Ever wondered about the story behind “The Valley of the Old Women?” That’s Viejas Reservation’s original Spanish name. Today we will explore the history and culture of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians.
The Viejas Reservation is more than just a place. It is a testament to the resilience of the Kumeyaay people. They have called San Diego County home for over 10,000 years. Imagine greeting Spanish explorers in 1542. The Kumeyaay were there.
Let’s travel back to the 1800s. The Kumeyaay Indians thrived by farming near the San Diego River. Water was plentiful at Capitan Grande. But as the non-Indian population grew San Diego needed more water. Lake Cuyamaca was built and then the city took San Diego River water. The Kumeyaay faced crop losses.
San Diego decided to dam the river creating El Capitan Reservoir. This flooded the heart of the Capitan Grande Reservation. The Kumeyaay protested this forced sale. Some families from the Coapan Band purchased Barona Valley. They became the Barona Band of Mission Indians.
But what about the Viejas? Twenty-eight families bought land in Viejas Valley. This land was once Baron Long’s ranch. So they named their community Viejas. Both the Viejas and Barona Bands struggled with water rights. They depended on rainfall and groundwater.
Today the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians maintains their culture and sovereignty. They operate Viejas Casino and Resort. They also run Viejas Outlets and Ma-Tar-Awa Recreational Vehicle Park. The Viejas Band also owns the first Native American bank in California. It is named Borrego Springs Bank. It has branches in Alpine Borrego Springs and La Mesa.
The Viejas Band also has two major annual ceremonies. The first is the Clearing of the Cemetery. Tribal members clean and pay respects at the two tribal cemeteries. The second is Día de las Animas or All Souls’ Day.
The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians are governed by a seven-person tribal council. These council members are democratically elected. They serve two-year terms. As of March 2021 John Christman was the Chairman.
The Viejas Reservation covers about 1609 acres near Alpine California. It is home to scrub oaks and chaparral. Approximately 289 of the 394 enrolled members live on the reservation.
The Viejas Band shares a joint-trust patent with the Barona Band. This is for the 15000 remaining acres of the Capitan Grande Reservation.
The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians’ story is one of perseverance. They maintain their culture while building a thriving community. Their journey from Capitan Grande to Viejas Valley is a testament to their spirit. As we leave the Viejas Reservation remember their history and their enduring connection to this land.