The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, or in their own language Nomlāqa Bōda, is a
federally recognized tribe of
Nomlaki people
The Nomlaki (also Noamlakee, Central Wintu, Nomelaki) are a Wintun people native to the area of the Sacramento Valley, extending westward to the Coast Range in Northern California. Today some Nomlaki people are enrolled in the federally recogn ...
. The Nomlaki are Central
Wintun
The Wintun are members of several related Native American peoples of Northern California, including the Wintu (northern), Nomlaki (central), and Patwin (southern).Pritzker, 152[indigenous people of California
The indigenous peoples of California (known as Native Californians) are the indigenous inhabitants who have lived or currently live in the geographic area within the current boundaries of California before and after the arrival of Europeans. ...]
, located in
Tehama and
Glenn counties.
[
]
The Tribe
The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians has approximately 240 members. The Tribe is governed by the Tribal Council, which is composed of the tribal chairperson, vice-chairperson, treasurer, secretary and member at large. These five members are elected by the General Council.
History
There were two major divisions of Nomlaki Indians in California: the Hill Nomlaki and the River Nomlaki. The Paskenta Nomlaki occupying the territory east of the Coastal Range now known as Tehama and Glenn counties.
Nomlaki tribes lived in villages under the leadership of a chieftain. These villages had a population of 25 to 200 people. The chief's house was larger than the others and formed the center of the village, facing the water source. In addition to serving as the chief's residence, it was the men's house and focal point of village life. Other houses in the village were constructed from bent saplings with vine and thatch; they faced the chief's house.
The Nomlaki's primary foods were acorns, grass seeds and tubers, deer, elk, rabbits, birds, and fish. All men hunted, but some specialized in certain techniques and methods. Hunting was done both in groups and individually with bows and arrows, clubs, nets, snares, and traps. Women, often working groups, gathered many different seeds and tubers, including at least eight varieties of acorns. In the spring, salt was obtained from stream banks.
The Paskenta Rancheria was created, along with other Wintu Rancherias, in 1906 and 1909. In 1920, the rancheria was 260-acres. In 1959, the rancheria was terminated under the California Rancheria Termination Act
Indian termination is a phrase describing United States policies relating to Native Americans from the mid-1940s to the mid-1960s. It was shaped by a series of laws and practices with the intent of assimilating Native Americans into mainstream ...
, and the lands were sold to non-Native peoples. Despite the denial of federally recognized tribal status, the Paskenta Band maintained its tribal identity and culture while it worked for restoration as a Native American tribe. Finally in 1994, the federal government restored the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians to full tribal status. The current rancheria is 2000-acres large.
The Paskenta Band is headquartered in Corning, California
Corning is a city in Tehama County, California, that is located about south of Red Bluff and about north of Sacramento. The population was 8,244 at the 2020 census, up from 7,663 at the 2010 census.
History
Corning had its start in ...
. The current tribal chairperson is Andrew “Dru” Alejandre, who succeeds Andy Freeman and Everett Freeman,["Tribal Directory."]
''National Congress of American Indians
The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is an American Indian and Alaska Native rights organization. It was founded in 1944 to represent the tribes and resist federal government pressure for termination of tribal rights and assimilati ...
.'' Retrieved 3 Sept 2013. who was instrumental in the tribal regaining their tribal recognition.
Programs
The Tribe established the Rolling Hills Community Development Foundation, which supports local groups in their efforts to improve and develop the North State. The Foundation funds programs with the end goal of higher education, education related activities that better the economic landscape of local counties, and activities that further the goals of improving the quality of life for local residents and surrounding communities.
Economic development
The tribe owns and operates the Rolling Hills Casino, in Corning, California
Corning is a city in Tehama County, California, that is located about south of Red Bluff and about north of Sacramento. The population was 8,244 at the 2020 census, up from 7,663 at the 2010 census.
History
Corning had its start in ...
"Rolling Hills Casino."
''500 Nations.'' Retrieved 3 Sept 2013. located off I-5. The Casino offers an extensive selection of interactive video games, traditional slots, progressive machines and table games. The Rolling Hills Casino also offers guests a variety of dining venues including Timbers Restaurant and Steakhouse, Rolling Hills Buffet, HB's Lounge, and Aroma's Coffee House.
In 1999, the tribe entered into a Tribal-State gaming compact with the State of California in order to conduct Class III gaming on trust land. The construction of Rolling Hills Casino began soon after and the casino opened in 2002.
Notes
References
* Pritzker, Barry M. ''A Native American Encyclopedia: History, Culture, and Peoples''. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000.
External links
Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians official website
"Everett Freeman honored with prestigious Eagle Spirit Award, Nov. 12, 2011."
{{Coord, 39.868099, -122.2245035, display=title, type:adm2nd_region:US-CA_source:CAHomeTownLocator
Wintun
Federally recognized tribes in the United States
Native American tribes in California
Glenn County, California
Tehama County, California