So You Think You Can Count Tribes? A Hilarious Journey Through California's Tribal Landscape
Ever wondered how many tribes call California home? Well, buckle up, history buff wannabes, because this isn't your average counting sheep situation. California's tribal scene is more lit than a bonfire at Coachella, and counting them all gets a little wild.
| How Many Tribes Are In California |
The Federally Recognized Crew: 109 and Counting
First up, we got the federally recognized tribes. These 109 all-stars have been through the ringer, with hoops to jump through that would make an Olympic gymnast jealous. But they got that official stamp of approval from Uncle Sam, granting them access to sweet perks like government funding and the right to run their own casinos (think bingo nights with a serious upgrade).
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Fun Fact: Some of these tribes even have territories that stretch across state lines, like they're playing tribal hopscotch across the map.
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The Unrecognized Relatives: We're Here, We're Not Quite Recognized
Now things get interesting. California has what feels like a family reunion's worth of tribes (around 80!) who are still waiting for that federal recognition. These folks consider themselves tribes, with rich histories and cultures, but the paperwork gods haven't smiled on them yet.
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Don't feel sorry for them though! These tribes are out there keeping their traditions alive, running cultural centers, and reminding everyone that California's story is more than Hollywood and beaches.
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The Great Termination Caper: A Historical Whodunnit?
Hold up, where did 44 tribes go? This is where things get a little dark. Back in the 50s, the federal government decided to play a game of "musical reservations" and terminated the status of 44 tribes. Basically, they said, "thanks, but no thanks" to their tribal status. Thankfully, many of these tribes are fighting for reinstatement, and some have even gotten it back.
Moral of the story? California's tribal history is a complex tapestry, woven with threads of recognition, perseverance, and a whole lot of resilience.
So, How Many Tribes Does That Make?
Here's the thing: There's no easy answer. Depending on who you ask and how you count, the number can vary. But that's the beauty of California, right? It's a land of diversity, and that includes its incredible tribal communities.