California Indigenous Native American Tribes

Northwest California

This area includes the Tolowa, Shasta, Karok, Yurok, Hupa, Whilkut, Chilula, Chimariko, and the Wiyot Native American (American Indian) tribes. The distinctive Pacific-influenced ecology encouraged these Native American tribes to establish their traditional villages along the many rivers, lagoons, and coastal bays that existed in their homeland. While this territory was crisscrossed with thousands of trails, the most efficient and common form of transportation historically was the dugout canoe, which was used to travel up and down rivers and to cross the wider and deeper bays and estuaries. These indigenous peoples used the great coast Redwood trees for the manufacture of their boats, houses, artwork, clothing, and tools. Baskets in a variety of designs were manufactured using only the twined technique. Many of these traditional practices survive today, and the Native Americans of northwestern California have a rich culture.

Northeast California

This region includes the Modoc, Achumawi, and Atsugewi Native American (American Indian) tribes. The western portion of this area was historically rich in acorn and salmon. Further to the east, the climate changes from the Sierra Nevada mountains to the high-desert of eastern California and Nevada. Here, the food resources historically consisted of grass seeds, tubers, berries, and riverine and lacustrine plants, along with rabbit and deer. The indigenous peoples of this region used tule as a source of food (the root-buld is consumed) and a weaving material for lacing together mats, clothing, and structure coverings.

Central California

This vast area includes the Bear River, Mattole, Lassik, Nongatl, Wintun, Yana, Yahi, Maidu, Sinkyone, Wailaki, Cahto, Yuki, Pomo, Lake Miwok, Wappo, Coast Miwok, Interior Miwok, Monache (Mono), Yokuts, Costanoan, Esselen, Salinan, and Tubatulabal Native American (American Indian) tribes. Vast differences exist between the coastal peoples, coastal mountain range territories, and those living in the vast central valleys and slopes of the Sierra Nevada. However, all of these indigenous peoples enjoyed an abundance of acorn and salmon that was historically readily obtained in the river systems north of Monterey bay. Likewise, deer, elk, antelope, and rabbit were also hunted. Basketry reached a high form, and is considered to be some of the best artistic examples known. Both coiled and twine type baskets were produced.

Southern California

Beginning in the north, this region includes the Chumash, Alliklik (Tataviam), Kitanemuk, Serrano, Gabrielino, Luiseno, Cahuilla, and the Kumeyaay. The geography and climate varied considerably from the windswept shores of the Channel Islands to the inner eastern Californian Sonoran environment. The Chumash-speaking peoples traded goods up and down the coast, and manufactured large planked canoes called "Tomols." The shoreline communities enjoyed a rich floral and faunal life of ocean, bay, and wetlands ecosystems, while the interior indigenous peoples relied on vast quantities of rabbits, deer, as well as acrons, seeds, and native grasses.

California Indigenous Native American Tribes

Achumawi : Atsugewi : Bear River Indians : Chato : Cahuilla

Chilula : Chimariko : Chumash : Cochimi : Costanoan

Cupeno : Esselen : Gabrielino : Guaicura : Huchnom

Hupa : Karok : Kiliwa : Kitanemuk : Kumeyaay

Lassik : Luiseno : Maidu : Mattole : Miwok

Mono : Nakipa : Nomlaki : Nongatl : Paipai

Patwin : Pomo : Salinan : Serrano : Shasta

Sinkyone : Tataviam : Tolowa : Tubatulabal : Wailaki

Wappo : Whilkut : Wintun : Wiyot : Yahi

Yana : Yokuts : Yuki : Yurok