The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, whose history stretches back over 2,500 years in the Coachella Valley, stand as a testament to resilience and cultural preservation. The present-day members proudly trace their lineage to Chief Cabazon, a prominent leader of the Desert Cahuilla people from the 1830s to the 1870s. This enduring connection to their ancestral lands and heritage defines the identity of the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians today.
Despite the encroachment of European-American settlers and the influence of Spanish missionaries in other regions, the Cahuilla people, including the ancestors of the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, were never conquered. The term "Mission Indians," applied by settlers, reflects the proximity and interaction with the mission system but does not signify subjugation.
Tribal Identity and Nomenclature
The officially recognized name of the tribe is the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians. Their physical address is 84-245 Indio Springs Drive, Indio, CA 92201. They can be contacted by phone at 760.342.2593, or by fax at 760.347.7880.
The Cahuilla people, as a whole, traditionally refer to themselves as "Iviatam," which translates to "speakers of ‘Ivia’" – the ‘original’ language. The term "Cahuilla" itself carries significant weight, often interpreted as "the master," "the powerful one," or "the one who rules." This moniker reflects the strength and autonomy of the Cahuilla people throughout their history.
Geographic Location and Traditional Territory
The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians are located in California. Historically, the Cahuilla inhabited a vast territory encompassing the San Gorgonio Pass, extending eastward into the Coachella Valley towards the Salton Sea, and southward along the western slopes of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains.
Reservation Lands
On May 15, 1876, President Ulysses S. Grant issued an executive order establishing the Cabazon Reservation. This act was intended to provide a homeland for the approximately 600 surviving members of Chief Cabazon’s band. The initial reservation consisted of three parcels of undeveloped desert land, totaling 2,400 acres. However, the Southern Pacific Railroad later claimed 700 acres for railroad and interstate right-of-way development, reducing the land base.
Today, the Cabazon Reservation encompasses 1,459 acres spread across various small parcels over a 16-mile area. The tribal headquarters are located in Indio, California, within the Pacific Time Zone.
Population Dynamics
Estimates suggest that the Cahuilla population may have reached as high as 10,000 in the 17th century. By 1876, when the Cabazon Reservation was established, Chief Cabazon’s band numbered around 600 individuals. As of today, the population residing on the reservation is approximately 806.
Governance and Language
The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians are governed by the Cabazon Tribal Business Committee. The tribe’s language, Cahuilla, belongs to the Cahuilla-Cupeno branch of the Takic sub-family of the Uto-Aztecan language family. Linguistic and archaeological evidence suggests that the Uto-Aztecan peoples originated in present-day Nevada.
Historically, there were three recognized Cahuilla dialects: Desert Cahuilla, Mountain Cahuilla, and Pass Cahuilla. The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians spoke the Desert Cahuilla dialect. Sadly, the Cahuilla language is nearing extinction. A 1990 census revealed only 35 speakers within an ethnic population of 800. The remaining speakers are primarily middle-aged or older.
Cultural Organization and Kinship
The Cahuilla people were traditionally divided into two moieties: Wildcat and Coyote. This division played a significant role in social organization and ceremonial life. The Cahuilla are further divided into three geographic groups: Desert, Mountain, and Western (San Gorgonio Pass) Cahuilla.
Related Tribes
The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians are closely related to other Cahuilla tribes, including the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Cahuilla Band of Mission Indians, the Ramona Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Santa Rosa Band of Mission Indians, and the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla Indians.
Cultural Preservation and Modern Developments
The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians are actively involved in preserving their cultural heritage. Since 1981, the tribe has hosted the annual Indio Powwow, a vibrant celebration featuring traditional dancing, Cahuilla bird singing, drum competitions, and peon games. The Cabazon Cultural Museum is open to the public.
Economic Self-Sufficiency
Unlike many other Native American tribes, the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians have achieved economic self-sufficiency, boasting a zero unemployment rate. This success is largely attributed to their ownership of Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California. The resort includes a 250-room hotel, various restaurants (POM Restaurant, Pizza Kitchen, The Bistro, Fresh Grill Buffet, JOY Asian Cuisine, and Starbucks), and the Eagle Falls Golf Course.
Historical Challenges
The tribe faced a devastating smallpox epidemic in 1863, caused by infected blankets distributed by white settlers.
Legal Battles and Controversies
In 1987, the tribe gained national attention after winning the landmark Supreme Court case California v. Cabazon Band of Mission Indians. However, prior to this decision, the tribe was also involved in controversial events, including alleged connections to a corporation and a triple homicide in 1981.
The story of the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians is one of survival, adaptation, and self-determination. Despite facing historical challenges, the tribe continues to thrive.