Wiyot Tribal members gathered in Feb. in remembrance of ancestors slain during the 1860 massacre. By Nick Adams.

More than 150 years after the Indian Island Massacre, the City of Eureka appears ready to formally apologize for what must be the darkest, most shameful chapter in its history: a brutal act of genocide against the native Wiyot people. (In case you’re not familiar, here’s a vivid primer from local historian Jerry Rohde.)

An action item on tomorrow night’s Eureka City Council meeting agenda would authorize Mayor Frank Jager to sign a letter of apology for the incident. The LoCO has acquired a draft copy of the letter, which you can read below.

The civic gesture comes just 10 days before the Wiyot Tribe resumes its traditional World Renewal Ceremony, which was interrupted by the murderous mob 154 years ago.

Here’s the draft of the City’s letter: