The Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians Tribe
History and Identity
The Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians is the descendant of the Xa-Ben-Na-Po Band of Pomo Indians, whose ancestors lived in the Clear Lake area of what is now Lake County, California, for thousands of years, dating back to over 11,800 years before European contact and colonization. For generations, Pomo people lived across vast lands and waters in the region before U.S. expansion and settlement dramatically curtailed their territory. In 1851, tribal leaders agreed to a treaty with a U.S. representative that established a large area for the tribe to live in peace and harmony with the new settlers coming to the area. However, the U.S. Senate refused to ratify the treaty, ultimately leaving the Pomo people landless and without legal title to their ancestral lands. Years later, small parcels of land known as rancherias, including Big Valley Rancheria, were created to provide a land base for local tribes.
Big Valley Rancheria was purchased by the U.S. government in 1914 and the tribe was federally recognized in 1936 under the Indian Reorganization Act. However, in 1963 the tribe was terminated under the California Rancheria Act, losing federal recognition and many of their rights and land. They regained recognition in 1983 through the Tillie-Hardwick court decision, and since then tribal members have worked to reconstitute their government, reacquire lands, and restore self-determination. Today the tribe remains a self-governing community with a constitution and sovereign authority, similar in many respects to local county governance, and actively engages in cultural preservation, development, and community life.
The Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians runs its own tribal government, which allows the tribe to make and enforce its own laws, manage businesses, collect certain taxes, and provide services like law enforcement and courts. This level of self-government is important because it gives the tribe control over its future after many years of outside interference and unfair federal policies. Tribal membership is based on family lineage tied to the 1935 census rolls, helping maintain strong connections between current members and their ancestors. The tribe also works to preserve its cultural identity by protecting traditions, teaching history, and supporting efforts to keep the Eastern Pomo language alive through classes and recordings.
Economic development plays a major role in supporting the tribe and its members. The tribe operates Konocti Vista Casino, which provides jobs, funding for tribal programs, and economic support for both the tribe and the surrounding community. Beyond gaming, the tribe focuses on long-term planning through land-use and development programs aimed at improving housing, infrastructure, and environmental care. Current efforts include expanding utilities, exploring sustainable energy options, and improving access to modern services like broadband. These initiatives help strengthen the tribe’s independence while improving the quality of life for present and future generations.