The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, a federally recognized tribe, resides near Highland, California, nestled within the greater San Bernardino Valley. This vibrant community represents one of several clans belonging to the Serrano Indians, the original inhabitants of this region’s highlands and valleys. This article will explore the history, culture, and modern-day presence of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
Identity and Nomenclature
Official Tribal Name: San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
The name itself carries a layered history, reflecting the tribe’s interaction with colonizing forces. While the Serrano people traditionally identified themselves based on their specific village or territory, the arrival of the Spanish introduced a new nomenclature. The Spanish term "Serrano," meaning "highlander," was applied to the various groups inhabiting the mountainous terrain.
The name "San Manuel Band of Mission Indians" is a product of this interaction, solidifying the tribe’s identity within the context of the mission system and the broader colonial landscape. It reflects both their indigenous heritage and their historical relationship with the Spanish missions.
Traditional Name and Meaning:
The ancestors of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians are the Yuhaviatam, meaning "People of the Pines." This name originates from Yuhaviat, an area abundant with pine trees near present-day Big Bear Lake. This location holds profound significance as the place where their creator is believed to have died. The Yuhaviatam clan’s connection to this specific geographic area underscores the deep-rooted relationship between the Serrano people and their environment.
Alternate Names:
Historically, the tribe was also listed as the San Manual Band of Serrano Mission Indians of the San Manual Reservation, reflecting variations in spelling and terminology used over time.
Location and Territory
Region: California
State: California
Traditional Territory:
The ancestral lands of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians encompass the San Bernardino highlands, passes, valleys, and mountains. This territory provided the resources and environment necessary for their traditional way of life.
Address: 26569 Community Center Drive, Highland, CA 92346
Contact Information:
- Phone: (909) 864-8933
- Website: www.sanmanuel-nsn.gov
Tribal Affiliations and Governance
Confederacy: Serrano
The San Manuel Band is part of the larger Serrano cultural and linguistic group. While sharing common ancestry and traditions, the Serrano were historically organized into independent villages and clans rather than a unified political entity.
Government:
As a federally recognized tribe, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has its own government and governing body. Further details about the charter, the name of the governing body, the number of council members, dates of constitutional amendments, and the number of executive officers are available through the tribal website or direct contact with the tribal headquarters.
Language and Cultural Preservation
Language Classification:
The Serrano language is a Uto-Aztecan language, reflecting its connections to other indigenous languages across the American West and Mexico.
Language Revitalization:
Recognizing the critical role of language in preserving their cultural identity, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians actively supports the Serrano Language Revitalization Program. This initiative works with native speakers to document and teach the language, creating lesson plans that focus on culturally relevant vocabulary such as the names of plants, animals, and numbers. This program aims to ensure the survival of the Serrano language for future generations.
Cultural Traditions and Practices
Ceremonies and Dances:
Music and song are integral to Serrano culture. Traditional Serrano musicians use gourd rattles filled with palm tree seeds to create percussive rhythms, unlike other American Indian tribes that utilize drums. Historically, songs played a vital role in preparing for hunts, particularly for bighorn sheep, reminding hunters of the importance of maintaining balance within the natural world. Today, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians actively preserves and performs these traditional songs, which recount social customs, creation stories, and the history of the region’s indigenous people.
The tribe also participates in bird song traditions, learned from elders of the neighboring Cahuilla tribe. Bird songs, prevalent throughout Southern California and the Mojave Desert, are narrative songs that trace the migration of people through their territory, referencing creation, animals, and sacred places.
The tribe hosts events such as the Yaamava’ spring celebration, yucca harvest, and the California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference. These events bring together tribal members, members from other local tribes, and American Indian scholars to educate both tribal members and the wider community about California Indian culture.
Art and Crafts:
Basket weaving is a highly esteemed art form within the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. Skilled artisans create intricate and durable baskets using traditional materials such as juncus plant, deergrass, and yucca fiber. These baskets are woven so tightly that they can hold water and are strong enough to hold hot stones for cooking.
Housing:
Traditionally, Serrano clans constructed dome-shaped homes called "Kiich" using willow branches and yucca fiber. These structures, approximately 12 to 14 feet in diameter, were located in small villages near water sources.
Subsistence:
The Serrano people relied on the natural resources of their territory for sustenance. Pine trees provided piñon nuts, black oak trees yielded acorns for Wiic, a traditional food, and yucca plants offered edible blooms and stalks. These foods continue to be harvested today, connecting the present-day tribe to their ancestral practices.
Religion and Spiritual Beliefs:
The Serrano creation story tells of the first people who cared for their creator, Kruktat, as he lay dying in the mountains. Upon his death, the people transformed into pine trees, and their scattered nuts and acorns became sustenance for the Serrano clans who followed.
Modern-Day Presence
Today, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is a thriving community committed to preserving its cultural heritage while actively engaging in economic development and philanthropic endeavors. Their commitment to language revitalization, cultural preservation, and community outreach ensures that the traditions and values of the Yuhaviatam clan continue to flourish. The Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, owned and operated by the tribe, is a major economic engine for the region. The tribe has also made significant contributions to local communities through charitable giving and community development projects.
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Serrano people. Their story is one of cultural survival, adaptation, and a steadfast commitment to preserving their heritage for future generations.