Our History & Culture

Our ancestors have lived in the Pacific Northwest, in what is now Southern Oregon and Northern California since time immemorial.

The Gold Rush era of the 1850’s was a time of rapid and cataclysmic change for the Local Indian tribes.  Massacres took place at several villages, along with diseases that decimated the local Indian population. 

Despite such upheaval and great loss of life, our culture has survived.  Today, our community is thriving.

During the last two decades, there has been a strong revival of our language and cultural practices.  Many of our traditions have been passed down from one generation to the next and continues to be an important part of our culture today.

Who We Are

The people of our Tribe trace their genealogies back several generations to specific villages in our ancestral territory.  Our dances, language and family ties are aspects of our identity that we value and seek to keep alive.  Having these ancient ties to the land and a unique rich culture, we are dedicated to future self-sufficiency, while respecting our past and preserving our culture for future generations.   

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR HISTORY
Visit the Rancheria Library on your trip to Elk Valley

Archival Images

Our history has been photographically documented over the past century and many of these images survive in the collections of our library, museum, and families. We will add to this gallery as we locate and archive more!

Archival Photo of an elegant couple getting married
Archival photo of a Native American family in California
Archival photo of a proud mother holding her child
Two Native American U.S. Service members on base
Archival photo of a couple outside their house
Archival school photo of an Native American woman
Archival photo of Frank and Ethel Gorbets
A wounded veteran with his grandmother
Family posing for a photograph
Girl in native American dress
Archival photo of a Native American woman
An old Native American man outside his house