Tribal Monitoring Program
Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future
The Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation, has established a Tribal Monitoring Department to protect and preserve our sacred cultural heritage throughout our ancestral territory, which includes what is now known as Orange County and extends into parts of Los Angeles and San Diego Counties.
For thousands of years, our people have lived, thrived, and carried deep spiritual and cultural connections to these lands. Within this territory lie sacred sites, burial grounds, village locations, ceremonial spaces, and other culturally significant places that continue to hold meaning for our Nation. Many of these areas are still unmarked and vulnerable during modern development and construction activities.
Our Tribal Monitors are trained representatives of the Acjachemen Nation who are present at construction, infrastructure, and environmental projects to ensure that any cultural or archaeological materials are identified, respected, and appropriately handled. Through this program, we serve as stewards of our ancestors’ legacy and ensure that traditional knowledge is considered in modern land use.
The Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation, has established a Tribal Monitoring Department to protect and preserve our sacred cultural heritage throughout our ancestral territory, which includes what is now known as Orange County and extends into parts of Los Angeles and San Diego Counties.
For thousands of years, our people have lived, thrived, and carried deep spiritual and cultural connections to these lands. Within this territory lie sacred sites, burial grounds, village locations, ceremonial spaces, and other culturally significant places that continue to hold meaning for our Nation. Many of these areas are still unmarked and vulnerable during modern development and construction activities.
Our Tribal Monitors are trained representatives of the Acjachemen Nation who are present at construction, infrastructure, and environmental projects to ensure that any cultural or archaeological materials are identified, respected, and appropriately handled. Through this program, we serve as stewards of our ancestors’ legacy and ensure that traditional knowledge is considered in modern land use.
Why Tribal Monitoring Matters
- Protection of Sacred Sites: Construction and earth-disturbing activities can unknowingly impact sacred spaces and burial sites. Tribal monitors help prevent the desecration of these areas.
- Cultural Resource Identification: Tribal monitors bring cultural context and traditional knowledge that complements archaeological expertise.
- Consultation and Compliance: Our monitoring supports compliance with laws like the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA/Section 106), and AB 52, which recognize the importance of consultation with tribal nations.
- A Living Responsibility: Monitoring is not just about preservation—it is about honoring our ancestors, our elders, and our future generations by ensuring our story is never erased from the land.
If you are a developer, agency, or contractor working within our ancestral lands, we welcome collaboration and invite you to work with our Tribal Monitoring Department to uphold respect, legal compliance, and cultural sensitivity.
For Tribal Monitoring requests or more information, please contact:
Tribal Monitoring Department
Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation
Nathan K. Banda
Tribal Chairman
For Tribal Monitoring requests or more information, please contact:
Tribal Monitoring Department
Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation
Nathan K. Banda
Tribal Chairman
Want to become a Tribal Monitor for JBMIAN?
Here's how you can do it!
If this looks like you - send your info to [email protected] with the subject line Tribal Monitor and we will save your information for the next monitoring class. Don't forget the SUBJECT LINE! Following directions is very important.
- You must be an enrolled tribal member /18 and Older
- You must hold a valid Drivers License, insurance and reliable transportation
- You must complete the required training
- You must be field-ready and capable of working in outdoor environments
- Have observational, reporting & writing skills
- Have knowledge of Acjachemen history and culture
- Adhere to tribal protocols and ethics
- Be active and participate in tribal affairs
- Have OPEN availability to work Monday-Sunday
If this looks like you - send your info to [email protected] with the subject line Tribal Monitor and we will save your information for the next monitoring class. Don't forget the SUBJECT LINE! Following directions is very important.
