Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians Celebrates Homeland Restoration

The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians proudly announced on Satruday that the U.S. Department of the Interior has approved its request that the Department acquire 160 acres of land in Vallejo, California, into trust status for the Tribe, marking a historic milestone in the restoration of the Tribe’s homeland. This momentous achievement comes 34 years after the Tribe was restored to federal recognition in 1991.

The land, located within the Tribe’s aboriginal territory, represents the culmination of years of effort and dedication by the Scotts Valley Tribal Council and its partners. The Tribe first submitted its request to have the land placed into trust status in 2016. This decision lays the foundation for the Tribe’s future as it plans to develop 24 tribal homes, a tribal administration building, and a casino facility on the land to promote economic growth and create jobs for the Tribe and the surrounding community.

“This is a day of profound significance for the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians,” said Tribal Chairman Shawn Davis. “For over three decades, we have worked tirelessly to restore our homeland, and today, we take a step forward in reclaiming our place in the community. This land will allow us to provide for our people, preserve our culture, and create opportunities for future generations. We look forward to working closely with the City of Vallejo as we build a sustainable future for our Tribe and our neighbors.”

The land will serve as the cornerstone of the Tribe’s efforts to enhance economic self-sufficiency and foster community benefits. The development is projected to create thousands of jobs in construction and ongoing operations, paying hundreds of millions of dollars in wages. Local businesses in Vallejo and Solano County are also expected to see expanded economic activity and jobs from demand induced by the project.

“Our request for this land to be taken into trust began in 2016, and while the journey has been long, it has been driven by our unwavering commitment to our people,” Chairman Davis said. “This land represents not only our past but also our future. We are deeply grateful to the Department of the Interior for recognizing the importance of this land to the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians and for helping us realize this dream.”

As the Tribe moves forward with its plans, it is committed to collaborating with the City of Vallejo to ensure the successful development of the land. “We value our relationship with Vallejo and will continue working with the city to create a project that benefits both the Tribe and the surrounding community,” Chairman Davis added.

This restoration of land underscores the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians’ resilience and determination, as well as its dedication to ensuring a prosperous future for the Tribe and its members.

To learn more about the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians, visit: https://www.scottsvalley-nsn.gov/heritage. To learn more about the proposed work at the homeland site, visit: https://www.scottsvalleycasinoea.com/