Yurok Ancestral Land at Sunset

The Yurok Tribe, one of the largest Native American tribes in California, has ancestral lands primarily located along the lower 45 miles of the Klamath River and the Pacific coast in the northwestern part of the state. These lands are situated in what is today Humboldt and Del Norte counties. The Yurok people have deep connections to this region, where the dense redwood forests meet the rugged coastal landscapes.

The river and the surrounding forests are integral to Yurok culture, traditions, and spirituality. The Klamath River, in particular, is central to their way of life, providing a vital source for fishing, especially for salmon, which plays a crucial role in Yurok economy, diet, and ceremonies. The land also supports other traditional activities such as hunting, gathering, and managing natural resources according to sustainable practices passed down through generations.

The Yurok reservation, established in the 1850s, is a portion of their ancestral territory where many Yurok people live today. This area continues to be a site for cultural preservation and environmental stewardship, reflecting the tribe's ongoing commitment to their heritage and the natural world.