Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay Indians facts for kids
Flag of the Ewiiaapaayp Band
|
|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 7 (2004) 16 (1990) |
|
| Regions with significant populations | |
| United States (California) | |
| Languages | |
| Kumeyaay, English | |
| Religion | |
| Traditional tribal religion, Christianity (Roman Catholicism) |
|
| Related ethnic groups | |
| other Kumeyaay tribes, Cocopa, Quechan, Paipai, and Kiliwa |
The Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay Indians is a Native American tribe. They are part of the Kumeyaay people, who are sometimes called Mission Indians. This tribe is officially recognized by the US government, meaning they have a special relationship with the government. They live in San Diego County, California. The name "Ewiiaapaayp" comes from the Kumeyaay language and means "leaning rock." This name refers to a special rock found on their land.
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About the Ewiiaapaayp Reservation
The Ewiiaapaayp Indian Reservation is the special land set aside for the Ewiiaapaayp tribe. It's located in the Laguna Mountains in southern San Diego County, California. The US Congress created this reservation in 1891.
Main Reservation Land
The main part of the Ewiiaapaayp Reservation is about 4,100 acres (16.6 square kilometers). It is located near Mount Laguna, about 19 miles (30 kilometers) east of Alpine. Most of this land is steep and rocky, with only a small part being flat enough for farming. There are no public services like water or electricity on this main area. Because it's hard to get to, many Ewiiaapaayp families have moved and joined other Kumeyaay tribes.
Little Ewiiaapaayp Reservation
There is a second, smaller piece of land called the Little Ewiiaapaayp Indian Reservation. This land is 10 acres (40,000 square meters) and is located inside Alpine. It was set aside for the tribe in 1986. This land is used by the Southern Indian Health Council. This group provides health care for seven Kumeyaay tribes and other people living in the area.
Life on the Reservation
In recent years, about 13 people lived in seven homes on the reservation. They also raised horses there. The only way to reach the main reservation is by foot, as it's connected by a dirt road that has gates in several places.
Tribal Members
Some of the enrolled members of the Ewiiaapaayp Band include:
- Michael Garcia
- Harlan Pinto, Jr.
- Harlan Pinto, Sr.
- Gloria Pinto
- Robert Pinto, Sr.
- Robert Pinto Jr.
- James Robertson
Economic Activities
In 2006, the tribe started a company called Leaning Rock Water. This company sells bottled drinking water.
Education for Tribal Youth
The small part of the reservation located in Alpine is served by the Alpine Union Elementary School District and the Grossmont Union High School District. The rest of the reservation is served by the Mountain Empire Unified School District.
Annual Gathering and Cultural Events
The Ewiiaapaayp tribe hosts a special three-day event each year called the Ewiiaapaayp Gathering. It takes place at Thing Valley ranch during the last week of July. The public is welcome to attend.
This gathering is a chance to experience Kumeyaay culture. It features:
- Birdsongs
- Basket weaving demonstrations
- How to process acorns for food
- Camping
- Traditional peon games
- A barbecue
