Indigenous peoples of California , commonly known as Indigenous Californians or Native Californians , are a diverse group of nations and peoples that are indigenous to the geographic area within the current boundaries of California before and after European colonization.
There are currently federally recognized tribes in the state and over forty self-identified tribes or tribal bands that have applied for federal recognition. Most tribes practiced forest gardening or permaculture and controlled burning to ensure the availability of food and medicinal plants as well as ecosystem balance.
European settlers began exploring their homelands in the late 18th century. This began with the arrival of Spanish soldiers and missionaries who established Franciscan missions that instituted an immense rate of death and cultural genocide. Following California statehood , a state-enabled policy of elimination was carried out against its aboriginal people known as the California genocide in the establishment of Anglo-American settler colonialism.
In the 21st century, language revitalization began among some California tribes. The traditional homelands of many tribal nations may not conform exactly to the state of California's boundaries. Many tribes on the eastern border with Nevada have been classified as Great Basin tribes , [ 18 ] while some tribes on the Oregon border are classified as Plateau tribes.
Tribes in Baja California who do not cross into California are classified as indigenous peoples of Mexico. Evidence of human occupation of California dates from at least 19, years ago. Marine shellfish remains associated with Kelp Forests were recovered in the Channel Island sites and at other sites such as Daisy Cave and Cardwell Bluffs dated between 12, and cal BP.
