The Yurok Tribe announced that “a sudden landmark decision” was made Friday.

According to a news release from the Yurok Tribe, the Department of the Interior determined Friday that the Yurok Tribe’s fund under the Hoopa-Yurok Settlement Act — currently estimated to be nearly $90 million — will be released to the Yurok Tribe.

“I commend the leadership of the Department of the Interior for solving this long-standing issue under the Settlement Act,” Yurok Tribe Chairperson Maria Tripp stated in the release. “This is monumental and we thank all those who have helped us achieve this.

“With this issue finally resolved, Yurok and Hoopa can put our differences aside. I am excited at the opportunity we have to work together, heal old wounds and build a prosperous and healthy community in a spirit of mutual cooperation.”

Under the Yurok Tribe’s constitution, the Tribal Council and membership will develop a strategy as to how the funds will be used, the release stated.

“Obviously, with such an opportunity in front of us, the Tribal Council will be working closely with the membership to ensure voices are heard and opinions are collated,” Tripp said of the council’s intended consultation plan. “We will be working pretty hard to reach out to people and in a way that will give our membership confidence”.

According to the release, any final plan must be voted on and approved by the Yurok Tribal membership.

Tripp stated, via the release, that she understands that “some people may be upset at the decision.”

“The temptation to oppose this decision will only prolong old wounds and serve to stagnate growth,” Tripp said.

According to the Yurok Tribe release, the Yurok Tribe is California’s largest sovereign nation, with close to 5,000 enrolled members.

“The tribe experiences significant challenges with a lack of basic infrastructure experienced by many tribal members on the reservation,” the news release states. “Despite this, the tribe works to ensure its culture, traditions and values form a foundation for leadership in successive generations.”

For more information, contact Reweti Wiki, deputy executive director, at 707-482-1350, ext. 305, or at rwiki@yuroktribe.nsn.us.