Pathfinder: California Native Tribes

Specific Information

Individual Tribes
More information
     Databases
     Books
     Websites

General Information

Alternate Names

Map

Specific Information on individual tribes

Tribes are grouped by the language group and sub-group to which they belong.  Select the name of the language group. Then select the name of the tribe on the chart for that group. (Note: You can only click on text which appears in blue and is underlined.) 
Many tribes have sub-tribes and alternate names. Some of the more common ones are listed below. If you tribe is not listed, it may be another sub-tribe or alternate name.  Check the list of alternate tribal names for your tribe.

Please Note: Not every tribe has an official website or a reliable alternate site. If the tribe you are researching does not have a specific site listed, check the general sites and books.

 

Algonquin Language Family Athapascan Language Family Hokan Language Family Penutian Language Family Uto-Aztecan Language Family Yukian Language Family

 

Wiyot Yurok

Hupa Chilula Whilkut Tolowa Southern Athapascan Cahto

 

 

Chimariko Achumawi Atsugewi Shasta Chumash Esselen Karok Kumeyaay Washoe Pomo Salinan Mojave Yana Yuma

 

Costanoan Miwok Coast and Lake Miwok Modoc Wintu Patwin Nomlaki Yokuts Maidu

 

Tubatulabal Tatviam Gabrielino Koso Luiseno Cahuilla Cupeno Mono Northern Paiute Chemehuevi Serrano Kawaiisu Kitanemuk

 

Yuki Wappo

More information on specific tribes

Databases

Toucan Fact Cards Online

California Indians Fact Cards gives quick facts about the traditional way of life in about 1770 of more than 50 early California groups. For each group the fact card gives information about the location, language, population, settlements, housing, food, clothing and tools.

To use the fact cards, click on the link above, then enter your library card number. Under the California Fact Cards section, click on Indians. Scroll down until you see the name of the tribe you are researching.

Books

UXL Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes (4 vols)

Malinowski, Sharon
REF X970.1 UXL

Provides a cultural chronicle of the Native Americans of the Great Basin and the Southwest, with descriptions of each tribe and entries on history, religion, government, and daily life.

California Indians, an illustrated guide

Emanuels, George
X970.1 Emanuels

Websites

The North American Indian, by E. S. Curtis

http://www.curtis-collection.com/curtis/default.asp

This website contains summaries of the information presented in Curtis's massive work on North American Indians. Search for your tribe in the index.

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/award98/ienhtml/tribes.html

Photographic images from Curtis's work. Search for your tribe.

The First Californians: Native Cultures

http://www.californiahistoricalsociety.org/timeline/chapter2/index.html

The California Historical Society presents information on such things as housing, dress, and transportation. Search for your tribe by geographic area.

California Indian Language Groups

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=23548

The California State Parks present some basic information on California tribes, including aboriginal location, food, and shelter. Look for your tribe under the appropriate language group.