Tubatulabal

The Tubatulabal Native Americans historically lived along the Kern River in the southern portion of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. The name “Tubatulabal” means “pine-nut eaters” in Shoshonean, primarily because of their historic reliance on pine nuts for subsistence. The Tubatulabal called themselves Pahkanapil in their own language, a branch of the Uto-Aztecan family. Prior to Euroamerican contact, it is estimated that approximately 500 Tubatulabal indigenous peoples lived in their homeland. Today there are over 400 known Tubatulabal Native Americans living on lands granted to them by the government in the South Fork and Kern Valleys; another 500 are believed to reside throughout the US.

Name: Tubatulabal, a Shoshonean word for “pine-nut eaters.” They call themselves Pahkanapil.

Location: Along the Kern River in the south Sierra Nevada mountain range of California.

Population: Prior to Euroamerican contact approximately 500; today there are around 900 Tubatulabal Native Americans.

Language Family: Uto-Aztecan.

First Contact by Euroamericans: In 1782 while trading with the Chumash at the San Buenaventura mission.

Current Tribal Status: The Tubatulabal Native American peoples are currently reviving much of their culture and are seeking federal recognition.

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