1. Lamont Phase (4000-1200 BC), which indicates an occasional gathering of Pinyon nuts. The geological choice for projectile points during this phase was Basalt for making Pinto type flaked-stone tools.

2. The Canebrake Phase (1200-BC-A.D 600) posits the intense use of the Pinyon nut as a good source to the point that it eventually became a Native American staple.  Portable milling tools can be attributed to this phase as well as Sierra Concave-base Elko and Humboldt Concave-based projectile points.

3. Sawtooth Phase (600 A.D. - 1300 B.P.)  characteristically includes Pinyon picking encampments and the geological characteristic is the use of Rose Spring and Eastgate type points. An added feature of this phase is the use of a more permanent type mill area which includes bed-rock mortars, pestles, manos and other milling apparatus. Furthermore, the consistent use of disk beads (serpentine) and Olivella types is characteristic of this phase.

4. Chimney Phase (1300-B.P. to Historical contact) is characterized by more permanent settlements which reindexed unchanged until disrupted by European contact. During this phase there was an increase of habitation sites which leads us to believe that the Tubatulabal intensified their occupation in their current defined areas.  Furthermore, there was an increase in the use of Owens Valley Brown ware, Desert series projectile points, and stone, glass, and Olivella beads. Moratto 1984

The above listed archaeological phases demonstrate to some degree the eras of occupancy and land use that can be attributed to Native American groups in general and the Tubatulabal in particular. Its important at this point to add a example of oral history that definitively implants the Tubatulabal people to their doindex in the Kern River and surrounding areas. Local traditions and oral histories have identified the Chimney Peak area as a frequent area used for pinyon harvests. In her oral history account Clara Chico states, Indians would camp up there for weeks in order to harvest the fruit. Two other frequent areas used by the Tribe for pinyon picking, i.e., were Piutes Range and Walker Pass Range.

During the late 1700's - the current day California land areas were being explored by the Spanish.  Outline below our historical events of the Tubatulabals:

1776 - Tubatulabals in Kern Valley had encountered first European contact - Father Garcas.

1830 - Walker Party

1863 - Tubatulabal Massacre April 19, 1863 (32-40 men were killed). "Severe Punishment of Indians" - reported in Visalia News, April 23, 1863(click here to retrieve PDF file of newsclip).

1860-1890 Tubatulabals forced relocation to Tule Reservation and Tejon

1890 - Tubatulabal Tribal Members award 160 acre allotment lands in greater Kern Valley area.  Most of the land awarded was above the Kern Valley floor and in very remote and rugget terrain with no infrastructure (i.e., roads, water source).


To learn more about the Tubatulabal of Kern Valley history - click on the above options (Pre-history, historic, and current day).

We are still here -  "woogamii kaluuts ih"

Our Tribe focuses on the following:

1) Federal Recognition
2) Cultural and Language Preservation
3) Support for Allotment Lands
4) Nation Building - Tribal Office, Finances, Education
5) Government to Government relations

Tubatulabals of Kern Valley have established Tribal Office and very active Tribal Council.  Our familes participate in Pakanapul Language program, local school activities, Lake Isabella Tribal TANF program, and other activities/events in Bakersfield, Kernville, Weldon, Mountain Mesa, Lake Isabella, Onyx, and Ridgecrest. 

We have 283 Tribal members seeking official membership into the Tribe and also supporting the Tribe's effort with federal recognition.

Our Tribe works with the following entities:

U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs - allotment land management, Indian probates, Tribal enrollment - Certified Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) and Family Trees, and Federal Recognition.

U.S. Indian Health Services - water systems and septic tanks for allotment families: Miranda, Netto/Chico, WhiteBlanket, Piute Mountain, Weldon, Canebrake, Hands, and other greater Kern Valley area Indian allotments.

U.S. Forestry Services (Sequoia District) - NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act) - return of our ancestors in museums and archives, protection of cultural resources, and continue ability to hold our ceremonies and gather Native foods and resources in the Sequoia forest.

U.S. Bureau of Land Management - protection of allotment lands, mapping technologies, and future land transfers post federal recognition for conservation and agriculture.

Federal, State, County, and Local non-incorporated government communication, collaboration, and consultation efforts to help with improved economic and community development.