The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians are a vibrant and resilient federally recognized tribe, embodying a rich heritage that intertwines Cahuilla and Chemehuevi ancestry. Designated as one of the California Mission Indians, their story is etched within the landscapes of Southern California, resonating with centuries of tradition, adaptation, and cultural persistence. This article delves into the history, culture, governance, and contemporary life of the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, painting a comprehensive portrait of their enduring legacy.
Official Tribal Information
The formal name of the tribe is the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians. Their administrative hub is located at 66725 Martinez Rd, P.O. Box 1160, Thermal, CA 92274. They can be reached by phone at 619-397-8144 and via fax at 760-397-3925. For general inquiries and information, their official website, www.torresmartinez.org, serves as a valuable resource. The tribe’s official email address is webmaster@torresmartinez.org. Their recognition status is Federally Recognized.
Nomenclature and Identity
The traditional name, Mau-Wal-Mah Su-Kutt Menyil, translates evocatively to "among the palms, deer moon," capturing the essence of their ancestral connection to the land and its natural rhythms. The term "Cahuilla" itself carries significant weight, interpreted as "the master," "the powerful one," or "the one who rules," reflecting the tribe’s historical influence and leadership within the region.
Historically, the tribe was also known as the Torres-Martinez Band of Cahuilla Mission Indians of California, a name that acknowledges their connection to the California Mission system and their unique blend of Cahuilla heritage.
Geographic and Cultural Context
The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians reside within the California cultural region, a land rich in diversity and history. Their traditional territory encompassed a vast area in Southern California, bordered by the San Bernardino Mountains to the north, Borrego Springs and the Chocolate Mountains to the south, the Colorado Desert to the east, and the San Jacinto Plain and the eastern slopes of the Palomar Mountains to the west. This strategic location placed them at the crossroads of diverse ecosystems and cultural interactions.
They are associated with both the California Mission Indians and the broader Cahuilla Tribes confederacies, reflecting their complex historical and cultural affiliations.
Land and Reservation
The tribe’s primary land base is the Torres-Martinez Reservation, a federal reservation situated in Imperial and Riverside Counties, California. Established in 1876, the reservation derives its name from the village of Toro and the Martinez Indian Agency, key landmarks in the tribe’s history. The reservation encompasses approximately 24,024 acres (9,722 hectares), serving as a vital space for tribal governance, cultural preservation, and economic development. The Tribal Headquarters are located in Thermal, California, operating within the Pacific Time Zone.
Population Dynamics
Before European contact, the collective Cahuilla bands, who occupied a significant portion of Riverside County and the northern part of San Diego County, numbered between 6,000 and 10,000 people. Some estimates place the population as high as 15,000. There were once 22 bands of Cahuilla. As of 2010, the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians had 5,594 enrolled members, reflecting their continued growth and resilience as a tribal nation.
Governance and Political Structure
The tribe operates under a constitution adopted on November 9, 1997, which was later amended on November 20, 2004. The Tribal Council serves as the governing body, consisting of two council members and executive officers. These officers include a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer, each playing a critical role in the tribe’s administrative and political affairs.
Linguistic Heritage
The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians speak the Cahuilla language, a member of the Takic branch of the Uto-Aztecan language family. This linguistic affiliation connects them to a broader network of indigenous peoples across the Americas, tracing their ancestral roots back to the present-day state of Nevada. Within the Takic family, Cahuilla is most closely related to Cupeño, Juaneño, and Luiseño, and more distantly to Gabrielino, Kitanemuk, Serrano, and Tataviam.
Historically, three distinct dialects of Cahuilla existed: Desert Cahuilla, Mountain Cahuilla, and Pass Cahuilla. The Torres Martinez Band specifically spoke the Desert Cahuilla dialect, reflecting their geographic location and cultural identity.
Unfortunately, the Cahuilla language is now considered nearly extinct. A 1990 census revealed only 35 speakers within an ethnic population of 800, with most speakers being middle-aged or older. In pre-contact times, it is estimated that there were around 2,500 speakers of Cahuilla. Today, there are only a handful of first-language speakers, making language revitalization efforts a critical priority for the tribe.
Cultural Traditions and Social Organization
The Cahuilla were traditionally divided into three groups based on their geographic region: Desert Cahuilla, Mountain Cahuilla, and Western (San Gorgonio Pass) Cahuilla. Despite their geographic separation, all three groups shared the Cahuilla language, similar lifestyles, and common traditions. There are nine Cahuilla Indian nations living on ten indian reservations.
The Cahuilla people were also organized into two moieties: Wildcat and Coyote. These moieties played a significant role in social organization, kinship relations, and ceremonial practices.
Affiliations and Relationships
The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians maintain relationships with other Cahuilla tribes, including the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians, Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Cahuilla Band of Mission Indians, Ramona Band of Cahuilla Indians, Santa Rosa Band of Mission Indians, and Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla Indians. These affiliations reflect their shared history, cultural heritage, and ongoing collaboration on various issues.
Contemporary Life and Economic Development
Today, the tribe owns and operates the Red Earth Casino in Salton City, California. The 10,000 square foot casino opened in 2007 and features slot machines and table games.
The Torres-Martinez Historical District, comprising three buildings believed to be the oldest standing Indian Agency buildings in California, was placed on the National Registry of Historical Places in 1973 and is a California Point of Historical Interest. This recognition underscores the tribe’s commitment to preserving their historical landmarks and cultural heritage.
Historical Challenges
The tribe has faced significant challenges throughout its history. A catastrophic event occurred in 1905-1907 when approximately 12,000 acres of the Reservation were flooded by the Colorado River during the formation of the Salton Sea. These lands remain submerged to this day, underscoring the lasting impact of environmental changes on the tribe’s territory and resources.
In the News
The tribe has also been featured in news articles regarding their plans to grow medical cannabis on tribal land.
Conclusion
The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians are a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of Native American communities. Despite historical challenges, cultural disruptions, and linguistic losses, they have persevered in preserving their cultural heritage, strengthening their tribal governance, and promoting economic development for their members. Their story is a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring indigenous voices, protecting tribal sovereignty, and supporting the revitalization of Native languages and traditions. The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians continue to shape their own future while honoring their rich past, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of California’s cultural landscape. The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians remain a sovereign nation.