Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians facts for kids
Total population | |
---|---|
168 tribal members on the rancheria, 285 enrolled (1995) |
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Regions with significant populations | |
United States ( California) | |
Languages | |
English, Central Sierra Miwok language | |
Related ethnic groups | |
other Miwok and Yokut peoples |
The Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians is a federally recognized tribe of Miwok people in Tuolumne County, California. The Tuolumne Band are central Sierra Miwok people. Annually, in September, the tribe holds an acorn festival and intertribal gathering.
Reservation
The Tuolumne Rancheria (37°58′51″N 120°14′17″W / 37.98083°N 120.23806°W) is a 792.69 acre federal Indian reservation in Tuolumne County, at the western base of the Sierra Nevada. It is located near Yosemite National Park. The rancheria was established in 1910, and had a population of 150 in 1990. In 1995 the population was 168. The reservation lies in and just north of the township of Tuolumne. The Tribe owns, as private property (not Indian Reservation), an additional 1,510.41 acres of land. Other nearby communities include Twain Harte, Soulsbyville, and Mono Vista.
Economics
The Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians economic arm is the Tuolumne Economic Development Authority (TEDA), through which many of the construction projects for the Tribe are planned and completed.
The Tribe owns and operates several business in Tuolumne County, the most prominent of which is the Black Oak Casino Resort, which includes a casino, a hotel, an arcade with bowling alley, and several restaurants, bars, and lounges. The Tribal Gaming Agency (TGA) was established by the Tribe to regulate, license, investigate, and monitor all gaming activities at these facilities.
Other economic ventures pursued by the Tribe and TEDA, which are often affiliated with Black Oak Casino Resort, but not managed by the Resort, include the Teleli Golf Course, the Westside Pavilion Music & Event Venue, the RV Park at Black Oak, the Bear Creek Gas Station, the Tuolumne Square Shopping Center, and the Native Plant Nursery.