Because of rapid population growth throughout the traditional Kumeyaay (also known as Diegueño) territory, now is a critical time to preserve sacred ancestral lands. In 2005, the Kumeyaay Diegueño Unity Bands recognized this need, and started to establish the Kumeyaay Diegueño Land Conservancy (KDLC). The KDLC benefitted from the support from nine of the twelve Kumeyaay Bands in the US. Under the guidance of our mentor, the Native American Land Conservancy, the KDLC gained its 501(c)(3) status in July 2010. Since gaining non-profit status, the KDLC has begun to acquire and protect sacred lands, and currently owns and manages three properties located in both San Diego and Imperial Counties: Kuuchamaa Mountain (Tecate Peak), the Mosler Property, and Sloan Canyon. The KDLC also works with the government agencies and other non-profits to educate everyone about the significance of traditional cultural properties. Today, the KDLC is an innovative organization that leads the Native land trust movement.