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Jan
28
2025
Councilmen Koteen and White Visit the White House

January 14, 2025

Councilmen Jonathan Koteen and Zion White of the Quechan Tribal Council proudly represented the Quechan Indian Tribe at the White House on Tuesday, January 14, to celebrate the Biden-Harris Administration's historic conservation achievements. The event highlighted the administration's unwavering commitment to environmental protection, climate resilience, and the preservation of lands and waters of cultural, ecological, and historical significance.

President Biden's leadership has set a new benchmark in conservation, with the administration now having conserved more lands and waters than any president in U.S. history. Among its landmark achievements is the establishment of the Moab to Mojave Conservation Corridor, the largest protected lands corridor in the lower 48 states.

During the celebration, President Biden signed proclamations officially designating the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sattitla Highlands National Monument. These two monuments, together protecting 848,000 acres in California, stand as testaments to the administration's dedication to safeguarding landscapes of scientific, cultural, and ecological importance. These designations further enhance the administration's groundbreaking record, which includes significant progress in:

  • Conserving over 674 million acres of U.S. lands and waters.
  • Advancing clean energy deployment and cutting climate pollution.
  • Promoting environmental justice.

The Councilmen engaged in meaningful discussions with federal leaders and other tribal representatives, emphasizing the importance of tribal sovereignty and the unique role of Indigenous communities in environmental stewardship. They also expressed gratitude for the administration's commitment to protecting lands that hold cultural and historical significance to tribes across the nation, including the newly designated monuments.

Councilman Koteen commented:
"The preservation of these lands is not only a triumph for conservation but a recognition of their deep cultural and spiritual significance to Indigenous peoples. As we move forward, tribes must be at the forefront of environmental policy and decision-making."

Councilman White added:
"Today's celebration underscores the importance of protecting our shared heritage for future generations. The Quechan Tribe remains committed to working alongside federal and state partners to ensure that these efforts continue to prioritize Indigenous voices and knowledge."

President Biden also reflected on the broader goals of the America the Beautiful Initiative, which aims to conserve at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. This initiative builds upon the administration's international commitments, including surpassing the goal of providing $11 billion annually in global climate financing and the historic designation of International Conservation Day during the President's visit to the Amazon rainforest.

As the celebration concluded, Councilmen Koteen and White reaffirmed the Quechan Tribe's dedication to advancing environmental justice, climate resilience, and cultural preservation. Their presence at the White House symbolizes the Tribe's ongoing commitment to these shared goals and its integral role in shaping a sustainable and equitable future for all.

Pictured from left to right: Jonathan E. Koteen (Quechan Council Member), Jack Potter, Jr. (Chairman Redding Rancheria), President Joe Biden, Yatch Bamford (Chairman Pit River), Robert Burkybile (Chief Modoc Nation)


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