This page links to resources for each of the Traditionally Associated Tribes made by the Tribes themselves. Please explore these links to learn more about each Nation.
Bishop Paiute Tribe Bishop Paiute Tribe“The Bishop Paiute Tribe is a federally recognized Indian tribe, located in northern Owens Valley (Piya Hüüp in our language), between the Sierra Nevada to the west and the White Mountains to the east. This beautiful scenic area is often referred to as the Eastern Sierra and is located in Inyo County. The approximately two thousand enrolled tribal members make the Bishop Paiute community the fifth largest populated Indian reservation in California” -- Voices of the People, pg 204
Bridgeport Indian Colony Bridgeport Indian Colony“Pogaitu, “The Big Valley Full of Grass, Clovers, and Sunflowers” once referred to as Big Meadows by the early white settlers and now commonly known as Bridgeport Valley, has always been a homeland of the Paiute people. This homeland has not been confined or limited to Bridgeport Valley, but extends far into the corridors of Yosemite National Park and its many lush meadows and valleys. This local band of Paiute people, prehistorically and traditionally known as the Pogai-dukadu, have a closely bonded and intimate relationship with these high lands, some of which are now referred to as a wilderness and national park. The lines and borders that we now see on maps, the dividing of here from there, are of no relevant bearing to us. The overall corralling of life and land still being a new concept and hard to be internally fathomed, especially by those whose beliefs come from a different cultural perspective on the purpose and meaning of life. The land is open, and as we look upon Creation we see that it was made, in a major part, for people and, in turn, people for the land.” -- Voices of the People, pg 90
Mono Lake Kootzaduka'a Tribe Mono Lake Kootzaduka’a Tribe of California and Nevada“The Kootzaduka’a, the southernmost band of the Numu (northern Paiute), have resided in the Mono Lake-Yosemite region since time immemorial. The Kootzaduka’a (also spelled Kutzadika or Kuzedika in other publications and elsewhere) lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle as they migrated throughout the Mono Lake-Yosemite region following available game and harvesting plants at the appropriate times, speaking the local dialect of Numu Yadooana.” -- Voices of the People, pg 125
North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California“Munahoo (hello), we are the Western Mono (North Fork Mono). Protecting, sustaining, and enhancing the health, welfare, culture, and future of the tribe is an ongoing mission.”
Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians“Before the gold rush, before the Spanish came into the mountains to steal the children—long before—the Chukchansi lived with the land. They shared the land with the plants and animals that they depended on for food and healing. They were grateful for the sun, the rain, and the springs that bubbled from the earth. The Chukchansi way of life was sustainable and the spirit of the land was celebrated with gratitude and respect.” -- Voices of the People, pg 63
Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation (American Indian Council of Mariposa County, Inc.)“In our language, Miwuk means “people.” It is told by our elders that in the beginning, the earth was inhabited only by animals. ... Our tribal elders passed down the stories, songs, traditions, and wisdom of our ways to the generations. Today, as in the past, the elders are the foundation from which we learn the old ways and teach future generations.” -- Voices of the People, pg 30
Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians“The Me-Wuk have been in the area around the Sierra Nevada for thousands of years. Despite the decimating effects of the gold rush era in California, the tribe has been able to survive. The Tribe’s modern lands were established in 1906 by the federal government. Though land was set aside, the tribe struggled for many years, but through the perseverance and dedicated of its members, the tribe has made great strides.” -- Voices of the People, pg 166, from Tribal Chairman Kevin Day
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Last updated: October 7, 2026