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You are here: Home / California History / Kumeyaay Tribe Facts

Kumeyaay Tribe Facts

By Damian Bacich

Other names

Tipai, Ipai, Diegueño, Luiseño

Home region

San Diego County, northern Baja California

Mission affiliations

San Diego de Alcalá, San Luis Rey de Francia

Historical Background

Kumeyaay (Spanish pronunciation: Kamia) is a name given to two closely-related groups, the Tipai and the Ipai, whose ancestral territory encompasses much of the far southwest of California.

Interesting Facts

The Kumeyaay people stretch across the international border between the U.S. and Mexico. They were earlier identified as “Diegueño” owing to their affiliation with mission San Diego de Alcalá.

The Kumeyaay Today

Today, the Kumeyaay people live on the following reservations in Southern California: Barona, Campo, Capitan Grande, Ewiiaappaayp (Cuyapaipe), Inaja-Cosmit, Jamul, La Posta, Manzanita, Mesa Grande, San Pasqual, Santa Ysabel, Sycuan and Viejas. In Baja California, at La Huerta, Neji, San Antonio Neidus, and San José La Zozza.

For more detailed information about the Kumeyaay, read Native Americans of Southern California: The Kumeyaay

Resources for teachers

Kumeyaay Tribe Facts with Questions (Teachers Pay Teachers)

Kumeyaay Tribe Facts with Comprehension Questions (Teachers Pay Teachers). Includes both color and b/w versions, as well as a question sheet to guide students in their reading. An excellent way to prepare students for their 3rd grade California Native American project and/or their 4th grade Mission project.

Filed Under: California History

About Damian Bacich

Damian Bacich, Ph.D. writes about California and the West. He is also a professor, translator and historical researcher. You can learn more about Damian here.

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