FAQ

SAN LUIS REY BAND OF MISSION INDIANS

State Parks MOU

Q1: WHAT IS AN MOU?

An MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) is a written agreement between two or more parties that sets out a shared goal. It’s an important stage in many political relationships and provides an opportunity for the parties to establish their expectations moving forward.

Q2: WHO ARE THE PARTIES INVOLVED IN THE MOU?

There are two parties to this particular MOU: The State of California - California State Parks and the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians. California State Parks is responsible for the management of the park units within the State Park System.

Q3: WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS PARTICULAR MOU?

This MOU is significant because it allows for a true partnership between the State of California and the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians. Through a collaborative approach, this MOU will facilitate the Tribe’s involvement in the management, preservation, and interpretation of cultural and natural resources at state parks within the Tribe’s traditional territory.

Q4: WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE MOU?

This MOU establishes and formalizes a consultation relationship between the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians and California State Parks to foster a shared stewardship approach to management of park units of the State Park System within the Colorado Desert and San Diego Coast Districts and promote activities of mutual benefit.

Q5: WHAT MAKES THE MOU "HISTORIC" TO SLR?

The State of California recognizes the harm and damage it has done through its genocidal policies towards our ancestors. MOUs of this type are one way of remedying past wrongs. This MOU between the State of California and the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians is historic and incredibly important to our Tribe because it recognizes the perseverance of our ancestors. And--with the commitment and dedication of our tribal members--the Payómkawichum traditional practices, stories, language and culture will thrive. It will be up to each tribal member to use this tool in helping reclaim what was once ours, while gathering together on the lands of our ancestors.

Q6: WHAT'S THE PURPOSE OF THIS MOU?

This MOU serves two very important purposes for our Tribe and tribal community:
1.It provides a safe place for SLR tribal community members to harvest and gather plants for traditional practices, protect our sacred sites and resources within those specific parks.
2.It provides a safe place for SLR tribal community members to come together to reclaim our stories and traditional ways on the lands of our ancestors.

Q7: WHICH STATE PARKS ARE INCLUDED IN THE MOU?

The following state parks are included in the MOU: Anza Borrego Desert State Park, Cardiff State Beach, Carlsbad State Beach, Palomar Mountain State Park, San Elijo State Beach, and South Carlsbad State Beach.

Q8: WHAT KIND OF ACTIVITIES DOES THE PASS ALLOW ME TO DO?

The MOU allows for specific types of activities (including but not limited to):
Harvesting and gathering of Native plant species for traditional practices; and
Gathering of our tribal community members for events, like storytelling, learning traditional practices, and maintaining sacred sites.

Because this is a new relationship with State Parks, access may be limited in the beginning to our traditional arts practitioners and those who wish to learn those traditional practices. Through the “activities of mutual benefit” - access to all SLR tribal community members on specific dates/times will be available.

Q9: DO OTHER TRIBES HAVE AN MOU LIKE THIS ONE?

Other California Native American Tribes have similar, but not the same, MOU’s with California State Parks. Our MOU is unique given the areas of consultation for park management and the types of activities of mutual benefit.

Q10: HOW DO I ACCESS THE PARKS UNDER THE MOU?

To access the parks identified in the MOU, an SLR tribal member must possess an official Tribal Access Pass that has been developed in collaboration between the Tribe and State Parks. The application can be found on the Tribe's website.

Q11: DOES THE MOU HAVE TO BE RENEWED EVERY YEAR?

The MOU is in effect for five (5) years. If neither party wish to terminate the MOU after five (5) years, then the MOU will automatically renew for an additional five (5) years.

Q12: IS THIS THE FIRST MOU THAT THE TRIBE HAS AGREED TO?

This is not the first MOU that the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians has entered into with another government and/or private entity. The most common MOU entered into by the Tribe are for the protection and preservation of sacred places and tribal cultural resources.

Q13: CAN I LET MY FAMILY OR FRIENDS USE MY TRIBAL ACCESS PASS?

It’s important that only those SLR tribal members who have been granted an official MOU Tribal Access Pass maintain personal possession of the pass and not share it with anyone else which includes family members or trusted friends. However, family members may accompany you while you visit the park. In other words, it is not transferable.

Q14: WHAT ARE THE RULES OF VISITING A STATE PARK?

California State Parks have established rules and regulations to protect park areas for the enjoyment of future generations as well as for the convenience and safety of the park visitors. To learn more, please visit these two (2) websites: Park Rules and Rules and Regulations Debriefed.

Q15: WHERE CAN I FIND A COPY OF THE MOU ?

San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians’ tribal members may request a copy of the MOU from the SLR Tribal Administrator at sanluisreytribe@gmail.com

For more information about the MOU between CA State Parks and the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians, please contact

the SLR Traditional Practices Advisory Committee at SLRtpac@gmail.com