The Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians and our ancestors have lived in the Pauma Valley and surrounding area since time immemorial. Our ancestors are buried here, we raise our children here, and this is where our future generations will continue to live and prosper. Officially established in 1893, today our nearly 6000-acre reservation encompasses only a small portion of our peoples’ traditional territory, which expands into Northern San Diego, Riverside and Orange Counties. As is the case with all Native Americans; Euro-American contact, interaction and forced assimilation during the past two centuries brought immense changes to our land, people and way of life. Like our ancestors, we rely on the strength of our culture and our community to face the challenges of today and tomorrow. Triumphantly, we are still here, not merely surviving, but thriving in the same homeland of our ancestors.
As Payomkawichum, or Western People, we have inhabited this land for thousands of years, since before the Spaniards arrived in the 1700s. We are located in the foothills of Palomar Mountain. The traditional territory of the Luiseño people extends along the coast, from near San Juan Capistrano in the north and the Encinitas/Carlsbad area in the south to the valleys of the coastal mountains and Mt. Palomar in the east. Today this area is in northern San Diego, Riverside and Orange counties. The valley that sits at the base of Palomar’s sloping hills is called "Pauma." The term "Pauma" describes this area’s chief characteristic, the San Luis Rey River, which flows through the base of the valley. The name "Pauma" translates as "place where there is water."
Tribal communities have practiced cultural burning for generations. The Pauma Forestry Crew continues the ecological tradition with fire to protect their historical lands, resources, and people from extreme wildfires. Climate action projects include cultural pile building, native plant restoration, and drone mapping! Pauma Forestry are all about hard work outdoors, wildlife, fire, stories and laughter, so come on up, volunteer and defend climate justice with us!
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