Discover the diverse and rich cultures of California’s federally recognized tribes. Explore our comprehensive list now!
California is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse population, including a significant number of Native American tribes that have inhabited the land for thousands of years. The List of Federally Recognized Tribes in California is a testament to the state’s vibrant indigenous cultures and their contributions to the region’s history and traditions. From the majestic mountains of the Sierra Nevada to the sandy beaches of the Pacific Ocean, these tribes have thrived for generations, preserving their unique customs, languages, and beliefs. As we delve into this list, we will explore the fascinating world of California’s Native American communities, their resilience, and their ongoing struggles for recognition and sovereignty.
Introduction
California is home to a diverse population of Native American tribes, each with their own unique culture, language, and traditions. These tribes have a rich history that dates back thousands of years and continue to thrive in the modern world. In this article, we will take a closer look at the federally recognized tribes in California.
What is a Federally Recognized Tribe?
A federally recognized tribe is a Native American tribe that has been recognized by the United States government as having a government-to-government relationship with the federal government. This recognition gives tribes certain rights and privileges, such as the ability to negotiate with the federal government on matters related to land use, natural resources, and other issues that affect the tribe.

The Federally Recognized Tribes in California
1. Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is a federally recognized tribe located in Riverside County, California. The tribe has over 400 members and operates several businesses, including a casino, hotel, and spa.
2. Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria
The Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria is a federally recognized tribe located in Humboldt County, California. The tribe has a population of around 500 and operates a casino and hotel.
3. Big Lagoon Rancheria
The Big Lagoon Rancheria is a federally recognized tribe located in Humboldt County, California. The tribe has a population of around 70 and operates a convenience store and gas station.
4. Big Pine Paiute Tribe of the Owens Valley
The Big Pine Paiute Tribe of the Owens Valley is a federally recognized tribe located in Inyo County, California. The tribe has a population of around 600 and operates several businesses, including a casino and hotel.
5. Bishop Paiute Tribe
The Bishop Paiute Tribe is a federally recognized tribe located in Inyo County, California. The tribe has a population of around 1,200 and operates several businesses, including a casino and hotel.
6. Blue Lake Rancheria
The Blue Lake Rancheria is a federally recognized tribe located in Humboldt County, California. The tribe has a population of around 230 and operates several businesses, including a casino and hotel.
7. Cabazon Band of Mission Indians
The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians is a federally recognized tribe located in Riverside County, California. The tribe has a population of around 1,000 and operates several businesses, including a casino and golf course.
8. Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Indian Community
The Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Indian Community is a federally recognized tribe located in Colusa County, California. The tribe has a population of around 1,000 and operates several businesses, including a casino and resort.
9. Chemehuevi Indian Tribe
The Chemehuevi Indian Tribe is a federally recognized tribe located in San Bernardino County, California. The tribe has a population of around 300 and operates several businesses, including a casino and hotel.
10. Cloverdale Rancheria of Pomo Indians
The Cloverdale Rancheria of Pomo Indians is a federally recognized tribe located in Sonoma County, California. The tribe has a population of around 500 and operates several businesses, including a casino and hotel.
Conclusion
The federally recognized tribes in California have a rich history and continue to play an important role in the state’s culture and economy. These tribes have overcome many challenges over the years and are committed to preserving their traditions and way of life for future generations.
Introduction to the Federally Recognized Tribes in California
California is home to over 100 federally recognized tribes, each with its unique history, culture, and language. These tribes have been an integral part of California’s diverse population, contributing to its rich cultural heritage. The federal recognition of these tribes provides them with the necessary resources and support to preserve their traditions and maintain their sovereignty.
The Ohlone/Costanoan Esselen Nation
The Ohlone/Costanoan Esselen Nation is a federally recognized tribe with over 600 members. The tribe is focused on preserving its language, culture, and history through education and cultural events. The tribe’s history dates back thousands of years, and its ancestral lands cover much of the San Francisco Bay Area. Despite the challenges faced by the tribe over the years, it remains committed to preserving its heritage for future generations.
The Pala Band of Mission Indians
The Pala Band of Mission Indians is a federally recognized tribe located in San Diego County. The tribe has its own language, culture, and traditions, which are passed down from generation to generation. The tribe’s history dates back over 10,000 years, and its ancestral lands cover much of Southern California. The tribe is dedicated to preserving its culture and traditions through education, cultural events, and community outreach programs.
Gabrielino/Tongva Tribe
The Gabrielino/Tongva Tribe is a federally recognized tribe with over 600 members located in the Greater Los Angeles Area. The tribe’s ancestral lands cover much of Southern California, including parts of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino counties. The tribe is dedicated to preserving its history and culture through education, research, and cultural events. The tribe’s rich tradition and culture are celebrated at various cultural events throughout the year.
Quechan Tribe of the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation
The Quechan Tribe of the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation is located along the Colorado River in southeastern California. The tribe’s history spans back thousands of years, and it has been recognized by the federal government since 1978. The tribe is dedicated to preserving its culture and traditions through education, community outreach programs, and cultural events.
The Yurok Tribe of the Yurok Reservation
The Yurok Tribe of the Yurok Reservation is a federally recognized tribe located in northern California. The tribe has its own language and culture, which is taught in schools and community centers to preserve its history. The tribe’s ancestral lands cover much of Northern California, and its history dates back over 10,000 years. The tribe remains committed to preserving its heritage through education, cultural events, and community outreach programs.
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is a federally recognized tribe located in Palm Springs. The tribe’s history dates back over 2,000 years, and its ancestral lands cover much of Southern California. The tribe is dedicated to preserving its culture and traditions through education, cultural events, and community outreach programs. The tribe’s rich history and culture are celebrated at various cultural events throughout the year.
Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians
The Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians is located in Sonoma County and has been recognized by the federal government since 1984. The tribe is dedicated to preserving its traditions, language, and history through education and cultural events. The tribe’s ancestral lands cover much of Northern California, and its history dates back over 10,000 years.
The Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians
The Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians is a federally recognized tribe located in Riverside County. The tribe’s history dates back over 2,000 years, and its ancestral lands cover much of Southern California. The tribe is dedicated to preserving its culture and traditions through education, cultural events, and community outreach programs. The tribe’s rich history and culture are celebrated at various cultural events throughout the year.
Kashia Band of Pomo Indians
The Kashia Band of Pomo Indians is located in Sonoma County and has been recognized by the federal government since 2012. The tribe is dedicated to preserving its language, traditions, and history through education and cultural events. The tribe’s ancestral lands cover much of Northern California, and its history dates back over 10,000 years. The tribe remains committed to preserving its heritage for future generations.In conclusion, the federal recognition of these tribes has provided them with the necessary resources and support to preserve their culture, traditions, and sovereignty. Despite the challenges faced by these tribes over the years, they remain committed to preserving their heritage for future generations. These tribes are an integral part of California’s diverse population, and their contributions have helped shape the state’s rich cultural heritage.
As an AI language model, I do not have a personal point of view about the List of Federally Recognized Tribes in California. However, I can provide a neutral perspective on the pros and cons of the list.
Pros:
- The list acknowledges the sovereignty and cultural heritage of the Native American tribes in California.
- Federal recognition grants tribes access to federal funding, programs, and services that can improve the health, education, and economic wellbeing of their members.
- Federally recognized tribes are eligible for tribal gaming operations, which can generate revenue and create jobs.
- Recognition can protect tribal lands, resources, and sacred sites from encroachment or exploitation by non-tribal entities.
Cons:
- Some tribes may not meet the strict federal criteria for recognition, which can lead to disputes and legal challenges.
- Federally recognized tribes may be subject to federal regulations and oversight that can limit their autonomy and self-determination.
- Recognition can create divisions and tensions within tribes, as some members may disagree with the leadership or criteria for recognition.
- Non-federally recognized tribes may face social, economic, and legal disadvantages compared to recognized tribes.
In conclusion, the List of Federally Recognized Tribes in California has both advantages and disadvantages, depending on one’s perspective and priorities. It is important to respect the diversity and complexity of tribal communities and to support their right to self-determination and cultural preservation.
Hello there, dear blog visitors! Thank you for taking the time to read through our article about the List of Federally Recognized Tribes in California. We hope that you found it informative and interesting.
As we’ve discussed, California is home to a diverse array of Native American tribes, each with their unique cultures, histories, and traditions. It’s important to recognize and honor these tribes, not just for their significant contributions to California’s heritage but also as a way to promote understanding and respect between different communities.
We encourage you to continue learning about Native American cultures, both in California and across the country. By doing so, we can help preserve these valuable and often overlooked legacies for future generations. Thank you once again for visiting our blog, and we hope to see you again soon!
People Also Ask About List of Federally Recognized Tribes in California
California is home to a diverse range of indigenous communities, many of which are federally recognized tribes. Here are some common questions people have about the list of federally recognized tribes in California:
- How many federally recognized tribes are there in California?
- What is the largest federally recognized tribe in California?
- What is the smallest federally recognized tribe in California?
- What are some other well-known federally recognized tribes in California?
- What benefits do federally recognized tribes in California receive?
As of 2021, there are 109 federally recognized tribes in California.
The largest federally recognized tribe in California is the Pala Band of Mission Indians, with over 1,000 enrolled members.
The smallest federally recognized tribe in California is the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians, with just over two dozen enrolled members.
Some other well-known federally recognized tribes in California include the Yurok Tribe, the Hoopa Valley Tribe, the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, and the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians.
Federally recognized tribes in California (and across the country) are eligible for a variety of benefits and services, including healthcare, education, housing, and economic development opportunities. They also have a government-to-government relationship with the United States, which allows them to negotiate with federal agencies on matters that affect their communities.
Overall, the list of federally recognized tribes in California reflects the state’s rich cultural heritage and ongoing efforts to support indigenous communities.