A ceremony on Friday will mark the official return 40 acres of historically and culturally significant land to the Wiyot Tribe of California.

The land, located on Indian Island, is considered the center of the universe. Up until 1860, the tribe's World Renewal Ceremony took place there.

In 1860, non-Indian settlers attacked the tribe, killing nearly every member. Only one infant, an ancestor of Wiyot chairwoman Cheryl Seidner, survived the attack.

The Eureka City Council voted unanimously in May to return the land.

Get the Story:
Making history: Indian Island dedication set for Friday (The Eureka Times-Standard 6/24)

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