Cahuilla, << kah WEE ah, >> are a native people of the inland desert and mountain regions of what is now southern California. In the late 1700’s, when the Spanish settlement of California began, as many as 6,000 Cahuilla lived in the region.
Traditionally, Cahuilla people lived in small settlements. They built rectangular or dome-shaped houses with thatch roofs. They grew beans, corn, and squash. They also gathered wild plant foods, including acorns and pine nuts. In addition, Cahuilla hunted deer and other wild animals.
Cahuilla society was divided into about 12 independent clans. Each clan controlled a separate territory. Clans were united through complex networks of social, economic, and ritual relationships. Cahuilla speak a Takic language within the larger Uto-Aztecan language family.
In the late 1700’s, many Cahuilla settled on Spanish missions, becoming known as Mission Indians. The Cahuilla population dropped greatly after contact with Europeans. New diseases brought by Spanish settlers took many lives. In addition, the Cahuilla lost much of their traditional lands to settlers.
Today, about 3,000 Cahuilla live in reservations in southern California. Many work in farming, cattle ranching, and gaming. Elected tribal councils administer each reservation. Many Cahuilla maintain a great interest in preserving their traditional language and customs through classes and museums.
