The History of Indigenous Culture In and Around Stockton, California

Before there was a Weberstown Mall, Miracle Mile, or University of the Pacific, this bit of dirt that Stockton resides on is sacred land. A home to its original indigenous inhabitants. Before the arrival and control of the Spanish and the eventual absorption by the United States, this land in San Joaquin County was home to the Yachicumne Yokuts and neighboring Miwok tribes. Centuries worth of culture are tradition of a people who were spiritually tied to this very land.

"Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect." - Chief Seattle, Duwamish.

Organizations in Stockton and throughout San Joaquin County have worked to shine a much needed light on the indigenous history of this territory. Here are just some of those very spots where we can educate ourselves on the importance of the indigenous history of our area.

Haggin Museum

At the Haggin, their display focuses on the history of the North Valley Yokuts and South Plains Miwok tribes. The exhibit tells the tale of the Yachicumne Yokuts and their villages along the Mormon Slough, the Stockton Department Water Channel and Bear Creek. It also details the Spanish control of California as well as the 46,000 acres the Mexican government turned over to Capt. Weber in Stockton and the eventual ceding of California to the United States.

San Joaquin County Historical Museum

At the San Joaquin County Historical Museum, their Native Peoples Gallery provides an insight into the 13,000 year-long history of the Native American population and culture here. Everything from the Miwok- and Yokuts-speaking people’s rich culture, their resistance to the Spanish- Mexican missions, and the battles fought against this large army are covered here. Along with displays containing artifacts, videos showing traditional basket making, acorn preparation, and deer hunting, this spot is a bastion of knowledge and perspective of the Native people of our area.

Annual Labor Day Stockton Community Pow Wow

Since 1981, Labor Day weekend in Stockton features this annual tradition, proudly hosted by The University of the Pacific El Centro (formally known as Latinx Community Outreach Office) and the Stockton Pow Wow Committee. Everyone is welcome to make their way to the campus and witness the beautiful culture of the original peoples of the west, which includes their songs, dances, drums, arts, crafts, foods, and so much more.

"I do not think the measure of a civilization is how tall its buildings of concrete are, but rather how well its people have learned to relate to their environment and fellow man." - Sun Bear, Chippewa.

Surrounding Areas

Outside of Stockton, there are a number of spots throughout the county that document and honor the rich indigenous culture embedded in this land.

• Tuolumne County Historical Society & Museum in Sonora - The History Research Center of the Tuolumne County Historical Society thoroughly documents the history and culture of the Sierra Me-Wuks, the indigenous people of that area.
• Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park in Pine Grove - This historic location features an outcropping of marbleized limestone with some 1,185 mortar holes—the largest collection of bedrock mortars in North America. It also has a variety of exhibits, an outstanding collection of Sierra Nevada Indian cultural items, and a Miwok village complete with a ceremonial roundhouse.
• Yosemite National Park’s Valley Visitor Center - Yosemite's detailed information focuses on the Southern Sierra Miwok, including the Indian village of Ahwahnee.
• Maidu Museum & Historic Site in Roseville - Dedicated to the Nisenan Maidu of the area, these exhibits feature California Indian traditional practices such as acorn processing, basket weaving, walking the trail to see hundreds of bedrock mortars, ancient petroglyphs, and native plants & animals.
• California Indian Museum & Cultural Center in Santa Rosa - Founded in 1996, this museum educates the public about the history, culture, and contemporary life of California Indians, honors their contributions to civilization, and also provides opportunities for Native Americans to receive training and experience in a variety of fields.
• California State Indian Museum in Sacramento - Located near Sutter's Fort, the state museum depicts three major themes of California Indian life: Nature, Spirit, and Family. The exhibits and displays include traditional baskets, a redwood dugout canoe, ceremonial regalia, beadwork, and hunting tools close to twenty-four hundred years old.

Note: In 2021, the nonprofit organization Native CORE was established right here in Stockton. Their goal "is to create a community of wellness and resilience while reclaiming and preserving cultural and spiritual traditions." They host traditional art, drums, and dance classes. Additionally, they provide detailed information, education, and resources for those of indigenous background as well as the supportive members of the Stockton community.

Additionally, since 2003, the Washoe Tribe of Nevada & California Native TANF Program—as administered by the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California—"continues to provide essential temporary assistance and support services to eligible Native Americans and their families."

"If you talk to the animals, they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them, you will not know them and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys." - Chief Dan George, Tsleil-Waututh Nation.

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