Chilula facts for kids

The Chilula were a Native American tribe. They lived in northern California, near Redwood Creek. Their language was similar to the Hupa and Whilkut tribes. People sometimes called them the "Bald Hills Indians." They lived in this area for hundreds of years before Europeans arrived.

The Chilula built over 20 villages. These villages were mostly on the eastern side of Redwood Creek. This side had valleys and small streams. The western side was harder to reach. Neighboring tribes, like the Hupa and Karuk, called them the "Bald Hills People." Sometimes, they were also known as the "Lower Redwood Indians." Because they were close to the Hupa, they are also called the "Lower Redwood Creek Hupa." Some people even consider them a subgroup of the Whilkut tribe.

Today, many Chilula descendants are part of the Hoopa Valley Tribe. This tribe lives in Hoopa, California. Other descendants are part of the Moon Creek Corporation.

Chilula Villages and Homes

The Chilula tribe had at least 20 villages. Some of these villages had names like k'ina'-xontah-ding and mis-me'. Groups of Chilula people lived in these small villages. Each village usually had about thirty people. Most of these homes were on the east side of Redwood Creek. This side was sunnier and had fewer dense trees.

The Chilula also had temporary camps. They stayed in these camps during the summer and fall. These camps were often high on a ridge. They were usually near a cool stream. The Chilula's permanent homes were in the Redwood Creek basin. These houses were square. They were made from large pieces of redwood. Smaller pieces of wood were used to make things like drum frames.

The houses were built over dug-out pits. A special plank with notches served as a stairway. This plank led down into the pit. Near the center of the pit, there was a scooped-out area. This area was surrounded by stones. It was used for fires to keep warm and cook.

Chilula's Lasting Impact

The Chilula tribe is remembered in different ways. For example, a large U.S. Navy ship was named after them. This ship was a tugboat called the USS Chilula (ATF-153). It was named in 1945. Later, in 1958, it became a United States Coast Guard Cutter. It served until 1991.