Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 4,146 people living on the reservation | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| United States (California) | |
| Languages | |
| English, Cahuilla language | |
| Religion | |
| traditional tribal religion, Christianity (Roman Catholicism and Protestantism) |
|
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Cahuilla |
The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians are a group of Cahuilla people. They are a federally recognized tribe, which means the United States government officially recognizes them as a sovereign nation with their own government and land. They live in Imperial and Riverside counties in California. Their special name for themselves is Mau-Wal-Mah Su-Kutt Menyil. This name comes from the Cahuilla language and means "among the palms, deer moon."
Their Home: The Torres Martinez Indian Reservation
The Torres Martinez Indian Reservation is a special area of land set aside for the tribe. It is located in Imperial and Riverside Counties and covers a large area of about 24,024 acres (or about 9,722 hectares). This reservation was created in 1876. It was named after a village called Toro and the Martinez Indian Agency.
A big event happened in 1905 when the Colorado River changed its path. Water flowed into the area, creating a large lake known today as the Salton Sea. Many tribal members moved to the mountains because their old stories and legends had warned them about a lake that would come and go. Nearly half of their reservation land was eventually covered by the Salton Sea.
As of 2010, about 5,594 people lived on the reservation.
Making a Living: Economic Development
The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians operate a business to support their community. They own and run the Red Earth Casino, which is located in Salton City, California. This casino helps create jobs and brings money to the tribe.
