Three Creeks Land and Water Return Back to Indigenous Care
Check out the recent New York Times Article featuring OVIWC and Three Creeks.
Three Creeks is a rare 5-acre oasis between Big Pine and Independence, California. This opportunity has provided space to nurture connections that build alliances, bring attention to local/global water issues, contribute to food sovereignty, support cultural revitalization, and engage youth and community members with global stewards.
In 2022, the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission was approached by local community members and allies Jen Schleck and Santeena Pugliese with the opportunity to come together as partners and hold a historic moment in Payahuunadu. Returning 5 acres of privately owned land to Owens Valley Indian Water Commission, a tribal consortium of 3 local tribes, the Bishop, Big Pine, and Lone Pine tribes.
In early 2023, we successfully raised $900K to purchase the property. We have raised an additional $1,100,000 to cover maintenance, building repair, stewardship, and land restoration.
In 2024, we released our first newsletter in February and another in September sharing about all we have been doing over the last year.