The Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians, a federally recognized Indian Tribe, in its effort to exercise the government-to-government relationship between the United States of America, the State of California, and other Indian Tribes, has assumed the functions of the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) with respect to tribal lands. Buena Vista Rancheria Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) Plan, presented to National Park Service (NPS) in 2010, demonstrates that the Buena Vista Rancheria is fully capable to assume the functions of the California SHPO, pursuant to Section 101 (d)(2), of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), as amended in 1992, on Tribal lands. The Buena Vista Rancheria THPO consults on federal undertakings both on and off tribal lands within the Buena Vista Rancheria’s ancestral territory that may affect historic properties of spiritual and cultural significance to the Buena Vista Rancheria. The Buena Vista Rancheria is the center of a thriving contemporary Me-Wuk culture, well-founded in traditional beliefs, practices, and values. The Buena Vista Rancheria’s goal is to protect, preserve, enhance, promote, and encourage Me-Wuk culture for current and future generations. The Buena Vista Rancheria will endeavor to partner with neighboring Tribes, local agencies, institutions, and museums to pursue these goals for long-term protection of Me-Wuk heritage.
Jesse Galvan started as the Cultural Heritage Specialist (CHS) at Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians in July 2022. He has extensive knowledge of Me-Wuk Culture growing up as part of a California Me-Wuk tribe. His previous work at Shingle Spring Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) Department helped him learn Me-Wuk language, gathering plant material for basketry and cordage making. He helped with events, interacted with elders, and assisted with community outreach. At Buena Vista Rancheria, he continues helping with community outreach while strengthening Buena Vista Rancheria’s goals for culture and community. As the (CHS) he is responsible for gathering cultural knowledge of plants and areas. He gathers cultural-related items for basketry, cordage, language, and prayer for Buena Vista Rancheria. As well as monitors any notification the tribe may receive for projects in ancestral territories.
Jesse also works as the Cultural Monitor of Buena Vista Rancheria; this responsibility is a crucial role in protecting ancestral territory by participating in projects by observing archaeological excavations and construction activities in culturally significant areas. This role inspects the ground during soil disturbance and identifies and protects cultural resources and artifacts.