Meyawhen

(hello and welcome)

Wildcat or Coyote

The Cahuilla People were divided into two moieties: Wildcat (Tuktum) and Coyote (Istam). Every Cahuilla was a member of his or her father’s moiety. In the Cahuilla culture members of one moiety were not allowed to marry a member of the same moiety. This helped to build strong social and economic alliances.

Moieties were comprised of subgroups known as Sibs. Membership in a Sib was determined according to relationship, or common descent, to the patriarch of the family (patrilineality). Up to 2,000 people could be members of the same Sib. They usually lived near one another in clusters of villages. Each Sib had their own territory.

Meyawhen

(hello and welcome)

Wildcat or Coyote

The Cahuilla People were divided into two moieties: Wildcat (Tuktum) and Coyote (Istam). Every Cahuilla was a member of his or her father’s moiety. In the Cahuilla culture members of one moiety were not allowed to marry a member of the same moiety. This helped to build strong social and economic alliances.

Moieties were comprised of subgroups known as Sibs. Membership in a Sib was determined according to relationship, or common descent, to the patriarch of the family (patrilineality). Up to 2,000 people could be members of the same Sib. They usually lived near one another in clusters of villages. Each Sib had their own territory.

Wildcat or Coyote

The Cahuilla People were divided into two moieties: Wildcat (Tuktum) and Coyote (Istam). Every Cahuilla was a member of his or her father’s moiety. In the Cahuilla culture members of one moiety were not allowed to marry a member of the same moiety. This helped to build strong social and economic alliances.

Moieties were comprised of subgroups known as Sibs. Membership in a Sib was determined according to relationship, or common descent, to the patriarch of the family (patrilineality). Up to 2,000 people could be members of the same Sib. They usually lived near one another in clusters of villages. Each Sib had their own territory.

Our Heritage

Perhaps there is no better real-life example of a people’s resolve and tenacity than that of the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians. The Tribe’s success can be attributed to profound courage in the face of adversity.

History & Heritage

History & Heritage

Learn More

Community Builder

Community Builder

Learn More

Giving
Back

Giving Back

Learn More

Lasting
Legacy

Lasting Legacy

Learn More

Our History

Congress formally established the Augustine Reservation on December 29, 1891. Yet, the Ancient Cahuilla People were the first known inhabitants more than 3,000 years ago of the area now known as the Coachella Valley. The Tribe is descended from its namesake, Captain Vee-Vee Augustine, born in 1820.

Tribal Businesses

Congress formally established the Augustine Reservation on December 29, 1891. Yet, the Ancient Cahuilla People were the first known inhabitants more than 3,000 years ago of the area now known as the Coachella Valley. The Tribe is descended from its namesake, Captain Vee-Vee Augustine, born in 1820.

Contact Us

(760) 398-4722

84-001 AVENUE 54
Coachella, California 92236