The Mono County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously adopted a proclamation declaring November Native American Heritage Month and reaffirmed a commitment to deepen ties with local tribes.

The proclamation identifies the Bridgeport Indian Colony, Mono Lake Kutzadika'a and Utu Utu Gwaitu Paiute as peoples whose ancestors stewarded the land now in Mono County and calls for increased public education and engagement.

Why it matters: County supervisors and tribal leaders said formal recognition is a step but not the endpoint. Supervisor McFarlane said the board must pair acknowledgements with action. “The most important thing we can do is listen,” she said, urging the county to center tribal leadership in planning and services.

Board members and staff highlighted recent collaborative work at Travertine Hot Springs — where access has been coordinated to preserve and provide times for tribal use — as an example of how interagency planning can balance public access and tribal customs. Supervisor Peters called the Travertine effort “remarkable” and said similar approaches could be expanded.

Federal recognition also drew discussion. Supervisor McFarlane noted that Congressman Kevin Kiley had reintroduced legislation to seek recognition for the Kootsehika (Kotztika/Coztika) people and said the county has a long‑standing position to support federal recognition for the group and would continue outreach to congressional and senate staff.

Public comment at the meeting included a plea from a resident who said the land acknowledgement should be matched by tangible actions to restore tribal access to places such as Conway Ranch, which she described as traditionally inhabited by tribal peoples who now lack access. “I would just ask the county to consider embracing that cultural trait, and coming to a table from a place of giving and generosity,” the resident said.

What’s next: Supervisors directed staff to continue meetings with tribal councils, encouraged partnership on site‑specific stewardship projects and said they would pursue legislative contacts to support recognition efforts. No binding new policy was adopted beyond the proclamation.

Who spoke (first references): Chair Salcedo; Supervisor Peter (Peter Scribe/Peters) — Supervisor; Supervisor Paul McFarlane — Supervisor; Holly (public commenter).