Lake County Honors Indigenous Peoples
Lake County Celebrates California Native American Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Honoring Lake County’s seven Tribal Nations and Indigenous Peoples, the Board of Supervisors proclaimed September 26, 2025, as California Native American Day and recognized the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
On September 23, 2025, during the Board meeting, Chair and District 3 Supervisor Eddie Crandell led in issuing both proclamations. While many Tribes hold their own celebrations, the County’s recognition highlighted the state observance and welcomed Tribal leaders and members to the ceremony.
Supervisor Crandell emphasized from the proclamations:
“Lake County has been home to people for more than 12,000 years. The diverse cultures of the seven Tribal Nations indigenous to Lake County have enriched every aspect of our community”:
Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians
Elem Indian Colony of Pomo Indians of the Sulphur Bank Rancheria
Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake
Koi Nation of Northern California
Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California
Robinson Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California
Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians
Native Americans have helped make Lake County stronger and more prosperous. In January 2019, Lake County proudly became the first in the U.S. with two concurrently seated American Indian Supervisors who at the time were both also elected Tribal Chairmen.
Building on this legacy, the Board recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day, first proposed to the United Nations over 40 years ago and now celebrated nationwide.
Moke Simon, Tribal Chairman of Middletown Rancheria, reflected, “Thank you to the Board, administration, staff and everyone. Being here is very important for us to show up and share our culture. Lake County is well represented at the Capitol, and we carry our flags proudly to honor our communities. Thank you to everyone for attending events across the County—it’s an opportunity to share who we are and show appreciation for the support of our businesses.”
Other Tribal leaders emphasized recognition and cultural preservation.
Patricia Franklin from the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians said, “On behalf of our tribe, it’s vital to be recognized as First Nations people. We welcome the community to our celebrations and are grateful for acknowledgments.”
Ron Montez, Sr. is an elder and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) of the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians. He added, “They call us Xa-Ben-Na-Po, meaning ‘rock people’ or ‘rock village.’ It is an honor to be here alongside other Tribal leaders. For years, our community has struggled to have a voice. Now, being at the table inspires young and older generations alike. Our rich culture and ecological knowledge benefit the County, and it is rewarding to see these traditions preserved and shared.”
County Supervisors reflected on how Tribal contributions enrich the community.
Vice Chair and District 4 Supervisor Brad Rasmussen acknowledged the work of the Tribal Advisory Committee, saying, “Thank you for your dedication in reopening the Pomo Gallery and Pomo Family statue for public access.”
District 5 Supervisor Jessica Pyska added, “It’s an honor to recognize Tribal leadership today. Working with so many of you has provided invaluable learning experiences. Moving forward, co-managing our region will take all of us working together, looking out for each other, and investing in our relationships.”
The conversation expanded to celebrating diversity and community unity.
District 2 Supervisor Bruno Sabatier remarked, “Celebrating diversity allows us to learn and grow. While these moments reflect challenges from the past, the future depends on all of us working together. Opening our minds to the entire community gives us the chance to move forward. Thank you, Eddie Crandell, for bringing these proclamations.”
District 1 Supervisor Helen Owen reflected, “I was raised believing we were all one. I continue learning and deeply appreciate you sharing your culture and history with us.”
Supervisor Crandell shared Pomo history and culture, connecting past and present.
“We are known as Pomo Indians, My tribe was Shigom Gawk, and Pomo comes from ‘Po’ for shell and ‘Mo’ for cavern. Our ancestors used shells as currency, demonstrating a sophisticated monetary system that remained valued even as other forms of currency changed. I share this story to educate and provide insight into our culture and history.”
To read the California Native American Day proclamation, click here.
To read the Indigenous People’s Day proclamation, click here.
To watch the proclamation, click here.
Lake County remains committed to protecting the sovereign rights of Native American Tribal organizations and institutions while recognizing achievements in governance, environmental stewardship, agriculture, and the arts. These efforts contribute to the County’s mission to help all residents live their best lives in a safe, vibrant, and inclusive community.