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 MoreCommunity Builder
Community Builder
Learn More
Giving
Back
Giving Back
Learn More
Lasting
Legacy
Lasting Legacy
Learn MoreOur 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.
