The city of Eureka, California, has changed the wording of an "apology" to the Wiyot Tribe for the 1860 massacre at Indian Island.

The first version of a letter from Mayor Frank Jager said "Eureka citizens" took part in the February 26, 1860, massacre. Between 80 to 250 children, women and elderly men were killed in the middle of the night as the tribe was holding its World Renewal Ceremony.

The new version, however, removes reference to the city's role in the massacre. It mainly offers "support" to the tribe for its efforts to revive the World Renewal Ceremony later this month.

”It's a different kind of apology letter, but it certainly is an apology,” Jager, who said two of his granddaughters are members of the tribe, told The Eureka Times-Standard. “It calls for reconciliation.”

Get the Story:
Eureka City Council offers 'support,' not apology to Wiyot Tribe; 2 versions of letters considered (The Eureka Times-Standard 3/19)

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