Early California Resource Center

  • About
  • Blog
  • Resources
    • Maps
    • Other Resources
  • Teacher Membership
  • Podcast
  • Shop/Support
    • Books
    • T-shirts/mugs
You are here: Home / Native Americans / Native American Tribe Facts / 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: Native American Tribe Facts

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.

I’m Dr. Damian Bacich, and I started the California Frontier Project. Learn more about me and the project here.

Free Classroom Slide Presentation

Teaching Materials for the Whole Year

Alta California Tees and More

Alta California T-shirt

Latest Articles

  • Three Californianas You Should Know
  • Mission San Francisco Solano: 10 Interesting Facts
  • Leidesdorff’s Legacy: Land and Struggle
  • San Francisco’s Overlooked Pioneer: William Alexander Leidesdorff
  • The Luiseño of Southern California
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Use of Artwork
  • Disclaimers

Affiliate disclosure

The California Frontier Project is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, as well as other programs.  Affiliate advertising programs like the Amazon Associates Program are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and other retailers.

Copyright © 2023 · Damian Bacich