We are an alliance of American Indians, scientific communities, and preservation advocates working together for the preservation of archaeological sites and other cultural resources.
The California Cultural Resources Preservation Alliance, Inc.
("CCRPA") was originally formed in 1998 and incorporated as a 501 ( c
) (3) non-profit charitable organization in 2003 in response to accelerating
development especially in California and the continuing loss of a number of
significant cultural and historic sites, including coastal villages and cemeteries in
Orange County, California. One of the coastal villages that was destroyed dated
to 9,000 years old. Archaeologists in Orange County, California, estimate that
at least 90 percent of the known archaeological sites that once existed in the
county have been destroyed by development. The remaining sites are fragile and
non-renewable and must be protected and preserved. Orange County historians
estimate that up to 95 percent of the historic resources of the county no
longer exist.
American Indian communities believe strongly that sites occupied by their
ancestors should not be disturbed in any way, and archaeologist believe that
non-intrusive investigations and preservation should be the norm and with
proper planning are the least costly form of mitigation. Not only do these
sites have significant importance to American Indian communities, they are an
important part of the heritage and history of our nation.
The CCRPA seeks to identify, preserve, and protect all cultural resources, and
especially those located in California. We welcome everyone who wants to support these
goals
.
Protecting, Preserving, and Promoting Cultural Resources