Madera County are home to several Native American cultures, including Mono and Chukchansi tribes. Each of these cultures has a rich history and unique traditions that have shaped their way of life for centuries and shaped much of the region as well.
Yosemite This Year has a great article detailing information on the Tribes of Yosemite and the Southern Yosemite region.
https://www.yosemitethisyear.com/articles/celebrating-local-native-american-cultures
Along with the Washoe of Nevada, here in Alpine County, California we have the community of the Hung A Lel Ti Community. Alpine County hugs the back of the Eastern Sierras, along the border of Nevada and California. A lot of the tribes here in California will provide you with school curriculum upon request.
Resources for history and present events – https://washoetribe.us/departmentlandingpage/516-Page-hungalelti
“Serving students from the Hung-A-Lel-Ti; “The Southern Band of Washoe”, Woodfords Community.”
96 B Washo Blvd
Markleeville, CA 96120
PH 530-694-2964
FAX 530-694-2739
Website: https://www.wiec.website
The Miwuk tribe was most prevalent in Calaveras County. MACT is working on creating a museum dedicated to the Miwuk people which hopefully will be open within the year.
Website: https://californiavalleymiwok.us/
There are many active tribes in our area that still live in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Many tribes at one time lived within the boundaries of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks such as the Mono (Monache), Yokut, Tübatulabal, Paiute, and Western Shoshone. Visitors can explore the local Native American culture in and around Visalia, including Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.
Held each May (May 27, 2023)
Celebrate the arts, culture and food of the Native American Yokuts tribes at Kaweah Oaks Preserve. This event, with support from Sequoia Riverlands Trust and Visit Visalia, will provide a rare opportunity for the public to engage with this region’s indigenous people and celebrate their living culture. Learn about the local indigenous people, the Yokuts Tribe, and explore their art and culture including pine needle baskets, gathering trays, cradleboards, walnut dice, tule ducks, drumming, and fish traps.
The Tulare County Museum houses one of the largest Native American basket collections in California as well as artifacts of the pioneer era, agriculture equipment, restored buildings and many other treasures that tell the history of Tulare County. Mooney Grove – Tulare County Museum
2019 marked the 100th Anniversary of the James Earle Fraser End of the Trail sculpture on display at Mooney Grove. The medicine bag and presence of a strong wind represent the spiritual side while the musculature of the figure represents the strength of the Native American. The piece was created for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco. The original work was not suited to outdoor display and was given to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma. They gave Visalia this bronze cast replica as a thank you.
The Southern Sierra Miwuk are still living in and around Mariposa County (likely Madera County too) and are really active in the local community. There is an event called Mariposa Pow Wow, which happens each year in the spring at the Mariposa Fairgrounds that celebrates local native cultures.
Here are some articles and videos on the Miwuk. There is also a link to the trailer for the film “Miwuk” made by a local film maker, Bill Lowe, who interviewed remaining tribes people still living in the area today.
Paiute Shoshone Tribe and Cultural Center
Paiute-Shoshone Cultural Center Museum provides a variety of artifact exhibits that describe how the area’s first peoples survived and thrived locally. Their exhibits provide physical representations of dwellings, tools including manos and metates as well as clothing including a rabbit skin coat. Pinyon nuts are available at one exhibit for guests to grind on granite rock as Native Americans once did. The Center also hosts an annual Pow Wow and Tatswano Gathering of native crafts, food booths, live music, cultural performances, hand games and more. This family-friendly event is enjoyed by all.
Operated by the Bishop Paiute Tribe, this Cultural Center Museum is designed to capture the spirit and culture of the people. The focus of this museum is to teach visitors the culture and history of the Paiute and Shoshone Indians who lived and still reside in the Owens Valley. Be sure to stop by the gift shop where local artisans display and sell artwork and jewelry.
Website – https://www.bishoppaiutetribe.com/owens-valley-paiute-shoshone-cultural-center/
Get a glimpse of the stunning scenery to see and activities to do in the Sierra Nevada.
French Website