One of the most prominent federally recognized tribes in California is the Chumash Indians, who lived along the coast from Malibu to Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. There were around 20,000 members of this California tribe, two-thirds of which lived in coastal and island villages. The Chumash Indians skilled fishermen in addition to being proficient hunters and gatherers. Malibu, Lompoc, Ojai, Simi Valley, Pismo Beach, and many other modern places in the Golden State have origins in the Chumash language.
The Serrano Indians inhabited the San Bernardino Mountains and lived as far east as the Mojave River area and Tejon Creek. According to research, the Serrano people arrived in Southern California approximately 2,500 years ago. Basket-weaving was an integral component of their culture and subsistence.
Los Angeles’ Native American Tribes
The Los Angeles Native American tribes consisted of three distinct groups which predate the California Missions’ establishment—Ventureno, Gabrielio, and Fernandeno. Though they aren’t federally recognized, the state of California acknowledges them. The three tribes continue to preserve their tribal sovereignty, maintain their cultural resources, and withstand assimilation.
The second-largest urban region in the United State—the Greater Los Angeles Area—is home to 14 federally recognized California tribes. Two of these tribes are found in San Bernardino County, and 12 in Riverside. Orange, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties have many members of California tribes that aren’t federally recognized. There are over 140,000 Native Americans and Alaska Natives in Los Angeles County alone—more than any other county in the entire nation.
San Diego’s Native American Tribes
At the time of Spanish contact, the native people of California living in modern-day San Diego County were Luiseno, Cahuilla, Cupeno, Kumeyaay, and Northern Diegueño. San Diego’s Native American tribes lived in semi-permanent villages and were estimated to consist of approximately 20,000 members in the 16th century. These Californian tribes frequently traveled in search of food—specifically for acorns, small animals, and sea creatures.
San Diego has more Indian reservations in California than any other county—even though they’re relatively small and encompass around 124,000 acres. While there were almost 20,000 San Diego Native American tribe members, only a small percentage lived on the reservation land.
Northern California’s Native American Tribes
Northern California’s Native American tribes included the Yoruk, Shasta, Tolowa, Karok, Wiyot, Hupa, Modoc, Achumawi, Atsugewi, and many other language groups. Most northwestern Californian tribes built villages along rivers and lagoons due to the area’s forested environment. The primary and most efficient means of transportation was canoeing, though there were thousands of trails available as well. They used redwood trees to build both their boats and homes thanks to its availability in Northern California.