Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians facts for kids
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
 United States ( California) |
|
| Languages | |
| English, Nomlaki | |
| Religion | |
| traditional tribal religion, Christianity | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| other Wintu people, and Patwin |
The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians is a Native American tribe. In their own language, they are called Nomlāqa Bōda. They are a federally recognized tribe of the Nomlaki people. The Nomlaki are an indigenous people of California. They traditionally lived in what is now Tehama and Glenn counties in California.
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About the Paskenta Nomlaki Tribe
The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians has about 240 members today. The tribe is led by a group called the Tribal Council. This council has five members. They are the tribal chairperson, vice-chairperson, treasurer, secretary, and a member at large. These five leaders are chosen by the tribe's General Council.
History of the Nomlaki People
Long ago, there were two main groups of Nomlaki Indians in California. These were the Hill Nomlaki and the River Nomlaki. The Paskenta Nomlaki are from the Hill Nomlaki group. They lived in the area east of the Coastal Range. This land is now known as Tehama and Glenn counties.
Traditional Nomlaki Life
Nomlaki tribes lived in villages. Each village had a leader called a chieftain. These villages were home to about 25 to 200 people. The chief's house was the biggest in the village. It was also the center of village life. It faced the village's water source. Other houses were made from bent saplings, vines, and thatch. They all faced the chief's house.
The Nomlaki people ate many different foods. Their main foods included acorns, grass seeds, and tubers. They also hunted deer, elk, rabbits, birds, and fish. All men hunted, but some were especially good at certain ways of hunting. They used bows and arrows, clubs, nets, snares, and traps. Women often worked together to gather seeds and tubers. They gathered at least eight kinds of acorns. In the spring, they collected salt from stream banks.
The Paskenta Rancheria
The Paskenta Rancheria was created in 1906 and 1909. This happened along with other Wintu Rancherias. By 1920, the rancheria was 260 acres big. However, in 1959, the rancheria was ended. This was due to a law called the California Rancheria Termination Act. The tribe's lands were then sold to people who were not Native American.
Even though they lost their official status, the Paskenta Band kept their tribal identity. They worked hard to be recognized again as a Native American tribe. Finally, in 1994, the United States government gave the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians their full tribal status back. Their rancheria today is much larger, at 2000 acres.
The main office for the Paskenta Band is in Corning, California. The current tribal chairperson is Andrew “Dru” Alejandre. He followed Andy Freeman and Everett Freeman. Everett Freeman was very important in helping the tribe get its recognition back.
Community Programs
The Paskenta Band created the Rolling Hills Community Development Foundation. This foundation helps local groups in their efforts. It works to improve and develop the North State area. The Foundation provides money for programs. These programs aim to help with higher education. They also support activities that improve the economy in local counties. The foundation also helps with activities that make life better for local residents and nearby communities.
Economic Development
The tribe owns and runs the Rolling Hills Casino. It is located in Corning, California, right off I-5. The Casino has many different games. These include video games, traditional slot machines, and table games. The Rolling Hills Casino also has several places to eat. Some of these are Six Two Eight Steakhouses, Rock & Brews, Brews Hall, and Double Down Cafe.
In 1999, the tribe made an agreement with California. This agreement allowed them to have Class III gaming on their land. Building the Rolling Hills Casino started soon after. The casino first opened its doors in 2002.
