The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians of California stand as a testament to resilience and adaptation in the face of historical adversity. A federally recognized tribe, they are descendants of the Chemehuevi people, a Southern Paiute group with deep roots in the arid landscapes of the American Southwest. Their history is intricately woven with the story of the Oasis of Mara, a life-sustaining spring located near what is now Joshua Tree National Park in California. Today, the tribe maintains a presence near the city of Twentynine Palms, as well as in the Coachella Valley, continuing to assert their sovereignty and cultural identity.
Origins and Traditional Territory
The Chemehuevi, whose name is sometimes used interchangeably with Southern Paiute, were traditionally a nomadic people, traversing a vast territory encompassing parts of present-day Utah, Arizona, and southern Nevada. This expansive range reflected their intimate knowledge of the desert environment and their ability to thrive in its challenging conditions. Their ancestral lands stretched from the Colorado River Valley westward, reaching the Tehachapi Mountains and extending north to Death Valley and south to the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains.
The name "Chemehuevi" itself carries historical and cultural significance, though its precise meaning is debated. Some scholars suggest it translates to "those who play with fish," a reference to their presence and activities along the Colorado River. Others propose interpretations related to their reddish-painted faces, a distinctive cultural practice. Regardless of the etymology, the name serves as a marker of their distinct identity within the broader Southern Paiute family. The tribe’s own name for themselves is Nuwu, meaning simply "the People."
The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians of California trace their specific lineage back to a group of Chemehuevi who, in 1867, settled at the Oasis of Twenty-Nine Palms, also known as the Oasis of Mara. This verdant spot, fed by natural springs, provided a crucial source of water and sustenance in the arid environment, attracting both humans and wildlife.
The Oasis became a focal point for the tribe, and in the 1870s, additional families, including the Mikes, joined the existing community, living alongside the Pine and Ramirez families. The Mike family, in particular, forms the core of the modern-day membership of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band, demonstrating the importance of familial continuity in preserving tribal identity.
Dispossession and Adaptation
The latter half of the 19th century brought significant challenges to the Chemehuevi and other Native American tribes. In 1853, the U.S. federal government declared their ancestral lands to be "public domain," effectively opening them up to settlement and exploitation by non-Native Americans. This act of dispossession forced many Chemehuevi to migrate westward, seeking refuge in the more remote areas of the Mojave Desert.
The arrival of settlers and their livestock placed immense pressure on the fragile desert ecosystem. The livestock depleted the plant resources that both the Chemehuevi and the animals they hunted relied upon. Furthermore, the settlers’ use of firearms decimated the animal populations, further jeopardizing the Chemehuevi’s traditional way of life.
Faced with dwindling resources and increasing encroachment, the Chemehuevi were forced to adapt. Many sought wage labor, working in agriculture in the Indio and Banning areas. Despite these economic shifts, they endeavored to maintain their cultural practices and seasonal rounds, returning to Twentynine Palms for part of the year.
Reservation Lands and Tribal Governance
The U.S. government established the Twenty-Nine Palms Reservation in 1895, ostensibly to provide the tribe with a land base. However, the initial reservation site was located away from the vital Oasis of Mara, lacked water, and proved unsuitable for habitation. This decision reflects a pattern of neglect and misunderstanding that characterized U.S. Indian policy during this era.
Today, the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians of California maintains two distinct reservation parcels. The first, established in 1895, is located near the city of Twentynine Palms in San Bernardino County, encompassing 402 acres adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park. The second reservation is situated in Riverside County, near the cities of Indio and Coachella.
The Riverside County reservation has a complex history. Originally shared with the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, it was divided by Congressional Act in 1976. This division, a rare occurrence in U.S. history, reflects the ongoing efforts of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band to assert their sovereignty and secure a viable land base.
The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians of California government operates from its tribal headquarters in Coachella, California. Further details regarding their specific governmental structure, including the number of council members, election processes, and constitutional amendments, are publicly available through direct contact with the tribe.
Cultural Preservation and Economic Development
Despite the challenges they have faced, the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians of California have remained committed to preserving their cultural heritage. Tribal elders play a vital role in transmitting knowledge of their language, traditions, and spiritual beliefs through oral storytelling, songs, and ceremonies. While specific details about traditional ceremonies and dances are often kept within the community, the tribe actively promotes awareness of their cultural heritage through various educational initiatives.
In recent decades, the Twenty-Nine Palms Band has focused on economic development to improve the lives of its members and ensure its long-term sustainability. In 1995, the tribe established the Spotlight 29 Casino in Coachella, followed by the Tortoise Rock Casino in Twentynine Palms in 2014. These enterprises provide employment opportunities and generate revenue that supports tribal programs and services.
Historical Events and Contemporary Relationships
The history of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band is marked by several significant events. The establishment of the Chemehuevi Burial Ground in Twentynine Palms in 1976 served as a formal recognition of the tribe’s ancestral connection to the area. The tragic "Willie Boy incident" in 1909, involving the death of a tribal member, led to a temporary relocation of the community to other reservations.
The tribe has also cultivated working relationships with external organizations, including Joshua Tree National Park and local businesses. These partnerships reflect a commitment to collaboration and a desire to ensure the continued well-being of the community.
Resources for Further Exploration
For those interested in learning more about the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians of California, several resources are available. "A Chemehuevi Song: The Resilience of a Southern Paiute Tribe" offers a comprehensive history of the tribe, drawing on individual and family stories. Other valuable resources include "Southern Paiutes: Legends, Lore, Language and Lineage," "Boundaries Between: The Southern Paiutes, 1775-1995," and "Survival Arts Of The Primitive Paiutes."