Monday September 26, 2022
Chico Enterprise-Record —
History was made Friday at the Butte Creek Ecological Preserve as the 93 acres of preserve land was turned back over to the Mechoopda Indian tribe of Chico Rancheria from Chico State Enterprises.
Leaders from the tribe and Chico State gathered at the preserve to announce and celebrate the agreement. They were joined by Northern California elected officials, local conservation nonprofit leaders and representatives of the Butte Creek Canyon community organizations for a celebration commemorating the occasion.
“The health of the preserve is important to all of us,” said Chico State President Gayle Hutchinson during the press conference. “The Mechoopda were the first stewards of the land.”
Friday was also California Native American Day, which Hutchinson mentioned in her speech.
“It’s a day of celebration,” Hutchinson said. “This is a relationship based on respect. The preserve supported thousands of students. The health of the preserve is important to all of us.”