The right thing to do : returning land to the Wiyot Tribe

In 2004, the Eureka City Council legally returned forty acres of Indian Island to the Wiyot tribe. This return occurred one hundred and forty four years after the Indian Island massacre. This research explores the returning of sacred tribal land in the context of collective apologies and reconciliations after generations of Native genocide. The significance of this case study includes a detailed narration of how the land transfer occurred and more importantly why it was labeled "the right thing to do" by Eureka City Council members and staff. This case study was examined with a grounded theory methodology. Using no hypotheses, the research and the research methodology unfolded in a non-linear process, letting the research speak for itself. Detailed interviews and a review of documents were used to qualify and quantify this unique community based social act. The results of this case study include how and why the Eureka City Council returned forty acres of Indian Island to the Wiyot people. The phrase "the right thing to do" was the frequent patterned statement made by Eureka City Council members and staff and is their explanation to why the land transfer happened. I have dissected this statement and have identified two main themes which include recognition and acknowledgment and historical features and importance. These two themes are then connected to the research on collective apologies and reconciliations. My recommendations for continuing my unique case study are included as well as suggestions for more broad based collective apology and reconciliation processes. In conclusion, it is still my hope and desire that all of Indian Island will be returned to the Wiyot tribe as soon as possible. As my research shows, it is "the right thing to do", and I hope actions are made to facilitate that process sooner than later.