How Many Native Americans Are Actually in California? A Wild Guess
So, you're wondering how many Native Americans call the Golden State home, huh? Well, buckle up, because this is about to get real interesting. Or at least, as interesting as counting people can be.
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| How Many Native Americans In California |
A State of Confusion
California, the land of sunshine, surf, and Silicon Valley, was also once home to hundreds of different Native American tribes. We're talking a crazy amount of diversity here. Like, more diverse than a kale salad kind of diverse. So, trying to pin down a precise number is like trying to herd cats while wearing roller skates. It's just not gonna happen.
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The Great California Population Plunge
Let's take a quick trip back in time. Before the Europeans showed up with their shiny trinkets and deadly diseases, there were probably somewhere between 300,000 and a million Native Americans living in California. Yep, you read that right. A million. Can you imagine that many people trying to find parking in LA? It would be a nightmare!
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse. Disease, warfare, and the whole "taking their land" thing really did a number on the population. By the late 1800s, it's estimated that there were only about 15,000 Native Americans left. Talk about a population crash!
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California Comeback
But fear not! The Native American population in California has been steadily growing since then. The 2020 census showed that there were over 1.2 million people identifying as Native American or Alaska Native living in the state. That's a pretty impressive comeback, if you ask me.
Tip: Be mindful — one idea at a time.
So, How Many Really?
Okay, okay, I know you're still wondering about that exact number. The truth is, it's complicated. There are federally recognized tribes, state-recognized tribes, and then there are people who identify as Native American but don't belong to a tribe. It's like trying to count the grains of sand on a beach while someone's throwing more sand at you.
The bottom line: There are a lot of Native Americans in California, and their history and culture are a vital part of the state's heritage.
How To...
- How to respect Native American culture: Learn about the tribes in your area, attend cultural events, and support Native-owned businesses.
- How to find out more about Native American history: Visit local museums, read books and articles, and watch documentaries.
- How to support Native American communities: Donate to organizations that support Native American causes, advocate for policies that benefit Native Americans, and vote for leaders who prioritize Native American issues.
- How to avoid cultural appropriation: Do your research, be respectful, and avoid using Native American imagery or symbolism without understanding its significance.
- How to be a good ally: Listen to Native voices, amplify their stories, and stand up against racism and discrimination.
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