The Pinoleville Pomo Nation stands as a testament to resilience and cultural preservation among the indigenous peoples of California. A federally recognized tribe of Pomo Indians, their story is deeply intertwined with the history of Mendocino County and the broader narrative of Native American experiences in the face of colonization and societal change. This article explores the history, culture, and contemporary life of the Pinoleville Pomo Nation, offering insights into their traditions, challenges, and ongoing efforts to maintain their unique identity.
Origins and Traditional Territory
The Pomo people, a diverse group of related tribes, historically occupied a vast territory in Northern California. This land stretched from the Pacific Coast inland to Clear Lake, primarily between Cleone and Duncan’s Point along the coastline. The name "Pomo" itself carries historical significance, originally meaning "those who live at red earth hole," a reference to a village near present-day Potter Valley. Over time, the term expanded to encompass the entire group of people we now know as the Pomo.
The ancestors of the Pinoleville Pomo Nation resided in the northern Ukiah Valley, a fertile region abundant with natural resources. However, the arrival of non-native settlers in the mid-19th century dramatically altered their way of life, leading to the encroachment and eventual loss of their ancestral lands. Despite this displacement, the Pinoleville Pomo Nation has maintained its connection to this region, striving to preserve its cultural heritage and reclaim its rightful place within the landscape.
Recognition and Restoration
The Pinoleville Pomo Nation experienced a tumultuous period in the 20th century marked by federal policies of termination and restoration. In 1911, the US Federal Government established the Pinoleville Rancheria, a small reservation intended to provide a land base for the tribe. However, this reservation was terminated in 1966 under the California Rancheria Act, a controversial piece of legislation that aimed to assimilate Native American tribes by dissolving their communal land holdings and distributing individual allotments.
The consequences of termination were devastating for the Pinoleville Pomo Nation. They quickly lost 50% of their land base, undermining their economic stability and cultural cohesion. Undeterred, the tribe fought back, joining Tillie Hardwick v. the United States, a landmark class action suit that challenged the legality of the Rancheria Act. In 1979, the court ruled in favor of the tribes, paving the way for the restoration of federal recognition and the return of their original reservation to trust status. This victory marked a turning point in the history of the Pinoleville Pomo Nation, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to self-determination and cultural survival.
Land and Location
Today, the Pinoleville Pomo Nation controls two parcels of land. The primary parcel encompasses 99 acres (400,000 square meters) in Mendocino County, serving as the heart of their tribal community. A second, smaller parcel of 6.7 acres (27,000 square meters) is located in Lake County. The tribe is actively working to place this second parcel into trust and develop it with housing, addressing the critical need for affordable homes within their community. The tribal headquarters is located in Ukiah, California, reflecting their continued presence and engagement within the local community.
Population and Language
Estimates of the aboriginal Pomo population range from 8,000 to 21,000, distributed among seven distinct linguistic groups. The devastation of the 19th century decimated their numbers, reducing the population to a low of around 800. While the population has since rebounded, accurate census data remains a challenge, as many Pomo people live off-reservation. Currently, approximately 70 members reside on the Pinoleville Rancheria.
The Pomoan language family is composed of seven distinct dialects, each with its own unique characteristics. These dialects are so divergent that they are considered more different from each other than English and German. The seven dialects are often identified by adding a directional prefix to the word "Pomo," such as Northern Pomo, Southern Pomo, and Eastern Pomo. The preservation and revitalization of these languages are crucial for maintaining cultural identity and transmitting traditional knowledge to future generations.
Culture and Traditions
The Pomo people are renowned for their exquisite basketry, considered by many to be the finest in the world. Pomo baskets are admired for their intricate weaves, diverse styles, and the artistry of their designs. The sun basket, adorned with feathers of various colors, is particularly striking. This art form continues to thrive, with contemporary Pomo basket weavers creating both large and small masterpieces that command high prices.
Music and dance play an integral role in Pomo culture. Singing is performed for a wide range of occasions, including ceremonies, blessings, doctoring, and gambling. Two-part singing is common, with one singer carrying the melody while another provides rhythmic support. Traditional instruments include split-stick rattles, foot drums, and two-toned whistles.
Traditional Pomo ceremonies and dances, such as the strawberry festival and acorn festival, continue to be celebrated, reinforcing community bonds and honoring the natural world. The hand game, a traditional guessing game, remains a popular pastime, often played at modern pow-wows with enthusiastic wagering.
Subsistence and Economy
Historically, the Pomo people relied on hunting, fishing, and gathering for sustenance. Acorns were a staple food, supplemented by salmon, wild greens, berries, and other resources. Men were responsible for hunting and fishing, while women gathered plant foods and prepared meals, particularly the time-consuming process of grinding and leaching acorns.
Today, the Pinoleville Pomo Nation is actively engaged in economic development initiatives to improve the lives of its members. A horticultural program educates tribal youth about plants, promoting self-esteem and providing valuable skills. Pinole Nation Gardens includes a greenhouse, orchards, gardens, and native plant restoration areas.
The tribe operates a housing program, an environmental department, Head Start, vocational training, and a historic preservation office, providing essential services to the community. Notably, the Pinoleville Pomo Nation has ventured into the cannabis industry, planning to open a medical marijuana growing facility on their land. Profits from this venture will be used to support vital social programs, such as elder care, child care, health, and education.
Religion and Spirituality
Traditional Pomo beliefs center on a creator figure, often equated with Coyote, a trickster spirit. They believed that animals once possessed human-like qualities and that supernatural forces pervaded all aspects of the world. Shamans played a vital role in Pomo society, conducting ceremonies, healing the sick, and communicating with the spirit world.
The arrival of European settlers brought significant changes to Pomo religious practices. The Ghost Dance movement and the Earth Lodge Cult gained followers in the late 19th century, reflecting a desire for renewal and the restoration of traditional ways. Today, many Pomo people identify with Christian churches, while also maintaining aspects of their traditional spiritual beliefs.
Social and Political Organization
The family and extended kin group are the most important social units in Pomo society. Kin groups share labor, resources, and political support. The largest political unit is the tribelet or village community, led by chiefs who provide counsel, negotiate with other groups, and preside over ceremonies.
Challenges and Resilience
The Pinoleville Pomo Nation, like many Native American tribes, has faced significant challenges throughout its history, including land loss, cultural disruption, and economic hardship. Despite these obstacles, the tribe has demonstrated remarkable resilience, preserving its cultural heritage, advocating for its rights, and working to build a better future for its members.
The story of the Pinoleville Pomo Nation is a testament to the enduring strength and cultural richness of the Pomo people. Their ongoing efforts to preserve their language, traditions, and land serve as an inspiration to other indigenous communities and a reminder of the importance of honoring and respecting Native American cultures.