As a native of Kelseyville, I”ve been following the name-change drama via the Internet. I strongly agree with all the arguments I”ve seen against the change, so I haven”t written to echo them.
I want to respond, however, to Valentino Jack”s statement that the Big Valley Rancheria is neutral toward the actions that are being taken to promote the town”s name change. I have many friends who are members of the Big Valley Tribe, and I have never experienced any animosity regarding the town”s history. The tribe”s statement that they don”t wish to dwell on the past was encouraging. I hope county residents realize that the drive to strip Kelseyville of its name is not being made by “local” Indians.
I recently attended a Kelseyville High School reunion at the Konocti Vista Casino, where we received a warm reception. We were given freebees in envelopes that read, “Go Indians” together with a picture of an Indian Chief. This, and the verbal remarks made by our hosts, made it clear that the Big Valley Tribal members acknowledge our warm feelings of identity with our former mascot.
I would like to see Kelseyville organizations make public resolutions opposing the town”s name change. I don”t know of anyone who reveres the name because of the town”s original white settler, but I know of many who oppose the name change because Kelseyville is “home.” Local people who want to preserve the town”s name should be as loud as those “outsiders” who want to change it.
Thank you, Big Valley Rancheria, for making your neutrality clear. I think the majority of members of both the Indian and white communities want to leave the mistakes of the past behind, encourage equality, and build a future of prosperity and pride for all.
Jo Ann Brixie
Olalla, Washington
