Native American Bloodline

Seven tribes with deep ancestral ties to Yosemite Valley are one step closer to restoring a tradition that existed long before the park itself.

Yosemite National Park has approved a plan that will allow members of seven federally recognised tribes to gather plants within park boundaries for cultural and traditional use. This follows a long federal review process and paves the way for official agreements between the park and the tribes connected to this land.

For years, strict rules have made it illegal to remove or disturb plants in the park without permission. While intended to protect the environment, these restrictions have also made it harder for Indigenous communities to pass down cultural knowledge from one generation to the next.

The journey toward this decision began in August 2022, when the Bridgeport Indian Colony submitted a request on behalf of all seven tribes. After public feedback in early 2025, the plan has now been finalised, outlining how plant gathering can be done responsibly while protecting the park.

This approach is supported by a 2016 federal regulation that allows national parks to work directly with federally recognised tribes. Yosemite’s plan aims to strike a balance between conservation and cultural preservation, ensuring that traditional practices tied to the land can continue for future generations.

The next step is for the park to begin formal agreements with the tribes involved.

Some people say history books still don’t tell the full truth about Native Americans.

Across the , many Indigenous voices — including leaders from the — believe Native history has often been simplified, misunderstood, or left out completely.

Now a heated debate is growing online.

⚠️ People are asking:
• Are schools teaching the full story?
• Who decides what history gets remembered?
• Can a nation understand itself without every voice included?

Some believe history classes are already balanced.
Others believe important Native perspectives are still missing.

👇 Question for you:
Are schools hiding parts of Native American history?
Comment YES or NO