Unveiling the Trinidad Bay Tribal Harbor District
Honoring our Tribal sovereignty, supporting the conservation of the cultural and ecological resources of Trinidad Bay, and serving the needs of the Humboldt County community— we are the Trinidad Bay Tribal Harbor District (LLC), boldly led by the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria. Coming soon, anticipated 2025.
Our History
Trinidad Rancheria is a sovereign Tribal nation located in Humboldt County, California, nestled among the redwood and kelp forests. We were established in 1906 by enactment of the United States Congress and gained federal recognition by the United States Department of the Interior in 1917. Our Tribe has ancestral ties to the Yurok, Wiyot, Tolowa, Chetco, Karuk, and Hupa peoples.
Our people have lived here since time immemorial and have a sacred connection to the land, water, and all natural resources. We believe in the people who live on this land and value their wisdom and knowledge of how to care for it. That is why we are planning to establish a Tribal-owned harbor district as an Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) Section 17 corporation. We are thrilled to announce our successful completion of Fee to Trust land acquisition at the close of 2023.
Serving Northern California’s Tourists
The Rancheria has served northern California communities and tourists for more than half a century, as owner and operator of the historic Seascape restaurant and Trinidad pier and harbor. Our harbor and beautiful coastal ocean provides locals and visitors alike with bountiful cultural, ecological, recreational, educational, and commercial opportunities. As the economic epicenter of Trinidad, our pier and harbor support thriving recreational and commercial fisheries and provide enjoyment for divers, boaters, kayakers, surfers, swimmers, and passer-bys looking for scenic strolls. The historic Seascape restaurant has been a favorite dining spot for travelers, fishermen, and locals since the 1950s— offering the most delicious brunch and the tantalizing chance of spotting a migrating grey whale or other seaside residents before heading out to sea. Spend the day with us and make lasting memories.
We encourage you to visit our Natural Resources Department webpage to learn more about our Tribe’s science, policy, planning, and management efforts to protect and preserve our natural resources. This work is intimately related to how our Tribe responsibly manages the harbor.
