC will host a fundraiser to accompany the return of the 320-acre property currently known as Ladies Valley to the care of CCAWW in perpetuity. With this tremendous gift of land and funds to the indigenous people of the region, ARC is participating in the international “landback” movement. Returning ancestral lands to the descendants of tribes who were historically displaced and unjustly treated is a fair and equitable way to support the revival of culture for native communities all over the world. Anyone can join in support of this peaceful and collaborative landback process.

The Ladies Valley Landback fundraiser aims to raise at least $25,000 to jump-start a living, cultural heritage site in a place originally known as Coso Village and inhabited by the Miwok people for centuries. On this land, local tribes will bring their families to build a village of traditional bark houses so they may once again gather, dance, and propagate plants for food, medicine, and craft. Along with ARC’s gift of the land in Placerville, CA, the gift of funds will support the initial stewardship of the property’s vital landscape. Communities will benefit from a place to learn traditional knowledge from the living descendants of original people. With the completion of this land and funding transfer, the site will belong to the local indigenous community in perpetuity.

The live fundraising event will be hosted on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at Wakamatsu Farm in Placerville, CA. The event will include Native American music, storytelling, a nature-inspired fine art auction, light refreshments, and local wines. Whether or not you join the live event, you can donate online to this fundraiser at the event link now at https://app.donorview.com/X416J. Event registration is limited and currently $50 per person. If the event is not sold out by September, the ticket price will increase in support of this worthy cause.

Currently and until September 1, ARC is collecting nature inspired art and other items for auction valued at $100 or more. Submit auction items by completing the form at https://app.donorview.com/xEvEVA.

During early October, the online auction will kick off with a live art show at the Center Street Gallery located at 3182 Center Street, Placerville. All auction items will be on display at Wakamatsu Farm during the live fundraising event on October 22. Online bidding will continue during the life event, and all winners will be notified.

ARC & CCAWW are 501c3 non-profit organizations. Auction item donations are tax-deductible in accordance with tax laws. Contact arc@ARConservancy.org about this rare and inspired fundraiser.