Elem lost 99% of their traditional homelands from Burns Valley Creek in the City of Clearlake to Paradise Cove) and occupy only a fifty acre parcel of aboriginal Elem lands, Identified today as the Elem Indian Colony or the Sulfur Banks Indian Rancheria (near Clearlake Oaks).

In 1949, one hundred years later, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, (BIA) Agent, did with malicious intentions falsely represent the Elem Tribal leadership in a federal court. The (BIA) Agent pursued a land claims and brought them to the attention of the court stating "he was the Agent representing the Elem Tribe", unfortunately the (BIA) Agent did not notify the Elem Tribal Leadership in writing of the land claim court action, nor did he offer to any Tribal Member, the opportunity to be there in Federal Court as a witness, so as to verify the (BIA) Agent's Claims to Tribal lands, Mineral and Water Rights and boundaries. As a result of the BIA activities the Elem Tribe lost claim to over 80,000 acres of land including the Elem Island Tribal Ceremonial Grounds. It is now known as Rattlesnake Island.

OTHER SACRED LANDS:

BLOODY ISLAND