"We’ve been reaching out to residents, civic leaders and employers to discuss the need for more housing for families of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. As I and other tribal officers go out and talk about our plans, one question we hear is:

“Why doesn’t the tribe just buy land like anyone else and build homes on it without making it part of the reservation?”

It’s a good question. It’s also one we’re happy to answer because it allows us to share our history and the essence of being a tribal member.

It’s crucial to us for our tribal families to live on land that’s under the jurisdiction of our tribal government. The generations before us endured so much so we can stay together as a people."

Get the Story:
Richard Gomez: Tribe wants homes on Chumash land (The Solvang Valley News 3/1)

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