Wiyot people have lived in the Humboldt Bay region for thousands of years. The map to the right shows their traditional territory. Wiyot people lived in permanent villages along the waterways, which also served as travel and trade routes. Seasonal camps were made on the prairies, and mountainous regions provided berries, acorns, pine nuts, wild game, and basketry materials.

Wiyot people actively managed their resources, burning for open grasslands, cultivating edible bulbs, and following strict hunting and fishing protocols.

WHAT IS THE HONOR TAX?

The Honor Tax is a way of recognizing and respecting the sovereignty of Native Nations, and implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

This is a "tax" out of respect for Native Sovereignty - rather than a gift or donation. We all live on traditional Native homelands. If you do not live in Wiyot territory you can initiate an Honor Tax in your community!

The Honor Tax was not in any way initiated by the Wiyot Nation, although they have formally agreed via their Tribal Council to accept the Honor Tax. The Honor Tax was initiated by individuals, organizations and businesses who want to actively recognize the sovereignty of the Wiyot tribe and their right to their traditional land.

The Honor Tax is a voluntary annual tax paid directly to the Wiyot Nation by people who are on their traditional territories. The amount is decided by the individual.