Arizona PBS to Air Documentary on Tribal Land Return
A film exploring the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians' ancestral land reclamation premieres in Arizona on November 2, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Native American
Live Poll
Do you support returning ancestral lands to Indigenous tribes in your area?
Arizona Public Television will broadcast the documentary Coming Home: From Shadowland to Spiritworld on November 2, 2026. The film chronicles the efforts of the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians to reacquire ancestral coastal lands.
Why it matters
The documentary highlights the ongoing challenges tribes face in securing traditional territories for cultural practices like fishing and gathering. It captures a significant effort to restore tribal land access after historical displacement.
The Kashia Band of Pomo Indians, which has 860 members, reacquired 688 acres with help from The Trust for Public Land. The organization has successfully facilitated the return of approximately 200,000 acres to various tribes nationwide.
The players
Dan Golding
He is a Quechan filmmaker who spent seven years directing the documentary film Coming Home: From Shadowland to Spiritworld.
The Trust for Public Land
This national nonprofit organization specializes in land conservation and has facilitated the return of approximately 200,000 acres to various tribes.
Kashia Band of Pomo Indians
This tribe consists of 860 members and worked to reacquire ancestral coastal lands for traditional use.
The details
Directed by Quechan filmmaker Dan Golding, the production process for the film spanned seven years. The tribe secured the property by purchasing a ranch that had become available for sale along the Sonoma coast.
Timeline
Early 19th century: Russian fur traders arrived on Kashia lands.
1841: Russian traders departed Fort Ross.
1915: The U.S. government allocated 41.5 acres to the tribe.
November 2, 2026: The documentary premieres on KAET-TV Channel 8.
Culture Shift
This documentary reflects a growing nationwide movement among indigenous groups to reclaim ancestral territories and preserve cultural heritage. It highlights how contemporary land trust partnerships are actively reversing the historical land displacement of California tribes following the 1850 statehood act.
Arizona residents can view the film on KAET-TV Channel 8 to learn more about the complexities of tribal land rights and conservation. The documentary provides insight into how tribes are utilizing modern legal channels to regain access to culturally vital resources.
The takeaway
This film underscores the importance of cultural preservation through land ownership and historical storytelling. Viewers interested in conservation can explore how similar land trusts work with indigenous communities to support tribal autonomy.
Further reading
For more information on indigenous history and land issues in the region, visit the Native American section.
Live Poll
Do you support returning ancestral lands to Indigenous tribes in your area?
