Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People facts for kids
The Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People lives near Klamath, California. They are a federally recognized tribe of Yurok people, meaning the United States government officially recognizes them as a Native American tribe. Their land, called a reservation, is completely surrounded by the larger Yurok Indian Reservation.
In 1938, the U.S. government bought 228 acres of land. This land officially became a reservation for the tribe in 1939. Later, in 1975, the tribe's members created their own government. This government was approved by the Secretary of Interior, a high-ranking U.S. official.
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What's in a Name?
The Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People changed its name in 2024. Before this, they were known as the Resighini Rancheria. The word Pulikla is very important to the tribe. It means "downriver people." This name connects them to their traditional lands and way of life along the river.
How the Tribal Government Works
The tribal government started in 1975. Its main office is in Klamath, California. The tribe is led by a group called the Tribal Council. This council has five members who are chosen by the tribe's people through elections. This means it's a democratically elected government.
Many other tribal members help the council. They serve on different groups like boards, committees, and commissions. This helps the government run smoothly and makes sure everyone's voice is heard.
The current Tribal Council members are:
- Chairperson: Fawn Che-gere Murphy
- Vice Chairperson: Moonchay Kari Dowd
- Secretary: Frank Spa-ghe Dowd
- Treasurer: Rhonda Dowd
- Councilmember: Kathy Dowd
In 2003, the tribe created its own tribal court. This court helps manage rules and laws for their community. It also handles matters related to fishing and wildlife on their lands.
Rich Cultural Life
Members of the Pulikla Tribe keep their traditions alive through many cultural practices. They participate in special dances like the Brush Dance, the Jump Dance, and the White Deerskin Dance. These dances are important parts of their heritage and community life.
The Brush Dance
The Brush Dance is a ceremony held to help a sick child. It's also a way to pray for a child to have a long and healthy life. Families gather around a special dance area, usually starting on a Wednesday. A medicine doctor, the child, and the child's family are central to the ceremony. The actual dancing begins on Thursday evening with two dances. Both females and males take part in the dancing.
The Jump Dance
The Jump Dance is another important ceremony that was brought back in 1984. This dance can last for 10 days! It is performed to prevent sickness, bring happiness, and help restore balance in the world. Dancers wear amazing outfits. These include necklaces made of dentalia shells and skirts made from deerskin. They also carry a special Jump Dance basket in their right hand.
The White Deerskin Dance
The White Deerskin Dance is often held around the same time as the Jump Dance. Canoes are used to transport the dancers. Dancers carry poles that have deer heads and deerskins draped over them. This dance is believed to offer protection to the people. Like the Jump Dance, this ceremony has also been recently revived.
Besides dances, tribal members also share traditional stories. They continue the traditions of gathering seaweed, mussels, and other resources from the ocean. These resources are used for making baskets and for fishing. They also fish for salmon, trout, eel, and other species, which is an important part of their food supply.
Community Population
The number of people living on the reservation has been counted in different government surveys. In the year 2000, 36 people were reported living there. The 2020 US Census showed a small increase, with a population of 39 people.
Education for Tribal Youth
The children and young people on the ranchería attend schools in the Del Norte County Unified School District. This district provides education for the community's youth.
