Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
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| Country | United States | ||
| State | California | ||
| County | Riverside | ||
| Area | |||
| • Land | 31.6102 sq mi (81.870 km2) | ||
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 27,090 | ||
| Time zone | UTC−8 (Pacific Time Zone) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−7 (Pacific Daylight Time) | ||
| Area code(s) | 760/442 | ||
| Website | https://www.aguacaliente.org | ||
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 2010: 410 alone and in combination | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| United States (California) | |
| Languages | |
| English, Cahuilla language | |
| Religion | |
| Traditional Tribal religion, Catholic and Christianity | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Cahuilla people |
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is a Native American tribe. They are a federally recognized tribe, which means the United States government officially recognizes them. This tribe is part of the larger Cahuilla people.
Their home is the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation in Riverside County, California. The Cahuilla people lived in the Coachella Valley desert and nearby mountains for thousands of years. Over time, the Cahuilla were divided into 10 separate nations, and the Agua Caliente Band is one of them.
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Discover the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation
The Agua Caliente Indian Reservation was created on May 15, 1876. President Ulysses S. Grant signed an official order to set aside this land. It first covered about 31,610 acres (about 12,790 hectares). Later, in 1877 and 1907, the reservation grew to cover about 32,000 acres (about 12,950 hectares).
A large part of the reservation, about 6,700 acres (about 2,710 hectares), is located within Palm Springs, California. This makes the tribe the biggest landowner in the city. The tribe also owns the beautiful Indian Canyons, which are southwest of Palm Springs. These canyons are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They also own land in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.
The Cahuilla Language: A Special Heritage
The Agua Caliente Reservation was one of the places where people spoke the "Pass" dialect of the Cahuilla language. This language is part of a larger group called Uto-Aztecan languages.
Sadly, the Cahuilla language dialects are not spoken at home anymore. Children are no longer learning them as their first language. The last person who spoke Pass Cahuilla as their native language passed away in 2008. However, the tribe is working hard to bring their language back to life!
How the Tribe Supports Its Members and Community
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians has many programs. These programs help their tribal members and support the local community.
Tribal Programs and Family Services
In 2003, the tribe started Tribal Family Services. This group helps tribal members with social and educational programs. They also work on preserving their culture, helping with child development, and offering scholarships for education.
The Jane Augustine Patencio Cemetery provides burial services for tribal members.
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum: Preserving History
The tribe opened the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum in Palm Springs in 1991. This museum keeps important collections and historical records. It also has a research library and different exhibits that change over time. The museum even hosts an annual film festival!
Fun and Entertainment: Spa Resorts and Casinos
The tribe owns several popular casinos and resorts. These include the Agua Caliente Palm Springs (which used to be called Spa Resort Casino) in downtown Palm Springs. They also own the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage, California. This resort has a hotel, a fitness center, a spa, lounges, and many restaurants.
A third casino opened in Cathedral City, California in 2020. The tribe added 13 acres of land to build this casino. The Agua Caliente Band is the only tribe in California that owns more than one casino.
Explore the Beautiful Indian Canyons
Tahquitz Canyon is southwest of downtown Palm Springs. You can go hiking there and take guided tours. The Indian Canyons, which include Palm Canyon, Murray Canyon, and Andreas Canyon, are south of Palm Springs. These canyons are also great for hiking, horseback riding, and tours.
Enjoy a Round of Golf
The tribe also has two golf courses in Indian Canyon. These courses are open for everyone to enjoy.
Notable Tribal Members
Some tribal leaders have been honored with "Golden Palm Stars" on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. These include:
- Richard Milanovich – A former Chair of the Agua Caliente Band.
- Reid D. Milanovich – Current Chair and former Vice Chair of the Agua Caliente Band.
- Flora Agnes Patencio – A respected Cahuilla Indian elder.
- Ray Leonard Patencio – A Cahuilla Indian leader.
- Peter Siva – A Cahuilla Tribal Chair.
