The chairwoman of the Wiyot Tribe of California is still buzzing over the return of one of the tribe's most sacred sites.

Cheryl Seidner has worked to regain Indian Island since the 1970s. The effort has paid off with the decision by the Eureka city council to return 40 acres to the tribe. The tribe also purchased 1.5 acres.

The 270-acre Indian Island is considered the center of the universe for Wiyot people. An annual world renewal celebration was held there but ended in 1860, when white settlers massacred tribal member attending the event. The entire tribe was almost wiped out.

Get the Story:
A dream come true: Cheryl Seidner ecstatic about returned portion of Indian Island (The Eureka Times Standard 5/24)

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Return of land to California tribe celebrated (5/20)