AMLT and CDLS Partnership

The Amah Mutsun Land Trust (AMLT) project, in collaboration with CDLS, seeks to support the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band's (AMTB) cultural relearning and ecological stewardship efforts. The goal is to foster a cohort of future diversity leaders through equitable partnerships, sustainable collaborations, and information-sharing models.

CDLS plays a supportive role in enhancing the AMTB's leadership capacity, while the AMTB leads efforts to monitor and care for traditional lands and waters in Mutsun and Awaswas territories. The partnership centers on improving the management of shared resources through Indigenous knowledge and stewardship, benefitting both the environment and the AMTB community.

Since the collaboration began, CDLS has supported AMLT through research and capacity-building efforts aligned with AMTB's goals.

Support for AMLT's Youth Programs

AMLT offers youth immersive learning experiences grounded in Mutsun stewardship practices. CDLS has supported these efforts through research contributions, sharing data, and helping facilitate educational activities.

eDNA Research Collaboration

Since 2021, CDLS has supported AMLT's environmental DNA (eDNA) research monitoring ecological changes after the Mill Creek dam removal. AMLT leads the study, providing key insights into ecosystem health, with CDLS aiding in data collection and analysis. The collaboration has enriched community understanding of local biodiversity and culturally significant species like salmon.

Cultural Relearning & Ecological Stewardship

AMLT's sussu-Tuuhis-mak (Learn from Experience) days reconnect Tribal members with culturally significant coastal resources. CDLS supports these efforts through ecological research and promoting intergenerational learning between elders and youth.

Community-Based Curriculum Development

CDLS supported AMLT in developing a 2024 Youth Summer Camp curriculum centered on Indigenous land and water stewardship. Created with Tribal educators, it integrates Mutsun knowledge, language, and practices to teach culturally relevant science.

Mentorship & Research Capacity Building

CDLS has worked alongside AMLT to mentor early-career Indigenous researchers and students. This mentorship aims to build long-term capacity for leadership in cultural and scientific research within the Amah Mutsun community.