Salinan

The Salinan Native American peoples historically spoke a Hokan language and inhabited the central coastline of California. The exact boundaries of the historic Salinan territory are unclear, although it is generally agreed that their homeland included the drainages of the Nacimiento, San Antonio, and Salinas rivers from their headwaters to present-day King City. Historically the Salinan indigenous peoples were divided into three regional groups: the Antoniano of the north, the Migueleno of the south, and the Playano fo the coast. Prior to Euroamerican contact it is estimated that the Salinan numbered less than 3,000; today there are 279 registered Salinan Native Americans.

Name: Salinan, including the Antoniano, Migueleno, and Playano.

Location: Central coastal California.

Population: Prior to Euroamerican contact less then 3,000; today there are around 280 Salinan Native Americans.

Language Family: Hokan.

First Contact by Euroamericans: In 1769 by Gaspar de Portola’s expedition.

Current Tribal Status: Although the Salinan Native Americans have never been federally recognized, they are actively pursuing federal recognition.

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