Sequoia National Park was established by president Harrison in 1890 in order to protect and preserve the extraordinary trees that give it its name. Sequoia and Kings Canyon provide a wonderful habitat for many animals such as black bears, mule deer, bobcats, foxes, squirrels, rattlesnakes, and mountain lions. During our trip, we will encourage ourselves to consider the historical and environmental implications of our presence as it pertains to wildlife and Native American Tribes. There are 26 federal or state recognized Native American tribes in the Sierra Nevada region. Sequoia and Kings Canyon are the homeland of the Mono (Monache), Yokut, Tübatulabal, Paiute, and Western Shoshone people. We would like to acknowledge the legacy of colonialism present in our National Parks, and will discuss the history and culture of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon’s Native American tribes in our trip’s daily reflections. We ask that our participants are respectful of the fact that we will be inhabiting a space that is sacred to many people.
Geographically, the terrain of Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks include not only the massive Sequoia trees, but also many rivers, lakes, mountains, and canyons carved by ancient
rivers and glaciers. As stunning as the view is from above, there are plenty of interesting sites under the earth as well! Miles of underground caverns snake throughout the parks. Conservationists like John Muir were instrumental in campaigning for the protection of the Sequoias, but not before about a third of them were logged. The protected park began as General Grant Grove, and has been expanding ever since. The road to Sequoia, which allows visitors like us to appreciate it face-to-face, was completed in 1903, under the supervision of the only African American commissioned officer in the U.S. Army at the time, Captain Charles Young. We are lucky to benefit from the work of so many different people and experience these incredible parks for ourselves!