History

Who We Are - amah mutsun tribal band of San Juan Bautista

Our Heritage

The Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, part of the larger Muwekma Ohlone people, are indigenous to the central coast of California, primarily in the regions now known as San Benito, Santa Cruz, and Monterey counties.

Pre-Contact Period - Ancient Roots and Cultural Practices:

The ancestors of the Amah Mutsun have lived in California for thousands of years, engaging in hunting, fishing, and gathering, with a deep understanding and stewardship of their environment. They had a rich cultural and spiritual life, including a complex system of governance, social structures, and religious beliefs.

Spanish Mission Period (Late 18th Century to Early 19th Century) - Mission System and Disruption:

The Spanish colonization led to the establishment of missions. The Amah Mutsun were heavily impacted by the founding of Mission San Juan Bautista in 1797. Many were forced into the mission system, leading to significant changes in their way of life. This period saw the introduction of European diseases, forced labor, and conversion to Christianity, which drastically affected their population and cultural practices.

Mexican and Early American Period (1821 - 1900) - Secularization and Continued Hardship:

After Mexico gained independence from Spain, the missions were secularized, but the promised land and rights to the indigenous people were rarely honored. The arrival of American settlers following the Mexican-American War and the Gold Rush further displaced the Amah Mutsun and other indigenous groups.

20th Century to Present - Cultural Revival and Tribal Reorganization:

Despite facing immense challenges, including land loss and cultural suppression, the Amah Mutsun people have worked tirelessly to preserve their heritage. In recent decades, the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band has focused on cultural revitalization, land stewardship, and advocacy. They are involved in environmental conservation efforts, particularly through the Amah Mutsun Land Trust, which seeks to restore traditional land management practices.

amah mutsun tribal band