Cabazon Band of Cahuilla Indians facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 38 enrolled members | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| United States (California) | |
| Languages | |
| English, Cahuilla language | |
| Religion | |
| Indigenous religion, Christianity (Roman Catholicism) |
|
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Cahuilla tribes |
The Cabazon Band of Cahuilla Indians is a federally recognized tribe of Cahuilla people. They live in Riverside County, California. This tribe was once known as the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians. Being "federally recognized" means the United States government officially sees them as a sovereign nation with their own government and land.
The Cabazon Reservation
The Cabazon Indian Reservation was created in 1876. It covers about 1,706 acres (690 hectares) of land. You can find it near Coachella, California. It's about 7 miles (11 km) from Indio, California and 18 miles (29 km) from Palm Springs, California. Around 806 people live on the reservation. The Twenty-Nine Palms Reservation is right next to it, to the northwest.
How the Tribe Supports Itself
The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians played a big part in bringing high-stakes bingo to California. They won an important court case called California v. Cabazon Band. This victory helped tribes across the United States gain the right to operate gaming businesses on their lands. Today, everyone in the tribe who wants a job has one.
The Cabazon Band owns Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. This resort has a 250-room hotel, many restaurants like POM Restaurant, Pizza Kitchen, The Bistro, Fresh Grill Buffet, JOY Asian Cuisine, and a Starbucks. It also has other places to eat. The resort also features the Eagle Falls Golf Course.
The Cabazon Cultural Museum is open to everyone for free. You can visit it Mondays through Saturdays. Since 1981, the tribe has hosted the annual Indio Powwow. This event includes dancing, Cahuilla bird singing, drum competitions, and traditional peon games.
Important History
The tribe became well-known in 1987 when they won the important court case, California v. Cabazon Band. This case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court's decision was very important for Native American tribes. It helped tribes gain more control over their own lands and how they run businesses, like casinos. This ruling was a big step for tribal sovereignty, which means tribes have the right to govern themselves.
