Did you know the Barona Kumeyaay Band’s story stretches back millennia? Their history is deeply woven into the land we stand on today. Let’s uncover some fascinating layers of this resilient community.
The Barona Kumeyaay Band is one of twelve Kumeyaay bands. These bands reside along the border between Baja California and Southern California. The Kumeyaay are also known as Iipai-Tipai or Diegueño. They are the original inhabitants of this region.
Evidence suggests that the Kumeyaay have lived here for as long as 20,000 years. Their ancient villages and settlements once dotted the landscape. The Barona Reservation itself was established in 1931. The federal government purchased 5,900 acres for tribal members of the Capitan Grande Indian Reservation. This land is located in the mountain foothills of San Diego County. It is about 30 miles east of the city of San Diego.
Before reservations the Kumeyaay managed the land with skill. They used controlled burns for the land. They managed erosion and water resources. They hunted deer. They used axes and bows for the hunt. The women wove baskets and made pottery.
The arrival of Spanish missionaries significantly altered the Kumeyaay way of life. The Kumeyaay people were forced to work at the missions and then the ranchos. Later a bounty was placed on their heads. They were pushed into the rocks.
In 1919 San Diego suffered a water shortage. Congress passed the El Capitan Act. The city purchased the Capitan Grande Reservation to build a reservoir. With the money received the Kumeyaay purchased Rancho Barona to re-establish their reservation and sovereignty.
Today the Barona Kumeyaay Band is a self-governed community. A seven-member tribal council leads them. The tribal council handles planning and economic development. All voting members decide on land issues and other tribal resources.
The Barona Band opened a bingo hall in the 1980s. Later they opened a casino. The casino helped the tribe to become self-sufficient.
The Barona Cultural Center & Museum is a great place to learn more about the tribe. It showcases artifacts and tells the history of the Kumeyaay people. You can explore exhibits. You can also learn about the Kumeyaay language.
As you explore, remember that the Barona Kumeyaay Band’s story is one of resilience, adaptation, and cultural preservation. They are still here.