The Augustine Indian Reservation, a one-square-mile tract nestled within Riverside County, California, serves as the ancestral homeland and contemporary base of the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians. This federally recognized tribe, while geographically rooted in the Coachella Valley, carries a history deeply intertwined with the landscape and the broader Cahuilla culture. The story of the Augustine Band is one of resilience, adaptation, and a commitment to both cultural preservation and economic self-sufficiency. Notably, the Augustine Indian Reservation is home to one of the smallest tribal nations in the United States, a fact that underscores the challenges and triumphs of this unique community.
A Lineage Rooted in the Desert: Captain Vee-Vee Augustine and Temal Wakhish
The legacy of the Augustine Band is inextricably linked to Captain Vee-Vee Augustine, born around 1820. His name has become synonymous with the tribe and the Augustine Indian Reservation. During his lifetime, the Cahuilla people thrived across the region, their presence marked by approximately 22 villages. Early explorers documented their observations of a vibrant and resourceful community adapting to the arid environment. In 1856, surveyors from the United States Land Office meticulously mapped the area, identifying a significant Cahuilla village that would eventually be formally designated as the Augustine Reservation.
This village, known in the Cahuilla language as "Temal Wakhish," offers a window into the Cahuilla worldview and their intimate understanding of the land. The name itself, meaning "dry earth," speaks volumes about the environmental context in which the Cahuilla people carved out their existence. "Temal" translates directly to "earth," while "wakhish" signifies "dry." The term "La Mesa," a Spanish designation, later became a common reference for Temal Wakhish, reflecting the influence of Spanish colonization on the region.
The Nanxaiyem Clan and the Wildcat Moiety
Insights gleaned from interviews with Augustine Elders conducted in the winter of 1924-1925 shed further light on the tribe’s origins. These accounts trace the Augustine Band’s lineage to the Nanxaiyem clan of the Pass Cahuilla Indians. Francisco Nombre, a respected Desert Cahuilla ceremonial leader and keeper of traditional clan genealogy, recounted the Nanxaiyem’s migration to the Coachella Valley around 1860. The survivors of this migration eventually settled at La Mesa, the flat expanse of land situated east of present-day La Quinta, California.
Historical records compiled by historians and field researchers who visited Temal Wakhish in the late 19th and early 20th centuries paint a vivid picture of the village. The site was described as being enveloped by dense mesquite thickets, sustained by flourishing water wells, and connected by a network of well-trodden Indian trails. The village also possessed its own ceremonial house, a vital center for community gatherings and spiritual practices. The ceremonial leader, known in the Cahuilla language as a "kishumnawat" and "net," held a position of great importance within the village structure.
The Cahuilla culture is characterized by a complex social organization, structured around moieties and clans. The Pass Cahuilla, of which the Augustine Band is a part, are traditionally divided into over a dozen clans, tracing their lineage through patrilineal descent. These clans are further grouped into two primary moieties: the Wildcat and the Coyote. The majority of lineages residing in Temal Wakhish belonged to the Wildcat moiety. Cahuilla elders recall the inhabitants of the Augustine Indian Reservation being referred to as the "Wildcat Bunch," a testament to the prevalence of this moiety within the community.
The moiety system plays a crucial role in regulating social interactions and fostering alliances within the Cahuilla community. Marriage within the same moiety is strictly prohibited, a custom designed to promote strong social and economic bonds between different groups. Each moiety is composed of subgroups known as Sibs. Membership in a Sib is determined by relationship to the patriarch of the family, following the principle of patrilineality. Sibs could encompass up to 2,000 individuals, typically residing in close proximity to one another in clusters of villages, each Sib possessing its own defined territory.
Formal Establishment and the Struggle for Survival
The Augustine Reservation was formally established by an act of Congress on December 29, 1891, marking a significant milestone in the tribe’s history. However, the arrival of Europeans brought with it devastating consequences in the form of diseases to which the Cahuilla people had no immunity. These diseases decimated the population, leading to a drastic decline in numbers. By 1951, the Augustine Tribe had dwindled to a mere 11 surviving members. Among them was a thirteen-year-old girl named Roberta Augustine, the great-granddaughter of Captain Vee-Vee Augustine, born in 1937.
Roberta Augustine’s life story embodies the resilience and determination of the Augustine Band. By 1972, she stood as the last surviving adult member of the tribe, carrying the weight of her people’s history and future on her shoulders. Roberta had three children: Mary Ann, Herbert, and Gregory. Roberta passed away in 1987, leaving behind a legacy of strength and perseverance.
Rebuilding and Revitalization: A New Chapter
The children of Roberta Augustine played a pivotal role in revitalizing the tribe and establishing its contemporary governance structure. Mary Ann, the great-great-granddaughter of Captain Vee-Vee Augustine, was elected Tribal Chairperson, a position she continues to hold today. Along with Mary Ann and her descendants, the children of her two brothers comprise the official members of the Tribe.
The tribal government was formally established in 1994 and currently employs eight people. The tribe has prioritized both cultural revival and economic sustainability, recognizing the importance of preserving its heritage while creating opportunities for future generations.
One of the first major undertakings of the tribal government was to address the environmental degradation that had plagued the reservation land. Over the course of 50 years, the vacant land had become a dumping ground for trash, commercial wastes, carcasses, and thousands of tires.
The monumental cleanup effort commenced in 1994, forging partnerships with various agencies, including the US Environmental Service, the California Conservation Corps, the California Integrated Waste Management Board, and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. This collaborative effort transformed the landscape and laid the foundation for future development.
Renewable Energy and Economic Development
In December 2008, the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians achieved a significant milestone, positioning itself as a leader in Indian Country in the realm of renewable energy. The Tribe became the first in Southern California to develop a major solar energy project approved by the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). A 1.1-megawatt photovoltaic plant was installed on the reservation, demonstrating the tribe’s commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
The tribe also owns the Augustine Casino, situated on 20 acres of the reservation in Coachella, California. This enterprise contributes to the tribe’s economic self-sufficiency and provides employment opportunities for tribal members and the surrounding community. The Augustine Casino, while a source of revenue, also represents the tribe’s efforts to balance economic development with its cultural values and environmental concerns.
The story of the Augustine Indian Reservation and the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Cahuilla people. Despite facing immense challenges, including disease, cultural disruption, and dwindling numbers, the tribe has persevered. Through strong leadership, a commitment to cultural preservation, and a focus on economic self-sufficiency, the Augustine Band is writing a new chapter in its history, ensuring that the legacy of Captain Vee-Vee Augustine and the traditions of the Nanxaiyem clan continue to thrive for generations to come.