• What does CAPDAA stand for? 
  CAPDAA stands for California Public Domain Allottee Association.
   

• What does CAPDAA do? 
  CAPDAA advocates for the rights of public domain allottees and educates the public about public domain allotments. We recognize that California Indian public domain allotments are important sites for California Indian families and communities. We are working to ensure that remaining California Indian public domain allotments are sustained and protected for cultural practice, community connection, and ecological well-being. Our work is directed by an all-Indigenous Board of Directors.
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• What is a public domain allotment? 
  Following the 1887 Dawes or Allotment Act, Native Americans could apply for up to 160-acre parcels of land on the so-called "public domain" (seized Indian land). The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) held these public domain allotments (PDAs) in trust for Indian allottees with the goals of assimilation, containment, and appeasement. However, they became sites of refuge, resilience, and resistance. Due to the U.S. government’s failure to ratify treaties negotiated with California Indian peoples, many California Indians successfully applied for allotments on the "public domain" in the late 1800s and early 1900s. While many of these allotments were lost due to illegal cancellations, forced sales, and outright theft, today over 400 public domain allotments totaling over 16,000 acres remain across California. These allotments continue to be held in trust by the BIA for descendants of the individual allottees and are not subject to property taxes or local zoning regulations. 
  
  PDAs are also known as Indian trust land. 
   

• Is CAPDAA a 501(c)(3) nonprofit?
  Yes. CAPDAA achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 2018.
   

• How long has CAPDAA been working on public domain allotments and allottes' rights? 
  CAPDAA has been advocating for public domain allottees' rights and educating the public about public domain allotments since 2018. However, its members combined have many decades of knowledge and advocacy experience.
   

• How can I get involved with CAPDAA?
  We would love to have more people join us in our work. Please come talk with us at one of our events, give us a call, send us an email, or contact us via our contact form if you'd like to get involved. Thank you!

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Our website is currently under construction. Please check back soon for more information about our work and Indian trust land. 

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