Pit River Tribe facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 1,800 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
California,  United States |
|
| Languages | |
| English, Achumawi and Atsugewi | |
| Religion | |
| traditional tribal religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Achumawi, Atsugewi, and other Pit River bands |
The Pit River Tribe is a group of eleven different Native American bands. They are officially recognized by the United States government as a tribe. Most members of the Pit River Tribe live along the Pit River in the northeastern part of California. Sometimes, their name is spelled "Pitt River" in old records.
Contents
Meet the Pit River Bands
The Pit River Tribe is made up of eleven unique bands. Each band has its own history and traditions. These bands include:
Languages of the Pit River People
The Pit River bands originally spoke two languages that were related. Nine of the bands spoke Achumawi. The other two bands, Atsuge and Apwaruke, spoke Atsugewi. These languages are part of a language family called Palaihnihan.
Today, most members of the tribe speak English. Sadly, the Achumawi language is now critically endangered, meaning very few people still speak it. The Atsugewi language is no longer spoken by anyone, which means it is extinct.
Where Pit River People Live Today
The Pit River Tribe lives in different places across Shasta County and Modoc County. These areas include:
- Big Bend Rancheria, Shasta County: This area is about 40 acres and has a population of 10 people.
- Likely Rancheria, Modoc County: This small area, 1.32 acres, is used as a tribal cemetery.
- Lookout Rancheria, Modoc County: This rancheria is 40 acres and has 10 people living there.
- Montgomery Creek Rancheria, Shasta County: This area is 72 acres and has a population of 15.
- Roaring Creek Rancheria, Shasta County: This rancheria is 80 acres and has 14 people.
- XL Ranch, Modoc County: This is the largest area at 9,254.86 acres, with a population of 40.
The tribe also owns other lands held in trust for them. These lands are located in Lake County, California, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, and Shasta Counties.
How the Pit River Tribe is Governed
The Pit River Tribe manages its affairs from Burney, California. The tribe was officially recognized by the government in 1976. They wrote and approved their own constitution in 1987. Each of the eleven bands has a representative on the tribal council. This council helps make important decisions for the tribe.
The Pit River Tribe's Constitution
In August 1964, the Pit River Tribe officially adopted its own Constitution. The beginning of their Constitution explains their goals. It says they want to protect their rights and powers as a sovereign (self-governing) group. They also aim to develop and protect their ancestral lands and resources. Other goals include keeping peace, helping their people, and preserving their land, culture, and identity for future generations.
The Pit River Tribe had a disagreement about a land claim. They were encouraged to join a larger claim with other California tribes in 1963. However, the tribe decided not to accept the money offered for their land.
A Look at Pit River History
The Pit River area has a long and rich history.
Ancient Times: Before 1800
For thousands of years, the Pit River bands lived well in their homeland. Many villages were located along the Achoma, which is what they called the Pit River. They also lived on the nearby plains, hills, mountains, and valleys. The people used the natural resources of their land very wisely. They hunted deer, salmon, trout, rabbits, and birds. They also gathered acorns, roots, herbs, and fruits when they were in season.
Around 200 AD, a new tool, the bow and arrow, was introduced to the Pit River area. Before Europeans arrived, the Native Americans in this region were thriving. The eleven bands had similar ways of life but also unique differences in their languages and customs. Some bands lived in simple pit houses in small family villages along the Pit River. They often moved around their territory to find the best food sources. They also moved to higher ground when rivers flooded during the rainy season.
Archaeological finds and early studies show that a rich culture existed in the Pit River territory. Pit River artists and craftspeople used basalt and obsidian from Glass Mountain to make tools and weapons. Obsidian arrowheads and flakes from tool-making have been found throughout the valley.
European Arrival and Conflict: 1827-1868
Between 1827 and the 1830s, European-American and Canadian fur trappers and explorers started passing through the Pit River area. In the 1830s, many Pit River natives sadly died from new diseases brought by these newcomers.
In 1848, California became part of the United States. The Gold Rush began in 1849, bringing many new people to California. Some of these newcomers were very cruel to Native Americans. From 1851 to 1853, new laws were made that took away Native Americans' land rights. This meant the Pit River Indians had no treaties or protections for their land.
During the 1850s and 1860s, more white settlers moved into Pit River territory. This caused the Pit River people to lose their homes and changed the natural environment. The settlers often did not respect nature's balance. They grazed their cattle and horses in areas where the Pit River people hunted and gathered food. Settlers began to take over and fence off the land.
The United States government, military, and settlers invaded the Pit River region. They attacked, displaced, and killed many Pit River Indians. No treaties or payments were made for the land that was taken. The European invaders tragically destroyed much of the Pit River native population and their way of life. Pit River people were repeatedly killed in many incidents, including battles like the "Wintoon War" and the "Pit River War."
One account describes attacks in 1858. Soldiers known as Kibbe's Guards were very effective at killing Indians. Many Indians surrendered because they faced death or starvation. Others were captured, and countless numbers were killed. Their villages and food supplies were destroyed.
In 1859, 700 captured Pit River Indians were forced to go to the Round Valley Reservation. This was a place where they were held against their will. While the main war ended in 1859, some Pit River Indians remained hidden. Over 500 of those who were sent away eventually returned home. However, they found that white settlers had taken over even more of their land.
By 1868, the U.S. Army took control of many areas along the Pit River. Many stories of brutal killings of Pit River people have been passed down through their oral traditions. The Pit River area was also affected by economic changes. In 1878, government timber land went on sale. This allowed people to buy large amounts of land cheaply. As a result, the area was heavily logged. Today, too much logging in the Big Bend region is still an environmental problem. Most of the diverse forests have been destroyed by clear-cutting and other industrial logging. They have been replaced by tree farms.
The arrival of European-American settlers made the Pit River people unsafe. It also disrupted their traditional food supply. The Pit River people never signed a treaty with the United States or California. Their land was simply taken without their consent. Many Pit River people were forced from their homes, and some were murdered for their land. Some returned or resettled nearby when they could. However, countless people were separated from their families and traditional food sources. Into the 1900s, many Pit River people lived in poverty. Some worked as ranch hands, mill workers, or forestry workers.
The Pit River Tribe Today
Today, the Pit River people continue to live in what is now called Shasta County and across the West. Some still hunt and gather in their traditional places. They also pray at their sacred sites throughout their homeland. The Pit River Tribe is a federally recognized tribe with its headquarters in Burney, California. Their tribal council includes representatives from each of the eleven bands. The tribe operates several "Rancheria" and "allotment" reservations. They also run a casino, a gas station, and a convenience store.
Traditional Plant Uses (Ethnobotany)
The Pit River people used plants in many ways. For example, they used amelanchier wood to create a type of body armor. This wood was made into a heavy robe or overcoat and corset armor for fighting. Members of the Pit River tribe also sold taxus brevifolia wood to the Ukiah.
Bulbs dug from meadows and acorns from oak trees were very important food sources. These plants were ground up and stored for use during the winter months.
Notable Pit River Members
- Jean LaMarr, a talented artist
- Darryl Babe Wilson, a well-known writer and storyteller
