Fire, Land Stewardship, and Indigenous Conservancy

In conjunction with the Fire Kinship: Southern California Native Ecology and Art exhibition, this November 1st panel discussion ignited a vital discussion. UCLA’s Fowler Museum gathered Indigenous authorities and scholars to shed light on the cultural and ecological practice of burning. Through the lens of this essential land stewardship, the discussion offered deep insights into the significance of the Land Back movement and highlighted the community-led strategies actively restoring Indigenous autonomy and ecological balance to their territories today.

The exhibition reframes the conversation around cultural burns through a community-centered lens by drawing on forms of Indigenous artistry and craftsmanship shaped by fire, including traditional baskets, bark skirts, and rabbit sticks.

“This panel challenged the notions of fear often associated with fire and called for embracing native burning practices as necessary to the land’s regeneration and conservation,” said Teyoltlahui and Gia, LARC’s 2025 College Corps Fellows. “Land Back is more than just reclaiming sovereignty of Indian lands, it is about family reunification, healing, and connecting to the spiritual energy of the land. The lack of this connection, the panelists believed, is part of the reason for increased environmental degradation. However, the panelists shared that many funding opportunities come with strings attached and when trying to enact change, they often face several accounts of red taping.”

Read more about and support the organizations that partnered to present this event: Native American Land Conservancy, Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa Conservancy, Acjachemen Tongva Land Conservancy.

Visit the exhibit until April 12, 2026 at the Fowler Museum, located in the heart of UCLA’s campus.