America 250: David Muir showcases national parks and Native tribes that call them home

America 250: Celebrating Land and Legacy Through National Parks

America 250 - As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary, a special focus is being placed on the natural and cultural treasures that define the nation’s identity. ABC News anchor and managing editor David Muir has taken part in a multi-platform celebration titled “Disney Celebrates America,” which spans 24 hours across ABC, Disney+, Hulu, ESPN, National Geographic, FX, Freeform, and ABC News Live. This initiative, beginning at 10 p.m. ET on July 3 and concluding on July 4, aims to highlight the diverse landscapes and communities that shape American heritage. Muir’s journey through two iconic parks—Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona and Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California—offers a glimpse into the deep connection between these protected areas and the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded them for millennia.

The Grand Canyon: A Testament to Time

Grand Canyon National Park, one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the country, is a place where geology and culture intersect. Its rock formations, some of which have stood for nearly 2 billion years, reveal the Earth’s ancient history. Yet, the canyon’s story is not solely geological—it is also deeply intertwined with the lives of Indigenous communities. For over 12,000 years, these groups have called the vast landscape home, preserving its legacy through oral traditions, rituals, and sustainable practices. Ed Keable, the park’s superintendent, emphasized the importance of Indigenous voices in shaping the visitor experience. “The beauty of the canyon lies in the people who were here first,” Keable shared with Muir, explaining how the park actively works to ensure tourists learn about the land’s original caretakers.

“It’s their story to tell,” Keable told Muir, underscoring the role of Indigenous guides in sharing the canyon’s history with visitors.

Among these caretakers is the Havasupai Tribe, whose name translates to “People of the Blue-Green Water.” Located at the base of the Grand Canyon, the tribe has long been a guardian of the region’s ecological and cultural integrity. For decades, they have advocated for the preservation of the canyon’s pristine environment and clean waterways. Carletta Tilousi, a tribal member, expressed the tribe’s enduring commitment during Muir’s visit. “We want America to know that we’re still here and we’re still gonna fight for the protection of the Grand Canyon,” she said, highlighting the tribe’s 800-year presence in the area. Tilousi described the canyon as a living part of her heritage, connecting her to both her ancestors and her cultural roots.

Grand Canyon National Park is home to 11 federally recognized tribes, each with ancestral ties that stretch back thousands of years. These communities view the land as sacred, a place of spiritual significance and historical continuity. Keable noted that Indigenous individuals, whether in official roles or as cultural ambassadors, play a vital part in educating visitors about the park’s past and present. “They interact with tourists, sharing their history and the land’s meaning,” he said, reflecting on the collaborative efforts between the National Park Service and Native peoples.

Redwood National and State Parks: Giants of the Past and Future

Further west, in the coastal regions of Northern California, Redwood National and State Parks stand as a symbol of Earth’s endurance. These forests, home to the world’s tallest trees, have existed for at least 20 million years. Their towering presence, with some individuals reaching heights of 380 feet, challenges the notion of time itself. Muir explored the forest alongside Ben Blom, the stewardship director at Save the Redwoods League, who pointed out the remarkable age of the trees. “This tree was already big when we signed the Declaration of Independence,” Blom remarked, adding that it had been nurtured by Indigenous caretakers for thousands of years before European settlers arrived.

“Time is relative. This is a young tree, but it’s still older than the United States of America,” Blom said, drawing attention to the redwoods’ historical resilience.

Redwood National and State Parks are the ancestral homeland of the Yurok Tribe, the largest Native American community in California. The Yurok have played a significant role in the management and restoration of these forests, working alongside the National Park Service and California State Parks. In 2024, a major milestone was achieved when the tribe regained 125 acres of land through a landmark agreement involving the Save the Redwoods League and other stakeholders. Joseph James, the Yurok Tribe’s chairman, shared his perspective on this progress. “We can’t change history, but we can learn from it and grow from it,” he said, emphasizing the importance of growth in celebrating the nation’s 250th year. “Every person grows, no matter how old you are. It’s a growing moment for the tribe, the environment, and this project—actually, for everyone.”

The Yurok’s partnership with the park system highlights the ongoing efforts to balance conservation with cultural preservation. Their stewardship ensures that the redwoods not only thrive as a natural resource but also remain a living testament to the tribe’s history and resilience. Muir’s visit underscored the symbiotic relationship between these forests and the communities that have protected them for generations. The redwoods, with some trees over 2,000 years old, symbolize the enduring legacy of Indigenous caretakers and the natural world they have nurtured.

Disney Celebrates America: A Multi-Platform Journey

As part of the “Disney Celebrates America” initiative, ABC is offering a comprehensive look at the nation’s history and landmarks through its various platforms. This programming aims to celebrate the diversity and strength of American culture, with a special emphasis on the natural wonders that have shaped the country’s identity. Muir’s coverage of the Grand Canyon and Redwood National and State Parks serves as a prime example of this effort, blending historical context with personal stories of the tribes that call these places home.

The campaign also features other highlights, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Savannah Bananas’ revival of baseball traditions. These segments collectively showcase how America’s past and present are interconnected through shared experiences and natural landscapes. By featuring Indigenous perspectives and environmental stewardship, the initiative not only honors the nation’s 250-year journey but also emphasizes the importance of preserving its cultural and ecological heritage for future generations.

Through his travels, Muir has highlighted the significance of these parks as more than just scenic attractions—they are living museums of history, ecology, and human resilience. The Grand Canyon and Redwood forests represent a dual narrative: one of geological time and another of cultural continuity. As the United States looks back on its 250-year history, these visits remind viewers of the profound connection between the land and the people who have safeguarded it. The stories of the Havasupai and Yurok tribes, in particular, illustrate the enduring role of Indigenous communities in shaping the nation’s identity and protecting its natural wonders.