Tataviam

The Tataviam Native Americans were historically distinguished by localized clan groups who lived in southern California along the upper reaches of the Santa Clara River. The name Tataviam is derived from the Kitanemuk word ta’viyik, which means “people facing the sun.” Historically they have also been known as the Ataplili’ish, Alliklik, and by the general word Serrano. The Tataviam were part of the Serrano-Gabrielino linguistic branch of the Uto-Aztecan language family. Prior to Euroamerican contact it is estimated that there were around 950 Tataviam Native Americans; today there are no known Tataviam descendants.

Name: Tataviam.

Location: Present-day Los Angeles county to north Orange County and western San Bernardino County to Victorville.

Population: Prior to Euroamerican contact around 950; today there are no known Tataviam Native Americans.

Language Family: Serrano-Gabrielino, one of two Takic groups that are part of the Uto-Aztecan language family.

First Contact by Euroamericans: In 1776 the expedition of Francisco Garces encountered Tataviam indigenous peoples.

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