Press Release
Statement from AMLT Executive Director: Amah Mutsun Land Trust Leadership Transition
Just Announced: Amah Mutsun Land Trust Acquires First Property in Ancestral Territory
Amah Mutsun Land Trust (AMLT) announces that by the end of 2025, AMLT will acquire a 50-acre property near the intersection of Highways 129 and 101 in San Juan Bautista, Calif., marking the first time the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band (AMTB) has regained full access rights to land in its traditional territory since their forced removal over 225 years ago.
Learn more about AMLT's first acquisition and this significant step forward for the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band.
Read Bay Nature's Article about the acquisition HERE.
Amah Mutsun Land Trust Hires New Executive Director
Noelle Chambers, a visionary land trust leader and former Vice President of Conservation at Peninsula Open Space Trust, has been selected as the next Executive Director of the Amah Mutsun Land Trust. Former AMTB Chairman Lopez said: “I can’t think of a better person to lead our Land Trust at this time. Noelle is a proven leader who has been successful in all areas of land conservation and protection. In addition, Noelle and I have had many conversations regarding AMLT history, vision and priorities over the past 10 years.”
We at the Amah Mutsun Land Trust are confident that Noelle’s extensive experience, proven track record in land protection and stewardship, and dedication to centering Tribal values will provide the vision and leadership necessary to move AMLT into its next chapter.
Read more about Noelle in the full press release here.
Amah Mutsun Land Trust Announces 2024’s Board of Directors
We at the Amah Mutsun Land Trust are very pleased that these four new board members could join our organization. Each of them carries unique experiences and expertise, which will be great assets to the organization's continued positive growth. Currently, we are finalizing our new strategic plan that outlines our ambitious goals for the next three years. It is important that we continue this path of revitalization of Indigenous land stewardship and make this work sustainable until the last sunrise.
Read about our new board members in the full press release here.
Appellate Court ReInstates Lawsuit by Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and Partners Challenging Development on Sacred Lands
A California Court of Appeal in San Jose has reversed a ruling by a San Benito County Superior Court judge dismissing lawsuits brought by two non-profits, the Center for Biological Diversity and Protect San Benito County, and by the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. The Superior Court had ruled last year that the lawsuits had been brought too late and could not proceed. The Court of Appeal’s decision on July 24, 2024 re-instates the lawsuit, which will now return to the superior court for trial at a later date.
“We’re grateful that the Court of Appeal has recognized that the lawsuit must be allowed to proceed. We look forward to getting our day in court to defend our ancestral territory and right to meaningful tribal consultation." - Valentin Lopez, Former Chairman of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band.
You can read the full press release here and download a copy of the Court of Appeal's decision here.
Amah Mutsun Tribal Chairman Speaks at United Nations to Call for Protection of Tribal Sacred Site from Surface Mining Proposal
April 12, 2018
Chairman Valentin Lopez of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band announced today that he will speak on the floor of the United Nations in New York on Tuesday, April 17th, during the 17th Session of the United Nation’s Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Chairman Lopez will be calling the world’s attention to the proposed sand and gravel mining proposal at Sargent Ranch in Gilroy, California Located on the southern border of Silicon Valley. The site, known to the Amah Mutsun as Juristac, is the location of the tribe’s most sacred ceremonies and home to its spiritual leader, Kuksui. Read more.