The Bureau of Indian Affairs has terminated supervision of the Big Valley Rancheria, in Lake County, California, the Department of the Interior announced today. The action was taken with the consent of the Indian group, and in conformance with provisions of the California Rancheria Act of August 18, 1958 (P.L. 85-671) as amended in 1964.
Rancherias are small tracts of California Indian land under Federal trust. Big Valley, which contains 120 acres, is the 21st rancheria to be terminated under the 1958 Act. The Act called for distribution of rancheria assets to the Indian owners and the termination of Federal services they receive because of their status as Indians.
Upon termination the same laws apply to rancheria residents that apply to other citizens in the State.
Approximately 225 Big Valley Indians are affected by this action. They belong primarily to two Indian groups: the Pomos, who once ranged through central California from the coast to the crest of the main range of the Coast Range Mountains, and a small section of the Sacramento Valley; and the Pit River, or Achomawi Indians, who once occupied the Pit River country of northeastern California.
Termination becomes effective upon publication of a notice in the Federal Register. Notices are simultaneously being sent to all Big Valley Rancheria Indians.
