Preserving the Southeast Lake Cahuilla Cultural District: A Call to Action
by Maya Grace Hausman
“I know that the Earth is alive, and she should not continue to be abused … I am hopeful that this society is ready to wake up.” — Carmen Lucas, Kwaaymii Elder
The Enigmatic Southeast Lake Cahuilla Cultural District
Situated along the southeastern shore of the Salton Sea in Southern California, the Southeast Lake Cahuilla Active Volcanic Cultural District spans 11,162 acres. This landscape holds profound cultural and religious relevance for the Kwaaymii, Kamia, Kumeyaay, Cahuilla, and Quechan Peoples.
The district’s distinct desert landscape is shaped by active volcanoes, where geothermal steam and boiling mud pots create a unique environment. This area, once part of Lake Cahuilla, is spiritually significant, with tribal elders likening the mudpots to the heartbeat of Mother Earth and the steam as her breath.
This region is interwoven with the Creation stories of various California Indian tribes, including the legend of the Great Snake. It continues to be a source for obsidian tools, medicinal plants, and mineral paints. For generations, it has been a place for teaching and preserving tribal histories and knowledge.
“You can see the heartbeats and the steam. That is her breath, Mother Earth.” — Carmen Lucas, Kwaaymii Elder
Currently, the district faces threats from industrial developments proposed under the Lithium Valley Specific Plan. This plan could lead to geothermal power plants and lithium extraction sites being established without thorough environmental assessments.
Experts caution that such projects could significantly harm tribal resources. The construction of large industrial buildings might obstruct sacred views and disrupt the natural phenomena integral to tribal ceremonies. Moreover, extensive drilling could alter underground pressures, potentially halting the mudpots’ natural activity.
The “Lithium Valley” initiative may exacerbate environmental concerns in Imperial County, such as air quality degradation and water overuse, which have not been adequately addressed in their Programmatic Environmental Impact Report.
Inclusion in the National Register would offer protection, ensuring that any future projects undergo public scrutiny and legal review concerning their impact on the district.
The Significance of the National Register of Historic Places
Established in 1966, the National Register of Historic Places provides formal recognition to sites deemed worthy of preservation. Administered by the National Park Service, listing ensures federal projects undergo an impact assessment.
In California, such a listing results in automatic inclusion in the California Register of Historical Resources. This mandates that any potential harm to the district is addressed under state environmental laws, such as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which requires early consultation with local tribes to mitigate impacts on cultural resources.
Ultimately, the goal is to ensure the “stewardship of place,” preserving these vital environments for both present and future generations.
Steps Toward Preservation
Urgent action is needed to secure protection for these sites. The following steps outline the path forward:
- Advocate for the district’s nomination at the State Historical Resources Commission’s November meeting, with support from the State Historic Preservation Officer.
- Secure a positive vote from the Commission, affirming the district’s eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places.
- Expedite the nomination to the national level for review by the National Park Service.
- Await the National Park Service’s decision, expected within 45 days of submission.
Join the Movement: Protecting Sacred Land
The land in question is not merely a resource for extraction. It embodies a living history for the Kumeyaay, Kwaaymii, Kamia, Cahuilla, and Quechan peoples. Current threats from industrial development could jeopardize this sacred landscape. While renewable energy development is crucial, it must not come at the cost of disrupting these cultural and natural treasures.
Your voice matters. Add your name to support the protection of the Southeast Lake Cahuilla Active Volcanic Cultural District.
Act now to safeguard this district, its natural landscape, and the people who cherish it.
Original Story at earthworks.org