Tribal leaders of the Pinoleville Band of Pomo Indians said Wednesday that the purchase of 105 acres of land near Ukiah High School is aimed at reclaiming ancient ceremonial and burial sites, and not for development of a casino. 

Tribal Chairwoman Leona Williams said rising concerns among neighbors and local officials that the tribe might be considering a gambling hall on a portion of the land are groundless. 

"We value our relationships with our neighbors in the county and in the city of Ukiah, but what has been reported in the press the past few days is nothing more than unfounded gossip," said Williams in a statement issued by an Oakland law firm. 

Until now, neither Williams nor the California Indian Legal Services law firm, which apparently represents the tribe, have publicly responded to questions raised by the tribe's purchase of a large L-shaped tract of land north of Ukiah. The site is mostly hilly, and covered by scrub oak trees and grasslands. Old vineyards grow on lower slopes, and on some flatlands. 

Last week, Ukiah resident Augie Sozzoni acknowledged he had struck a deal with the Pinoleville tribe to sell the land his family has owned for decades. Sozzoni said at the time the agreement was reached, he was told of the ancient ceremonial and burial sites. 

Refusal of tribal leaders last week to publicly discuss their plans fueled neighboring landowners' concerns about the possibility of a new Indian gaming casino being located on a portion of the newly acquired land.
The 280-member tribe also has a 100-acre reservation nearby, including a portion fronting Highway 101 and Orr Springs Road. 

On Wednesday, tribal leaders dismissed any notion of a casino.
"The tribe has never planned or considered putting a casino on this land," said Williams. 

She said the acreage in question belonged to the tribe in the 19th century.
"It was known to the tribe as 'Ke-buk'ke-bul,'" according to a statement prepared by the law firm on Williams' behalf. 

"The property contained a tribal village with ceremonial, cremation and burial sites. Ancestors of today's tribal members were removed from their homes there, and generations of tribal members have dreamed of reclaiming the site."
Williams called it ironic "that we need to buy back our own land." 

You can reach Staff Writer Mike Geniella at 462-6470 or mgeniella@pressdemocrat.com.