Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 350 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| United States (California) | |
| Languages | |
| English, Pomoan languages | |
| Religion | |
| Traditional Tribal religion, Christianity, Kuksu | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Pomo tribes |
The Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California is an official Native American tribe. They are recognized by the United States government. This tribe is part of the larger Pomo people in California.
The tribe's special land is called the Sherwood Valley Rancheria. It is located in Mendocino County. This area is close to the town of Willits, California, right off Highway 101. The rancheria is about 356 acres (1.44 km2) in size. The land on the reservation is known as the old and new rancheria areas.
Contents
History of the Pomo People
The Sherwood Valley Rancheria is home to Coastal Pomo Indians. These people are the original inhabitants of Sonoma and Mendocino Counties in northern California. Their historic community was known as Kulá Kai Pomo. They traditionally lived along the upper parts of the Eel River. The Pomo people spoke the Pomo language. The last traditional leader of the Kulá Kai Pomo was named Lunkaya.
First Contact with Europeans
In the 1800s, Russian explorers were the first non-Native people to meet the Pomo. The Russians set up outposts, like Fort Ross in Sonoma County. After the Russians left, more European-Americans arrived. They came to Pomo lands to search for gold during the mid-1800s California Gold Rush.
Changes to Pomo Lands
During the Gold Rush, Pomo tribes in California were forced to leave their traditional lands. These lands were taken for new settlements and for gold mining. The Pomo Indians were moved to small reservations. These special areas were called rancherias. The U.S. government created these rancherias for Native American tribes who had lost their homes. The Sherwood Valley Rancheria was one of these new homes.
About the Sherwood Valley Tribe
The Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians has more than 450 members. About 179 of these members live on the reservation land. The tribe owns a business called Sherwood Valley Rancheria Casino and Creekside Cafe. This business used to be known as the Black Bart Casino. It is located in Willits on land the tribe bought in 1987.
Working with Other Tribes
The Sherwood Valley Rancheria tribe is part of the InterTribal Sinkyone Wilderness Council. This council is a group of Northern California tribal nations. They work together to protect the environment and their cultural heritage. The council includes members from 10 official tribes in Mendocino and Lake counties.
Since it started in 1986, the council has worked to protect important cultural lands. These lands are along the North Coast. They are within the traditional territory of the Sinkyone tribe.
