The Chemehuevi Indian Tribe of the Chemehuevi Reservation stands as a testament to resilience and cultural preservation amidst the arid landscapes of the American Southwest. As a federally recognized tribe, they represent the southernmost extension of the Southern Paiute people, a linguistic and cultural group whose roots trace back to the vast Uto-Aztecan language family. This article delves into the history, culture, and contemporary life of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe of the Chemehuevi Reservation, offering a comprehensive overview of their unique identity.
Tribal Identity and Nomenclature
The official name, Chemehuevi Indian Tribe of the Chemehuevi Reservation, reflects their connection to their ancestral lands and their recognized status within the United States government. However, understanding their identity requires exploring the nuances of their self-designation and the names bestowed upon them by neighboring tribes.
In their own language, the Chemehuevi referred to themselves as nüwü, simply meaning "people." Another traditional name, Tantdwats, translates to "Southern Men," highlighting their geographical position within the Southern Paiute group. The name "Chemehuevi," however, originates from the Mojave, a Yuman-speaking tribe to the south. This term translates to "those that play with fish," a moniker that perhaps reflects the Chemehuevi’s interaction with the Colorado River and its resources. Understanding these different names provides a deeper appreciation for the tribe’s history and their relationships with other indigenous communities.
Geographical Landscape and Traditional Territory
The ancestral lands of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe of the Chemehuevi Reservation spanned a significant area in southeastern California, extending into southwestern Utah and encompassing portions of the Mojave Desert. This territory ultimately centered around the Chemehuevi Valley, located near present-day Lake Havasu, a region characterized by its arid climate and limited resources.
The Mojave Desert presented challenges to settlement, and as a result, the Chemehuevi population remained relatively small and dispersed. Settlements typically consisted of small, family-based groups, ranging from a single family to a collection of ten to twenty families who cooperated in foraging and hunting. These groups practiced a nomadic lifestyle, moving from place to place in search of sustenance while maintaining ties to a fixed area.
Leadership within these groups was typically vested in a wealthy and wise individual, often the eldest son, who provided guidance on hunting and resource management. This system of inherited leadership reflected the importance of knowledge and experience in navigating the harsh desert environment.
Linguistic and Cultural Affiliations
The Chemehuevi language belongs to the Southern Paiute branch of the Numic languages, which are themselves part of the larger Uto-Aztecan language family. This linguistic connection underscores their relationship to other Southern Paiute groups and, more broadly, to indigenous peoples extending from the Great Basin into central Mexico.
The Chemehuevi culture, while sharing commonalities with other Southern Paiute groups, also exhibits unique adaptations to the desert environment. Their traditional practices, social structures, and spiritual beliefs reflect a deep understanding of the land and its resources.
Treaties, Reservations, and Tribal Governance
The history of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe of the Chemehuevi Reservation is intertwined with the policies and actions of the United States government. The original Chemehuevi Reservation was established in 1907, encompassing 36,000 acres. However, the subsequent creation of Lake Havasu resulted in the loss of nearly 8,000 acres of tribal land. The current Chemehuevi Reservation, established by an Executive Order in 1970, is located on the shores of Lake Havasu and includes valuable lakefront property.
In addition to the Chemehuevi Reservation, many Chemehuevi people reside on the Colorado River Reservation, established in 1865. This reservation is home to the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT), a confederation of Chemehuevi, Mojave, Quechan, and Hopi peoples. The CRIT is governed by a constitution approved in 1937, with the Mojave tribe holding a dominant political position. Chemehuevi people are also represented on the Morongo, Cabazon, and Agua Caliente Reservations in California.
Prior to their relocation to the Colorado River, the Chemehuevi lacked a strong centralized tribal government. They operated in smaller bands, each with a relatively weak chief. However, by the mid-nineteenth century, they began to develop a stronger tribal identity, and the role of the chief, typically a generous and knowledgeable individual, became more influential.
Today, the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe of the Chemehuevi Reservation is governed by a Tribal Council consisting of six members and executive officers. Tribal officers serve three-year terms, and various standing committees contribute to the tribe’s governance.
Population and Enrollment
Historical records suggest that the Chemehuevi population numbered around 500 in 1600. By 1910, the census recorded only 260 individuals. In 1990, the population at Chemehuevi was 95, while approximately 600 identified as Chemehuevi on the Colorado River Reservation. Specific tribal enrollment requirements are maintained by the tribe.
Culture and Traditions
The Chemehuevi culture is rich in traditions, ceremonies, and artistic expression. Their ceremonies often involved song cycles, such as the Salt, Deer, Mountain Sheep, and Shamans’ songs, each connected to specific stories and purposes. The Deer and Mountain Sheep songs were used both for entertainment and to ensure success in hunting.
Basketry was a prominent art form, with Chemehuevi coiled baskets considered among the finest in the world. These baskets were crafted from slender willow branches and adorned with painted designs. Pottery was also practiced, with large pottery containers used for carrying children across the Colorado River.
Traditional Chemehuevi clothing consisted of plant fiber skirts for women and animal skin coverings for men. Both genders wore caps, sandals, and moccasins made from plant fibers or animal skins. Adornment included face and body painting with clays of various colors.
The traditional Chemehuevi shelter was a simple, temporary hut covered with dirt, designed to provide protection from the sun, wind, and cold. Caves were also used for shelter and storage.
Subsistence and Economy
The Chemehuevi adapted their subsistence strategies to the harsh desert environment. They hunted small game, gathered seeds, and, after contact with the Spanish, cultivated crops such as corn, beans, and wheat along the Colorado River. The agave plant was a vital source of food and fiber.
Trade with neighboring tribes, particularly the Mojave, played a significant role in the Chemehuevi economy. They exchanged goods and ideas, adopting certain Mojave technologies and practices.
Today, the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe of the Chemehuevi Reservation derives income from a tribal resort on Lake Havasu, providing employment opportunities for tribal members. The Colorado River Indian Tribes also generate revenue through farming, livestock, a resort, and various businesses. Long-term leases, hydroelectric resources, oil, and uranium contribute to the CRIT’s economic base.
Religion and Burial Practices
After migrating to the Colorado River Valley, the Chemehuevi adopted aspects of Mojave religious beliefs, particularly the importance of dreams and their power to cure illness and restore spiritual balance. They also incorporated Mojave song cycles into their ceremonies.
Traditional Chemehuevi burial practices involved cremation, with the deceased’s body and possessions burned in a ceremonial fire. The mourning ceremony, known as the "Cry," involved a feast, gift-giving, and the destruction of the deceased’s belongings.
A History of Resilience
The history of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe of the Chemehuevi Reservation is marked by adaptation, resilience, and a determination to preserve their cultural identity. From their nomadic existence in the Mojave Desert to their adaptation to life along the Colorado River and their ongoing efforts to maintain their tribal sovereignty, the Chemehuevi people have demonstrated an enduring spirit. Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting the diverse cultures and histories of Native American tribes.