The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians have lived in what is now Tehama County, California, for countless generations.
The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians have lived in what is now Tehama County, California.
Although the influx of white settlers dramatically altered the environment and many aspects of the Tribe’s traditional ways of life, the Paskenta Band has always maintained its own culture and ties to this region.
In the 1950s, the federal government terminated recognition of hundreds of Indian tribes in a misguided attempt to force assimilation. The Paskenta Band suffered this fate in 1959, and its Rancheria was sold to private parties.
Despite the denial of federally recognized tribal status, the Paskenta Band maintained its tribal identity and culture while it worked for restoration as a Native American tribe. Finally in 1994, the federal government restored the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians to full tribal status.
Cody Pata (Tribal Cultural Specialist) leads classes as part of the Tribe’s revitalization process. Here, several Tribe members learn how to select and cut willow which was later woven into a baby basket.
Since then, the Tribe has moved quickly to develop a strong, diverse economic base for its 240 members and surrounding communities. In 2000, the Tribe acquired a 2000-acre reservation near Corning, California.