Culture
Mihim!
Sho:wdaxay khe ya na!
Greetings! We are from Eastern Valley (Coyote Valley)!
Chiba: ta ya naÊ”
Who are we?
Our culture is deeply woven into the hearts of every Coyote Valley tribal member, carrying the wisdom and strength of our ancestors forward. Despite generations of challenges, from displacement and efforts to erase our traditions, the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians has remained traditional in our identity. Our connection to the land, our language, and our customs continues to thrive because of our resilience and the deep spiritual bond we share with our Pomo heritage.
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Through dedicated efforts, we are revitalizing our traditions and ensuring that future generations embrace their cultural identity with pride. We offer programs focus on language preservation, traditional arts, and intergenerational learning, keeping the spirit of our people alive.
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Our commitment to preserving our traditions is unwavering. With each new generation, our culture grows stronger, ensuring that the legacy of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians endures. We invite our people to join us in this journey of cultural renewal and celebration.
1894 Mollie Duncan, born in Potter Valley but raised at the Coyote Valley Rancheria. Painting by Grace Hudson
Our Language
The Northern Pomo language is one of the seven distinct Pomoan languages traditionally spoken by the Pomo people of Northern California. Like many Indigenous languages, Northern Pomo faced a decline due to colonization, forced assimilation, and the suppression of Native languages in schools and institutions.
Despite these challenges, efforts to revitalize and preserve Northern Pomo are ongoing. The Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians is actively working to reawaken the language through language classes, cultural programs, and intergenerational learning initiatives. These efforts help ensure that younger generations can connect with their heritage and keep the language alive.
Northern Pomo is more than just a means of communication—it carries the stories, traditions, and worldview of the Pomo people. By speaking and learning it, we honor our ancestors and strengthen our cultural identity. Through dedication and community support, we continue to reclaim and preserve our language for future generations.
Food
The Northern Pomo people traditionally relied on the abundant natural resources of Northern California’s rivers, lakes, forests, and grasslands for their food. Their diet was deeply connected to the land, and they practiced sustainable harvesting methods to ensure the availability of resources for future generations.
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The Northern Pomo diet was rich in nutrients and seasonally varied, relying on deep knowledge of the environment and sustainable harvesting techniques. Food preparation often included drying, smoking, roasting, and grinding, ensuring that food was preserved and available year-round.
Traditional salmon smoking used by Coyote Valley Pomo Indians
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Traditional Northern Pomo Food Sources
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Acorns, berries, seeds and nuts, roots
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Fresh water fish
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Game such as; deer, squirrels, elk, and rabbit
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Shellfish-mussels, clams, and abalone
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Fowl-quail, ducks, geese
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Seaweed and algae
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Mushrooms
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Insects such as grasshoppers and caterpillars were often eaten for added protein sources
Cultural Practices
Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians have a deep-rooted culture centered on our connection to the land, community, and spiritual beliefs.
Our traditions reflect a way of life that honors ancestral knowledge, nature, and balance. These cultural practices continue to hold significance, as they help preserve the identity and strength of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians. These practices include basket weaving, beadwork and regalia, fire ecology and land preservation, storytelling, and ceremonial dances and songs.
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One of our biggest ceremonies of the year is called Big Time where we share ceremony, dance, song, and singing. A Big Time serves as a sacred event where tribal members reconnect with their traditions, ancestors, and each other. These gatherings have been held for generations and remain an essential part of our cultural preservation and to bring our people together.
2013, Big Time at Coyote Valley Rancheria.
​At Coyote Valley, we are committed to preserving and revitalizing our cultural heritage by introducing our youth to traditional practices such as dancing, singing, and regalia making. These efforts are facilitated through various programs within our Health and Human Services Department and Education Department, aiming to strengthen cultural identity and ensure these traditions thrive for future generations.​
Our Education Department offers multiple programs to Tribal Members from Kindergarten to collegiate students, providing guidance and support to help them achieve their educational goals. By integrating cultural traditions into educational initiatives, we empower our youth to embrace their heritage while pursuing academic success.
Through these initiatives, we strive to cultivate a strong, vibrant sense of identity among our youth, ensuring that our cultural traditions remain a cornerstone of our community's future.
Children are often introduced to dancing, singing, and regalia making at a young age, as these traditions are vital to preserving Northern Pomo culture and identity. By learning these practices early, children develop a strong connection to their heritage, ensuring that cultural knowledge is passed down through generations.
Regalia
​Pomo regalia refers to the traditional attire and adornments worn by the Pomo people during ceremonial and social gatherings. These elaborate ensembles are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, incorporating materials such as feathers, beads, shells, and finely woven fabrics. The creation of regalia is a sacred practice, embodying the Pomo's deep spiritual connection to nature and our ancestors. Today, the preservation and revitalization of regalia-making practices are vital to sustaining our cultural heritage.
Men's headpiece known as a flicker.
Woman's headpieces often entail a top knot of feathers made from turkey, hawk, and eagles.
ʔishiʔ (Men's coat piece made of turkey feathers and abalone and used for ceremonial dancing. )
​Beadwork was introduced to the Pomo tribes through trade with neighboring coastal communities. Shell beads, collected during annual treks to the Pacific coast, became integral to Pomo culture, serving as part of a complex currency system. These beads were highly valued and often used to adorn baskets, especially those intended as wedding gifts.
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The incorporation of beads into Pomo basketry reflects the tribe's adaptability and engagement in extensive trade networks, enriching their cultural expressions and artistic traditions.
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Today, beading is more of a artistic cultural practice and is often admired for it's intricacy of detail in designs and are used for earrings, headpieces, regalia, necklaces, and more!
