Projects

Our Current Projects

 

Sawalmem was formed in 2022 with a mission to restore sacred lands, water systems, and cultural heritage for the Winnemem Wintu people. In just a short time, we have made significant strides, acquiring over 1,200 acres of ancestral Winnemem Wintu lands. Here are some of our key projects:

 

1. Returning to Kerekmet: 1,200 Acres Reclaimed

 

In a remarkable landback effort, Sawalmem successfully facilitated the return of 1,200 acres of sacred Winnemem Wintu lands, including the ancestral village of Kerekmet. This land sits below Bear Mountain, a sacred site central to Winnemem cosmology. Thanks to the generosity of private donors, foundations, and sacred philanthropy, we now safeguard this sacred mountain, protecting its plants, animals, and spiritual significance.

• What’s Next:

We are planning cultural burns to restore native vegetation and reintroduce the sacred fire to this land. These traditional practices ensure ecological balance while reintegrating Bear Mountain into our sacred cosmology.

 

2. Expanding the Village of Tuiimyali

 

Sawalmem is actively working to expand the land surrounding the Winnemem Wintu village of Tuiimyali, a critical site for cultural and ecological restoration.

• 42 Acres Adjoining Kerekmet:

A new 42-acre property, located adjacent to Tuiimyali, is a vital addition to the 1,200 acres already reclaimed. This acquisition would further integrate the sacred lands of Bear Mountain, safeguarding it for future generations.

• 17 Acres for Salmon Restoration:

We are also working to acquire 17 acres on the north side of Tuiimyali. This property offers the potential to construct a fish swimway system, a key component of our long-term salmon restoration project. The swimway would bypass Shasta Dam, allowing Chinook salmon to return to their native spawning grounds—a goal we have pursued tirelessly since 2004.

 

3. The Bollibokka Initiative

 

Bollibokka, a 3,000-acre property along the McCloud River, holds deep cultural and ecological significance for the Winnemem Wintu. This land is central to our efforts to restore the Chinook salmon and protect sacred sites. Through Sawalmem and our partner non-profit, the Indian Cultural Organization, we are working to bring Bollibokka back to the tribe.

• Why It Matters:

The McCloud River is the heart of the Chinook salmon’s ancestral spawning grounds, and Bollibokka’s return will further our efforts to revive the salmon populations while protecting nearly 30 sacred sites along the river.

 

4. Building the Winnemem Wintu Eco-Village

 

On the newly acquired lands, Sawalmem is laying the foundation for an eco-village that will house the Winnemem Wintu people.

• What is the Eco-Village?

This innovative community will provide sustainable housing for the tribe, support cultural practices, and serve as a base for ecological restoration projects. Current seed funding from grants and donors has launched this effort, but we are actively raising more resources to fully realize this vision.

• Why It’s Important:

With only 125 Winnemem Wintu remaining who follow traditional leadership, the eco-village will be a place for the tribe to live as they always have—honoring the land, water, and salmon that are central to their identity.

 

5. Restoring the Chinook Salmon

 

The Chinook salmon restoration is one of Sawalmem’s cornerstone projects. For over two decades, the Winnemem Wintu have worked tirelessly to bring these salmon back to their native waters.

• Progress:

Our work includes partnerships with state and federal agencies, innovative natural incubation systems, and plans for a salmon swimway system to bypass Shasta Dam.

• Why It Matters:

Salmon are central to the Winnemem Wintu way of life and the ecosystem of the McCloud River. Restoring them is not just an ecological project but a spiritual and cultural obligation.

 

Join Us in This Sacred Work

 

The work of Sawalmem and the Winnemem Wintu Tribe is only possible through the generosity and support of people like you. Whether you’re purchasing from our store, donating, or sharing our mission, you are part of this story of restoration, resilience, and renewal.

 

Together, we can safeguard these sacred lands, waters, and traditions for future generations.

 

Explore. Support. Restore.

Let’s walk this journey together.