The Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians of California holds a significant place within the broader Pomo cultural landscape of Northern California. Their history is deeply intertwined with the land, particularly the area now encompassing Lake Mendocino and the surrounding valleys. Descendants of the Shodakai Pomo, meaning "Valley in the East," the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians of California continues to strive to maintain its cultural identity and exercise its sovereignty in the face of historical challenges.
A Land Before the Lake: The Shodakai Pomo
Before the creation of Lake Mendocino in 1950s, the territory belonged to the Shodakai Pomo. The term "Shodakai," translating to "Valley in the East," aptly described their location and connection to the land. This valley was not only their home but also a crucial thoroughfare, serving as a major Indian trail connecting Ukiah Valley to Potter Valley and Lake County. This strategic location highlights the Shodakai Pomo’s interaction with neighboring Pomo groups and other indigenous communities in the region, fostering trade, communication, and cultural exchange. Their deep knowledge of the land and its resources allowed them to thrive in this environment for generations.
The Pomo People: A Tapestry of Independent Communities
The Pomo people, as a whole, are not a single, unified tribe but rather a collection of seven culturally related but politically independent village groups, often referred to as tribelets. These groups, each with its own distinct territory and governance, shared a common language family (Hokan) and cultural practices. Their ancestral lands stretch across northwestern California, encompassing the coastal regions and inland valleys around Clear Lake and the Russian River. This area corresponds to present-day Mendocino, Sonoma, and Lake counties, roughly 50 miles north of San Francisco Bay. The diversity within the Pomo cultural sphere is reflected in the various Pomo languages spoken, including Southern Pomo, Central Pomo, Northern Pomo, Eastern Pomo, Northeastern Pomo, Southeastern Pomo, and Southwestern Pomo (Kashaya).
Contact and Catastrophe: Population Decline
The arrival of Europeans in the 18th century brought devastating consequences for the indigenous population of California. Prior to European contact, estimates suggest that between 300,000 and 400,000 California Indians inhabited the region. However, the introduction of European diseases, coupled with warfare and forced displacement, led to a catastrophic decline in the Native American population. Within a generation or two, the population plummeted by over 90%, from approximately 200,000 in the mid-19th century to a mere 15,000 by the late 1800s. By 1915, the Pomo population was only around 16,000. This demographic collapse represents a profound loss of life, culture, and knowledge.
The Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians of California Today: Resilience and Revival
Despite the historical trauma and challenges, the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians of California has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Today, approximately 5,000 Pomo people live on or near various rancherias and reservations throughout their ancestral lands. These include Big Valley, Cloverdale, Dry Creek, Grindstone, Guidiville, Hopland, Lytton, Manchester-Point Arena, Middletown, Pinoleville, Potter Valley, Redwood Valley, Robinson, Scotts Valley, Sherwood Valley, Stewarts Point, and Upper Lake, as well as the Coyote Valley and Round Valley reservations. An additional 140 Pomo people reside on the Sulphur Bank Rancheria/Elem Indian Colony.
The Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians of California, officially recognized as the Coyote Valley Reservation, has a current enrolled membership of approximately 325, with about 170 members residing on the reservation.
Official Information:
- Official Tribal Name: Coyote Valley Reservation
- Address: 7751 North State Street, P.O. Box 39, Redwood Valley, CA 95470
- Phone: (707) 485-8723
- Fax: (707) 485-1247
- Email: coyotevalley1@aol.com
- Official Website: coyotevalleytribe.com (Under construction as of Nov 2014)
- Recognition Status: Federally Recognized
- Land Area: Approximately 70 acres located in Mendocino County, California.
- Time Zone: Pacific
Traditional Territory and Way of Life
The Pomo people traditionally occupied land approximately 50 miles north of San Francisco Bay, on the coast and inland, especially around Clear Lake and the Russian River, in what is now Mendocino, Sonoma, and Lake counties. Their subsistence strategies varied depending on their proximity to the coast or inland waterways. Along the Pacific coast, they relied heavily on fishing and gathering shellfish, supplementing their diet with acorns and game. Along the rivers, they caught king salmon, a vital source of protein, and also consumed acorns and game. Acorns, a staple food for many California Indian tribes, required extensive processing to remove tannins and make them palatable.
A History of Dispossession and Displacement
The history of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians of California is marked by dispossession and displacement. In 1850, the Pomo Indians were forcibly removed from Coyote Valley and sent to government-sponsored reserves. However, the reserve system proved to be a failure, and many Indians returned to their ancestral lands, only to find them settled by white colonists.
In 1909, the federal government, through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, purchased 101 acres in Coyote Valley for the benefit of the local Indians, some of whom were living on the Old Rancheria and others on rancherias in Ukiah. This official Coyote Valley Rancheria existed until 1957, when the Army Corp of Engineers acquired the property for the construction of a dam. Much of the land was subsequently flooded, creating Lake Mendocino.
Today, a Pomo cultural center stands near the site of the old rancheria at Lake Mendocino. This center was established through an agreement between the Army Corp of Engineers and the Mendo-Lake Pomo Council to compensate for the land lost by the Indians before 1978.
Language and Culture
The Pomo languages, belonging to the Hokan language family, are a testament to the cultural diversity of the Pomo people. With seven distinct but mutually unintelligible languages, each reflects the unique history and traditions of its speakers. These languages include Southern Pomo, Central Pomo, Northern Pomo, Eastern Pomo, Northeastern Pomo, Southeastern Pomo, and Southwestern Pomo (Kashaya). Sadly, many of these languages are now endangered, and efforts are underway to revitalize them through language preservation programs and cultural education initiatives.
Sovereignty and Self-Determination
As a federally recognized tribe, the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians of California possesses inherent sovereign rights. These rights include the right to self-governance, the right to determine membership criteria, and the right to manage tribal resources. The tribe actively engages in government-to-government relations with the United States federal government and the State of California to protect its rights and interests.
The Future of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians of California
The Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians of California faces ongoing challenges, including economic development, environmental protection, and the preservation of its cultural heritage. However, the tribe remains committed to building a sustainable future for its members while honoring its rich history and traditions. Through cultural revitalization programs, educational initiatives, and economic development projects, the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians of California strives to create a thriving community for generations to come. The resilience and determination of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians of California serve as an inspiration to other indigenous communities and a testament to the enduring strength of Native American cultures.