A sanctuary of
connection and restoration
Family transcends blood ties, rooted instead in shared purpose and journey. We envision unity among all Salinan people, our neighboring tribes, and all humanity, honoring our interconnectedness as one global family.
STEWARDSHIP // HISTORY //
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
WHAT WE DO
EDUCATION
Empowering land stewards to honor and respect nature by reconnecting with natural systems, we aim to realign food and land practices that restore harmony and embrace the interconnectedness of all living things.
GUIDANCE
We are committed to acknowledging California’s true history, including its unspoken stories. Together we celebrate our unique identities and collective heritage.
EXPERIENCE
Through project collaborations, gatherings, field walks, internships, and workshops, we invite others to learn, share, and act with us.
COMMUNITY
On the land with the Esselen Tribe
We are restoring harmony with the land and each other. Through collaboration, we work to uplift every voice, honoring the dignity and resilience of our shared heritage. By nurturing these connections, we strive for a thriving future where unity, justice, and respect sustain our communities and strengthen our bond with the Earth for generations to come.
We hold a vision of unity among the Salinan people, neighboring tribes, and California relatives.
Our commitment to community, creativity, and ancestral wisdom fuels a journey to restore balance to the land while promoting cultural diversity and connection. By honoring the traditions of the Salinan people, we foster a harmonious environment where water, wildlife, and nature thrive together, offering everyone—Indigenous or not—a role in this shared mission. Through "Tending the Wild," we reconnect with the Earth by planting, gathering, and preparing food as the Salinans have for centuries, inspiring mindful choices that nourish body and spirit. This work is just beginning, and we welcome all helping hands to join us in building a vibrant, inclusive future.
HISTORY
Ancestral lands. Preserved.
"This area, historically mapped as a Salinan village, was once home to approximately 3,000 people. The district was known as Quinau-Quina, with early records, such as those by Harrington, spelling it phonetically as "KINAW." In choosing this name for our land project, we honor the deep connection our ancestors had with this place, a connection that has endured for thousands of years.My family comes from this district, and our roots here stretch back to time immemorial. The land carries the stories and lifeways of the Salinan people, who lived in harmony with the natural cycles of the earth, tending to the land with reverence and care. The name "KINAW" is more than just a historical reference — it represents our ongoing relationship with the land, our commitment to preserving its history, and our dedication to restoring its natural balance.By reclaiming and using the name KINAW, we acknowledge the strength and resilience of our ancestors, while also creating a space where their wisdom can guide us as we work to regenerate the land for future generations. This is not just a physical location; it is a living testament to our cultural heritage and an invitation for others to reconnect with the earth and their own roots."— Shaunie Briggs (Kinaw Ranch Co-Founder)
OUR FAMILY
Mike & Shaunie Briggs
Shaunie and Mike are deeply driven by a desire to honor ancestral wisdom, reconnect with nature, and foster a sense of community through regenerative practices. Their visionary approach aims to build something lasting, not just for themselves, but for their community and future generations.
Our family is working to build a space that reflects our shared values of honoring the land and our ancestors. Through this collective effort, we continue to nurture Kinaw as a living testament to our unity and dedication to building something lasting for future generations.
Coming Soon!
2025 event calendar
True knowledge should come from the wisdom of Mother Nature.
113-year-old Salinan language recording with translation
NOTES FROM THE LINGUIST:
"In working on this project, I started by finding the original sound recording on UCLA's SoundCloud. After a bit of clean-up in Audacity to enhance the audio, I moved on to the corresponding sketch grammar and transcript. From there, I created a rough IPA transcription to match the recording and bring everything together cohesively. While I did consider adding an interlinear gloss, I ultimately chose to leave it out, as the glossing was too vague for my taste and didn’t add enough clarity to warrant inclusion."