The following is an edited transcript of an interview between Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief and Morning Wire co-host John Bickley and former ESPN SportsCenter anchor Sage Steele on her battle with the network over vaccine mandates and her plans for the future. Listen to the full interview here. JOHN: Joining us now to discuss her journey from ESPN SportsCenter anchor to “canceled” to now host of her own show is Sage Steele. Sage‚ thank you so much for joining us. SAGE: Thank you for having me. JOHN: You’ve now launched “The Sage Steele Show‚” which we’d like to ask you about‚ but let’s start with you parting ways with Disney and ESPN. For those who haven’t tracked that sequence of events‚ can you tell us exactly what happened there? SAGE: That’s a big‚ long answer. It was almost a two year process to be honest with you. I was on a podcast on a day off‚ giving my opinions and views on my own experiences and things that were happening at that time. That was in September or October of 2021. I was suspended for it‚ punished‚ silenced‚ and assignments were taken away from me and I was told that if I didn’t apologize publicly‚ I would lose my job. Listen‚ there were years and years leading up to the point where I spoke differently from others. I didn’t follow the same narrative. I decided to stand up only because of the hypocrisy I saw on the other side where all of my peers were able to go on the network whenever they wanted and say what they wanted [because it was the accepted narrative]‚ even if it had nothing to do with sports on ESPN platforms. And of course‚ I’d lived a lot of it behind the scenes. Then‚ once you’re punished‚ at some point you have a decision to make. For me‚ I knew that it was enough. I also knew it was bigger than me‚ and that’s kind of what was happening throughout society in America — where if you don’t follow a certain narrative‚ then you’re silenced and punished and canceled. Also‚ once you get canceled so many times‚ it’s easier to say‚ “Wait a minute.” So I took a stand and did something I never thought I’d do‚ which is file a lawsuit against the company that I loved and ended up working for‚ for almost 17 years. It broke my heart‚ but I know it was the right thing because it’s truly about standing up for yourself and others and for freedom of speech. JOHN: Now‚ vaccines played a central role in your split with ESPN‚ correct? Can you explain that for us? SAGE: Yes. So at Disney‚ of course ESPN is owned by Disney‚ we were required to be fully vaccinated by September 30‚ 2021. I waited until literally the very last day. I was devastated about it and didn’t agree with being forced. There’s a difference between the vaccine and the vaccine mandate. I had an issue with the mandate because I wasn’t comfortable with the vaccine yet. I just wanted more time for more research to be done. I’d done my homework and I think the average is six to nine years for the FDA to approve a vaccine. And this was shoved out there pretty quickly as we know. It became super political on both sides and I just didn’t feel comfortable with doing it. So‚ I actually went onto that podcast that day directly from getting the shot. I was pretty emotional‚ probably‚ and was running a little bit hot‚ but I was pretty measured with my comments. And I basically said‚ “Listen‚ I just don’t agree that anyone should be forced to do something to their body. I think it’s sick and scary for any company to do that‚ but I love my job. I need my job‚ and I complied in order to keep my job.” And that’s what I said. Since then I’ve obviously thought so much about it. If I had said the opposite — if I had said‚ “Listen‚ all these anti-vaxxers are being quite selfish‚ they don’t care about their neighbors or their coworkers or their families‚ just get it” — I would have been celebrated. The other comments I made about race and being biracial and people telling me I should identify as black‚ even though I’m black and white‚ if I had said the other idea‚ I feel like I would have been celebrated. That’s where the hypocrisy was and that’s why I stood up. JOHN: I should note for disclosure purposes — and also because it proved very consequential — that The Daily Wire sued the federal government over its vaccine mandate for big companies. We put ourselves at severe risk by doing so‚ but we won that lawsuit. And it’s something that we felt like we had to do. Your story certainly resonates with that move. SAGE: Can I hug you for that? Because it’s been people like you and groups like yours who stand up — it just meant the world to me. And I have to say‚ doing it alone — and I’m a single mother of three kids‚ high school and college age kids — it’s not cheap to stand up. It’s scary when you’re on your own and you’re financially responsible for everybody. Along with throwing away the career that I loved‚ as I was told I was doing. But sometimes it’s bigger than us. And so people like you made me feel not quite as alone. It’s amazing what happens when you do take a stand and step out — how many thousands‚ millions of people — you realize you’re so not alone. There’s such fear and we just can’t lead with that fear anymore. JOHN: About that‚ how have you seen people embrace you? And what’s this next phase in your career? SAGE: I cannot tell you how excited I am about what’s next. Being able to have true‚ deep‚ genuine conversations‚ kind of a talk show format‚ but not an interview‚ it’s more of a conversation. There’s a huge difference. I’m all about freedom of speech and diversity of thought; that’s what I lead with. Anyone who knows me will back that up. That’s why‚ when Bill Maher offered me a job while I was on his Club Random podcast‚ I thought he was joking. And then he did it again. Of all people‚ Bill Maher is someone with whom I see things completely differently. I’m definitely more conservative; he is definitely far Left. He doesn’t believe in marriage and kids; he’s an atheist and thinks it’s all crazy. And I’m the opposite in every single category. I love that we can sit and talk. Most importantly‚ he saw where my heart is‚ which is to truly be accepting of everyone and welcome diverse thoughts. And to give me a show to do that? It’s so much bigger than me. This is about trying to show America that this can exist: We can lead with kindness and be strong in our beliefs. It’s a beautiful thing that Bill Maher saw this controversial conservative‚ former ESPN star and said‚ “No‚ no‚ no‚ I’m going to give her a shot‚ even though I completely feel differently about huge important issues in our country.” I think it’s a win for everybody and I’m so honored. JOHN: During the COVID pandemic‚ we saw censorship on a level I don’t think we’ve ever seen before‚ at least not in recent decades. Do you feel like there’s progress being made‚ or are we still under this heavy-handed censorship complex? SAGE: I think there is. Obviously you do this every single day and pay super close attention to it. I’m probably a step back from you‚ but watching it in a different way as a journalist now‚ my journalism career is changing and evolving. I feel like there’s progress and to me the biggest reason for it is Elon Musk. I’m so grateful for him taking that huge chance. I don’t care how many billions of dollars you have‚ that is a risk he has taken. It’s been fascinating to watch him‚ what he tweets and what he says. I think it gives the majority of America hope because I truly believe that most Americans think like we do — like we don’t all have to believe the same things‚ but you must be respectful of everyone’s opinion and their right to have it. So‚ because of Elon Musk‚ it is changing. I have seen and read about so many other people taking stands. It’s fascinating to learn what’s going on with Google and all the suppression over the last 12 years with the election process. That stuff’s being exposed. I feel like on the old Twitter‚ now X‚ that we would never have been able to hear about that‚ not as quickly and efficiently and accurately. So‚ to me‚ there is progress and we have to continue. I believe there’s a groundswell for people like us who just want all things available for us to review and allow us to make our own decisions. That’s what had been taken away and people didn’t realize it. Now it’s being exposed and that’s the win. That’s what I want to talk about on my show with a variety of guests. Yes‚ some will be athletes‚ but also people in Hollywood‚ some politicians‚ actors‚ all the above‚ because I think we probably have a lot more in common than we believe. It doesn’t all have to be political. I want to hear their “whys” and most importantly though‚ when it all hits the fan‚ how do they push through? How do they push through those adverse moments in their lives despite making it all look perfect on TV or on the internet? What I have found is most people believe like us‚ but they’re fearful — fearful in Hollywood in particular to speak their truth. So‚ I hope and pray that I can make people comfortable — comfortable enough to do that. And then‚ when people open up and speak openly‚ I think everybody wins and others realize‚ “Hey‚ I’m not alone and we’re right to stand up and speak our own truths. It doesn’t have to fit a certain narrative.” JOHN: As you mentioned‚ Bill Maher is far-left on many issues. Is he putting any restrictions on your topics for your show? SAGE: Zero. Nothing. It’s beautiful. I’m so not used to this world. I’m like‚ “Wait‚ what?” I’m waiting for someone from the Disney offices in Burbank to reach up and cut me off. It’s just a whole new world. Bill and I agree on some of the core issues. That’s what we found out in that podcast I did with him on Club Random — about immigration‚ he thinks it’s completely out of control; about transgender‚ the transgender sports‚ women’s sports issue‚ out of control and ridiculous and scary; and of course the vaccine‚ vaccine mandates‚ nuts. So those are three core issues that have obviously been so divisive. But again‚ when you look at my stance on things‚ how I feel about things based on myself and being a mother and not having a certain platform‚ and then you look at Bill Maher with his massive platform and his very Left-leaning liberal approach to pretty much everything in life. But it’s a great lesson‚ that when we are respectful‚ when we talk and lead with kindness‚ we realize we actually have a lot more in common. And he’s like‚ “Go girl. Say what you want‚ ask what you want‚ do what you want.” There’s a trust there already‚ and it’s something I’m so grateful for because I’m not used to that. JOHN: Final question before you go: What have you been surprised by and what are you looking most forward to in this next phase? SAGE: Well‚ thank you. I was just so shocked and honored that someone on “the other side of the aisle” saw the need for more conversation‚ and for Bill Maher to believe that I could be the one. I’ve never been given that kind of platform before. But it’s not about me or Bill; it’s about what has to happen. It does take courage though‚ right? For someone like Bill to say‚ “Oh‚ I’m going to go right into these waters and give a voice to someone with whom I feel so differently.” Kudos to him for seeing the big picture beyond what he believes. I am so excited to have these conversations and make them continue. Because if we don’t do this – I’m not trying to be dramatic – I believe we lose America and I do believe it’s now or never. So here we go with Club Random and Bill and me and a whole bunch of other guests. I hope you guys take a chance and listen. JOHN: We certainly will. Sage‚ thank you so much for joining us. We’d love to talk to you again. SAGE: I would love to. I listen to y’all every morning. So thank you. JOHN: That’s certainly nice to hear. Thanks again for coming on. SAGE: Thank you. God bless. Listen to the full Morning Wire interview here.

Former U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Gen. Frank McKenzie said during an interview over the weekend that the threat that ISIS poses to the U.S. homeland is becoming serious because of President Joe Biden’s foreign policy. McKenzie made the remarks during a Sunday interview on ABC News’ “This Week” with Martha Raddatz where he was asked about the recent ISIS terrorist attack in Moscow. “General‚ your CENTCOM successor‚ General Michael Kurilla‚ said just days before the Moscow attack that ISIS-K‚ quote‚ ‘retains the capability and will to attack U.S. and Western interests abroad in as little as six months and with little or no warning’‚” Raddatz said. “What’s your confidence in that intelligence?” she asked. “I think General Kurilla is spot on with that assessment‚” McKenzie responded. “Here’s the problem. Again‚ we go back to ISIS-K. If you can keep pressure on them that they’re in their homeland and their base‚ it makes it hard for them to conduct these types of attacks.” “Unfortunately‚ we no longer place that pressure on them‚ so they’re free to gain strength‚ they’re free to plan‚ they’re free to coordinate and to outreach that hit us in our homelands‚” he continued. “So‚ you might as well be playing an away game than a home game. We’ve chosen to play a home game.” When asked if the threat to the U.S. would be different had Biden not chaotically pulled U.S. forces out of Afghanistan‚ McKenzie said that if Biden had left the recommended 2‚500 troops there that “things would be different.” “Laving 2‚500 troops‚ along with our NATO partners‚ who would have left 4‚000 or 5‚000 troops‚ we would have been able to continue to work against ISIS‚ which was the principal reason we’re in Afghanistan‚ to prevent attacks in our homeland‚” he said. “I think we might be in a different place now. I think we might actually be safer than we are.” “In Afghanistan‚ we have almost no ability to see into that country and almost no ability to strike into that country. And so‚ ISIS there is able to grow unabated. There’s no pressure on them‚” he later added. “And‚ again‚ our operating theory has always been with violent extremists‚ you want local security forces to be able to control them‚ and then you want them to not be able to establish a connective tissue internationally that allows them to carry out external attacks abroad and it’s very hard to do that in Afghanistan where you just don’t have the ability to sense‚ you don’t have the ability to strike‚ and very limited resources.” He said that ISIS “has a strong desire to attack” the U.S. and that “they’re going to try to do it.” “And so‚ I think the threat is growing‚” he continued. “It’s began to grow as soon as we left Afghanistan‚ took pressure off ISIS-K. So think we should expect further attempts of this nature against the United States as well as our partners and other nations abroad. I think this is inevitable.” WATCH:

On Easter Sunday a magistrate judge in El Paso‚ Texas‚ ordered the release of migrants who were charged with rioting after a large group stormed the border‚ tearing down razor wire and clashing with members of the Texas National Guard in the process. Presiding Magistrate Judge Humberto Acosta delivered the ruling after accusing the El Paso District Attorney’s office of failing to prepare properly and thus not being ready and “not being ready to proceed with detention hearings for each defendant‚” The El Paso Times reported on Sunday. “It is the ruling of the court is that all the rioting participation cases will be released on their own recognizance‚” Acosta said‚ but court officials did confirm that any defendants who were subject to previously-ordered federal immigration holds would not be released under that order. The group of illegal immigrants released pursuant to Sunday’s ruling only represented some of the more than 70 who were arrested after the border breach – which was perpetrated by a large group of mostly young men from Venezuela on March 21 — and another hearing for other involved defendants is scheduled to take place on Monday. The breach occurred at “Border Safety Initiative Marker No. 36 in the Riverside area of El Paso’s Lower Valley‚” the Times reported‚ and those involved tore down razor wire before crashing through the fence. Some of the defendants were also charged with assault and criminal mischief after clashing with members of the National Guard‚ and the Times said it was “unclear” whether Judge Acosta intended for those defendants to be released as well as those whose sole charge was “riot participation.” Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens recently sat down with CBS News’ Camilo Montoya-Galvez to discuss the situation‚ which he called a definite “national security threat.” “What’s keeping me up at night is the 140‚000 known got-aways‚” Owens said. “Why are they risking their lives and crossing in areas where we can’t get to? Why are they hiding? What do they have to hide? What are they bringing in? What is their intent? Where are they coming from? We simply don’t know the answers to those questions. Those things for us are what represent the threat to our communities.”

Cartoon Network made sure to post in celebration of the Transgender Day of Visibility on Sunday‚ but made no mention of the fact that Easter Sunday also fell on March 31st this year — this despite the fact that 1.6 million Americans over 13 identify as transgender‚ and over 200 million identify as Christian and presumably celebrate Easter. In a post on Instagram‚ the cable channel’s official account shared a picture of what appeared to be a rainbow in just the colors of the pink‚ white‚ and blue transgender pride flag. The same picture appeared several times in a carousel that included different affirmative captions for each frame: I am growing into my fullest self. My body belongs to me. I love who I am‚ and who I will become. I am not alone in my journey. My existence is revolutionary. I belong‚ just as much as everyone else. Only I can decide who I am. My identity is a process‚ not a race. I am needed‚ and I am loved. I deserve peace and safety.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Cartoon Network (@cartoonnetworkofficial) The post read‚ “Affirmations for our trans and gender non-conforming family. You are valid‚ just as you are” — and a follow up comment added‚ “We’re not doing hate today. Be kind or be blocked.” The cable network‚ which typically gears the majority of its daytime programming toward an audience of children‚ has waded into the culture war in the past as well – and has routinely pushed radical gender ideology whenever given the opportunity. For 2023’s Transgender visibility Day‚ Cartoon Network posted the following on X: “Addressing someone using their pronouns and name shows that you RESPECT them as their authentic self! We celebrate the journey of our trans and gender-non-conforming friends on this #TransgenderDayofVisibility! Addressing someone using their pronouns and name shows that you RESPECT them as their authentic self! 💖 We celebrate the journey of our trans and gender-non-conforming friends on this #TransgenderDayofVisibility!⁣🎨: steeeeevn⁣/IG⁣#CartoonNetwork #TransDayOfVisibility pic.twitter.com/fMcEBQtrGr — Cartoon Network (@cartoonnetwork) March 30‚ 2023 An episode of “We Baby Bears” that aired just a few months later included a “non-binary inclusive” story line that focused on the usage of preferred pronouns and dropped just in time to coincide with PRIDE Month.

This dad’s wholesome “conversation” with his baby daughter while he gets her dressed for the day is melting millions of hearts. TikTok mom-influencer Nikki Brown showcased the most adorable video that showed her husband helping his budding fashionista infant with her morning outfit. While his daughter is only a few months old‚ she’s fully invested in the moment and she babbles replies. @nikkiverabrown I love him as a girl dad #girldad #dadsoftiktok #dad #momsoftiktok #babiesoftiktok #baby #babygirl #babiesoftiktok #babyfever ♬ What You Won’t Do for Love – Bobby Caldwell The dad offers her two options‚ “the flowered pants with the pink shirt” or “the pink pants with the ruffles on the butt.” As the dad showcases the clothes and talks‚ the sweet baby sits in a chair and coos and laughs and pays attention to his every word and movement. Together‚ the dad and his little girl settle on the ruffle-butt pants‚ a shirt that reads “love‚” and a tan bow. But Dad decides she has to change because the pants look “one month too small.” “I love him as a girl dad‚” Nikki captioned. The video has nearly 5.5 million views to date‚ and followers can’t help but gush over the doting dad and the special connection he has with his little girl. “She’s so beautiful!” someone wrote. “The communication between baby girl and daddy is adorable‚ especially her talking.” “This conversation ‚” YouTube star Ms. Rachel added. “This is my most favorite video ever……daddy/ daughter relationship will be top tier such a blessing‚” commented another fan. Be sure to share this video with all the girl dads in your life! You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Loving Dad Melts Hearts Playing Stylist for His Baby Daughter in Adorable Video appeared first on InspireMore.

A Milwaukee teen suffering from MALS had the experience of a lifetime when she met her country music icon‚ Zach Bryan. Megan Pederson‚ 19‚ has been battling Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS) for years. As Megan explained to WTMJ-4‚ The disorder “cuts off blood supply to your digestive organs‚ so they don’t really function the way they should.” MALS is extremely painful and most doctors don’t know how to treat it. “It was like a nightmare that I couldn’t escape. Like everything I once knew was gone‚” she told the publication. Throughout her journey with the syndrome‚ Megan has relied on Zach Bryan’s music. She said his lyrics and melodies give her peace during her most challenging moments. “His music just isn’t music to me‚” she shared. “It’s my escape. It’s my everything.” in 2023‚ the teen stayed in Oklahoma for over two months to work with specialists‚ and she explained those days as “the worst” and “the best days” of her life. One of the best days came when she was able to go to her first Zach Bryan concert. While she was in the crowd‚ she met Zach’s dad‚ Dwayne‚ and formed a lasting friendship with him. “We had an instant connection‚” he said. @goodnewscorrespondent Megan couldn’t believe it when Zach Bryan came off stage to gift her his guitar. Megan who has been very ill made a sign that one of her life goals was to meet him. Well‚ not only did she meet him but got a backstage tour. Love this .: @meganspederson ♬ original sound – Good News Correspondent After meeting Dwayne‚ he made it a point to stay in touch with Megan. He would often call to check in and chat‚ and one day he had good news—his son was playing a concert near her‚ and he invited her to sit stageside. “That countdown was once so big‚” Megan said. “We didn’t know if I would make it another day‚ another week. We didn’t know if I would make it until Christmas‚ let alone the concert.” On March 20th‚ Megan made it to the big day‚ and Zach Bryan was ready to greet her with a signed guitar‚ hugs and conversations‚ and a backstage pass. While Megan said she felt like she was going to faint from excitement‚ her time with Zach was a “revival” for her body and soul. “Mentally‚ his music has gotten me through a hundred percent of my worst days‚” she admitted. “And I firmly believe that’s the reason why.” You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post A Teen Suffering From MALS Gets Experience Of A Lifetime From Country Star Zach Bryan appeared first on InspireMore.

When this horse met a baby‚ he didn’t know what to do with himself. So he did what humans would do and made funny faces. Miranda Kelmendi captured a video of the hilarious encounter and posted it on Viralhog earlier this month. It didn’t take long for it to make it’s way through the internet and bring smiles and laughs to millions. @pubity The baby looked fed up after the 2nd time #Pubity (Miranda Kelmendi via ViralHog) ♬ original sound – Pubity The video shows a baby visiting a stable‚ and he’s parked in a stroller right outside a horse’s stall. The curious equine doesn’t know what to think about the tiny human‚ so he sticks out his tongue and shakes his head back and forth—making absolutely ridiculous faces. “This horse was making silly‚ goofy faces at my baby…” she captioned. When the baby doesn’t react‚ the horse sniffs the stroller and studies the baby. Then he goes right back into his antics. That baby doesn’t seem amused by the show‚ but Miranda hysterically laughs in the background. “Best derpiest sweetheart‚” a commenter wrote. “Perfection. ” “Omg that’s the cutest and funniest thing ever‚” wrote another. Share this story with all your baby and horse-loving friends! You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Curious Horse Hilariously Attempts To Entertain Baby With Goofy Faces appeared first on InspireMore.

Nobody wants to spend hours delayed in traffic; it’s a nightmare on wheels for those with back pain. Take it from Olivia Sabedra-Buck‚ a 36-year-old marketing manager from Santa Barbara‚ California‚ who has suffered from severe lower back pain caused by a ruptured disk during her daily commute. “When it was at its worst‚ even driving 10 or 15 minutes sucked‚” Sabedra-Buck explained in an interview with SELF. Do you suffer from back discomfort that worsens while you’re locked in your car? Have no fear! With a little expert advice and a splash of imagination‚ we can transform your road trips from insufferable to downright enjoyable. 1. Plan your path to painless travel Let’s start with some strategic planning. Dr. Arya N. Shamie‚ an orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery professor at UCLA School of Medicine‚ recommends investigating other routes and timing your trip to avoid the worst traffic. As Dr. Shamie puts it‚ “Minimizing the amount of time you spend in the vehicle might help.”  And why not make your ride more enjoyable while you’re at it? Make a road trip playlist or listen to your favorite podcast to make the miles go by quickly and happily. 2. Sit in style for a comfortable cruise Prepare to ride in luxury! Dr. Shamie recommends adjusting your seat to ergonomic perfection to keep your spine happy and healthy. As Dr. Shamie suggests‚ “Situate yourself so your back follows the gentle‚ S-shaped curve of a healthy spine.” Say goodbye to uncomfortable hunching and hello to a comfortable‚ supported ride. 3. Pillow power: adding fluff for a happy back Dr. Dante Implicito‚ a spine specialist and chair of orthopedics at Hackensack University Hospital‚ recommends adding a soft pillow to your seat to keep your spine healthy and prevent slouching. Dr. Implicito says‚ “It puts pressure on your back above your waistline and pushes your belly forward a bit‚ which is a better posture for driving.” It’s like a mini-spa day for your back‚ right in your vehicle! 4. Shake it up: continue moving and grooving on the go Who says you have to sit motionless on a road trip? Julie Sherry‚ a physical therapist at UW Health‚ suggests shaking things up with some on-the-go exercises. In the words of Sherry‚ “Make it a point to do small—but impactful—movements throughout the drive that’ll limit stress on your back and keep you from getting fatigued.” Switch hands on the wheel‚ wriggle in your seat—anything to keep your muscles limber and your spirits up! 5. Exit strategy: depart with care to maintain comfort As your adventure draws to a close‚ it’s time for the grand finale: the graceful exit. Dr. Christopher Bise PT‚ DPT‚ PhD‚ an assistant professor of physical therapy at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences‚ advocates for a smooth exit‚ activating your core and taking it easy as you bid farewell to your faithful automobile. The doctor points out‚ “Your core muscles are connected to your spine‚ and they help stabilize it so it doesn’t move back and forth.” And remember‚ the adventure does not end when you park! Take time to stretch your legs and bask in the satisfaction of reaching your destination. With these useful ideas‚ you’ll be traveling down the highway with ease. So buckle up‚ roll down the windows‚ and prepare to make those road trips stress-free and painless!  The post 5 ways to transform car rides from painful to pleasant first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

As the Yurok Tribe makes great progress towards regaining its ancient lands‚ the reverberations of history may be heard in the towering redwoods of northern California. After centuries of dispossession‚ the Yurok people have reached an extraordinary agreement with the Redwood National and State Parks and the nonprofit Save the Redwoods League. This important agreement will see the tribe co-manage 125 acres of land near Orick‚ California‚ by 2026. The significance of this moment is expressed by Rosie Clayburn‚ the tribe’s cultural resources director‚ who states‚ “The return of the land is proof of the sheer will and perseverance of the Yurok people.” With 90 percent of their homelands taken during the Gold Rush‚ this compensation is a significant milestone in their continuous quest for justice. Renewing stewardship This deal means more to the Yurok Tribe than just ownership; it represents the restoration of their proper duty as land guardians. Clayburn goes on to say‚ “As the original stewards of this land‚ we look forward to working together with the Redwood National and State Parks to manage it.” This collaborative approach builds on millennia of Native wisdom‚ recognizing that indigenous peoples have significant insights into sustainable land management. The proposed development of a traditional Yurok town and cultural center demonstrates the tribe’s dedication to maintaining their heritage while encouraging community involvement. By combining sacred relics and educational exhibits‚ the center will serve as a beacon of cultural resurrection‚ enticing visitors to embark on a voyage of discovery among the ancient redwoods. Building bridges through restoration Beyond cultural regeneration‚ this pact ushers in a new era of environmental responsibility. The restoration of salmon habitat in Prairie Creek represents the convergence of cultural preservation and environmental protection. Over the last three years‚ the Yurok have worked tirelessly to restore this crucial ecosystem‚ bringing life back to a stream that had been choked by industrial exploitation. Superintendent Steve Mietz of Redwoods National Park acknowledges the partnership’s transformative impact‚ stating‚ “It is healing the land while healing the relationships among all the people who inhabit this magnificent forest.” Restoration efforts not only replenish biodiversity but also promote reconciliation among disparate populations. A growing movement The Yurok Tribe’s journey toward co-management of National Park lands is consistent with a larger global movement pushing for indigenous land rights. Indigenous communities are regaining control of their ancestral territories‚ from the Musqueam people reclaiming holy burial grounds in Vancouver to the Land Buy-Back Program in the United States. Despite legal complexity and historical injustices‚ these projects provide a glimpse of hope in the fight for reparation. The Supreme Court’s major verdict on tribal sovereignty in 2020 revealed that the tide is moving in favor of indigenous peoples’ rights. However‚ achieving extensive land restoration requires persistent dedication and collaboration from all parties. As Rosie Clayburn put it‚ “Native people know how to manage this land the best.” The Yurok Tribe’s tale is an inspiration of perseverance and rebirth in the face of hardship‚ and it is paving the way for local conservation initiatives.  The post Restoring Indigenous stewardship: Yurok Tribe to co-managing National Park lands first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

'...he picks and chooses dimensions of the faith to highlight while ignoring or even contradicting other parts'