Viejas Group of Capitan Grande Band of Mission Indians facts for kids
Tribal Flag
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| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 394 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| United States (California) | |
| Languages | |
| Ipai, Tipai, English, Spanish | |
| Religion | |
| Traditional tribal religion, Christianity (Roman Catholicism) |
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| Related ethnic groups | |
| other Kumeyaay tribes, Cocopa, Quechan, Paipai, and Kiliwa |
The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians is a Native American tribe. They are part of the larger Kumeyaay people. This tribe is officially recognized by the United States government. This means they have a special relationship with the government.
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Understanding Viejas Tribal Lands
The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians has two main areas of land. These lands are called reservations. A reservation is land set aside for Native American tribes.
The Capitan Grande Reservation
In 1875, the Viejas Band shared the Capitan Grande Reservation. They shared it with another tribe, the Barona Group of Capitan Grande Band of Mission Indians. This land was near what is now the El Capitan Reservoir.
Later, the city of San Diego needed more water. They bought land from the tribes to build the El Capitan Reservoir. This reservoir covered much of the land where the tribes lived. Even today, both tribes still own and manage this land together. It is kept as a natural area.
The Viejas Reservation Today
The Viejas Reservation is also known as the Baron Long Reservation. It is located in San Diego County, California. You can find it in the Cuyamaca Mountains near Alpine.
After losing their homes at Capitan Grande, the Viejas Band received new land. This new reservation was created in 1934. It was set up by a special order from the government. The Viejas Reservation is about 1,609 acres (6.51 km2) in size. About 289 of the 394 tribe members live there.
The land on the reservation has many scrub oaks and chaparral plants. The name "Viejas" comes from a Spanish phrase. It means "The Valley of the Old Women."
How the Viejas Tribe Supports Itself
The Viejas tribe works hard to create jobs and businesses. They use these businesses to support their community. This is called economic development.
Viejas Businesses and Services
The tribe owns and runs several businesses. These include the Viejas Casino and many restaurants. Some of their restaurants are Grove Steakhouse and Far East Winds. They also have the Viejas Outlet Center, which has 57 stores.
The Viejas tribe also owns a bank. It is called Borrego Springs Bank, N.A. This was the first bank in California owned by a Native American tribe. It has branches in Alpine, Borrego Springs, and La Mesa. The tribe also owns two places for recreational vehicles (RVs).
Viejas Entertainment hosts music concerts. They have a large outdoor area that can hold 1,500 people. They also help bring performers to other casinos.
Other Investments and Partnerships
The tribe owns half of a company called Broadcast Company of the Americas. This company runs a sports radio station in San Diego. It is called The Mighty 1090-AM.
The Viejas tribe also works with other tribes. They have formed groups like Four Fires, LLC. This group helps with economic development projects. They also have Three Fires, LLC, with two other tribes.
The tribe even paid San Diego State University $6 million. This payment gave them the right to name the university's sports arena. It is now called the Viejas Arena.
Important Viejas Community Events
The Viejas reservation holds two important yearly ceremonies. One is called the "Clearing of the Cemetery." During this event, tribal members clean and honor their two tribal cemeteries. The other important day is Dia de las Animas, also known as All Souls Day.
