kids encyclopedia robot

Mesa Grande Band of Diegueno Mission Indians facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Mesa Grande Band
of Diegueño Mission Indians
Flag of the Mesa Grande Band of Mission Indians.PNG
Flag of the Mesa Grande Band
Total population
630 enrolled members
Regions with significant populations
United States (California)
Languages
Ipai, English
Religion
Traditional tribal religion,
Christianity (Roman Catholicism)
Related ethnic groups
other Kumeyaay tribes, Cocopa,
Quechan, Paipai, and Kiliwa

The Mesa Grande Band of Diegueño Mission Indians is a Native American tribe. They are part of the larger Kumeyaay people. This tribe is officially recognized by the United States government. They are sometimes called Mission Indians. This name comes from the Spanish missions built in California long ago.

The Mesa Grande Tribe

The Mesa Grande Band is a group of Kumeyaay people. The Kumeyaay are Native Americans who have lived in what is now southern California and northern Baja California for thousands of years. The Mesa Grande Band is one of several Kumeyaay tribes. They work to keep their culture and traditions alive.

What is a Federally Recognized Tribe?

A "federally recognized tribe" means the United States government has a special relationship with the tribe. This relationship is like one between two governments. It means the tribe has certain rights and powers to govern itself. This includes managing their own land and making their own laws.

Their Home: The Mesa Grande Reservation

2190R Mesa Grande Reservation Locator Map
Location of Mesa Grande Reservation

The Mesa Grande Reservation is the official home of the Mesa Grande Band. It is a special area of land set aside for the tribe. This reservation is located in eastern San Diego County, California. It is close to a town called Santa Ysabel.

About the Reservation

The Mesa Grande Reservation was created in 1875. It covers about 1,803 acres (7.3 square kilometers) of land. Not all members of the tribe live on the reservation. About 180 of the 630 enrolled tribal members live there. In 1973, 24 out of 261 members lived on the reservation.

The Reservation in Film

The Mesa Grande Reservation was even featured in a movie! It appeared in the 1936 film called Ramona. This movie was based on a popular novel about early California.

kids search engine
Mesa Grande Band of Diegueno Mission Indians Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.