In recent years, California has seen the devastating consequences of ignoring the wisdom that Indigenous people have carried for a millennia: Fire is essential for both human and ecosystem health.
The state’s history of fire suppression and the criminalization of Indigenous burning have contributed to an era of catastrophic wildfires , wreaking havoc on our environment and our way of life.
As a Karuk person, I have known this for a long time.
Fire is central to our Karuk identity, and the suppression of Indigenous burning has deeply impacted our people and our lands. Fire, for us, is not just a tool — it’s a lifeline, a means of renewal, and a vital part of our culture. For generations, our ceremonies have honored the essential role of fire in maintaining the health of our forests, the regeneration of plants and the sustenance of our communities.
With Senate Bill 310 , California has a chance to begin the long process of reconciliation — with both tribes and fire. SB 310, introduced by state Sen. Bill Dodd , acknowledges tribal sovereignty over cultural burning for the first time in California’s history. By signing SB 310 into law, Gov. Gavin Newsom can start to correct historical wrongs and reduce our collective vulnerability to wildfire.