Tule River Tribe celebrates historic treaty

A bit of unknown history came to life on Saturday at the Eagle Feather Trading Post as members of the Tule Indian Tribe, the E Clampus Vitus ( Clampers) and others came together to commemorate the Treaty of 1851 with a granite marker.

“I felt that it was a story that needed to be told. This one is extra special,” said Bill Horst Clamp historian.

Tule River Tribal Council member Kevin Bonds was very pleased.

“It is an honor to be here to represent the tribe and the people. History is the world. Without this marker we would not have known of what happened,” said Bonds.

The day began with a Tribal blessing by Tribal member Warren Rubio, Senior.

“I ask Creator and Lord God for a beautiful day today. Thank you for participating and everybody is welcome here today,” said Rubio, Sr.

Afterwards a flag salute and Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ron McAllister, Noble Grand Humbug of the Clampers.

Horst then went on to talk about the significance of the land and the history. He explained that the Treaty of 1851 was an agreement between the United States Government and the Four Yokuts Tribes. The Yokut Tribes were made up of the Yowlumne, Coyette, Chunute and Wowol. The Treaty awarded the lands between the Tule River and Paint Creek and the Old Stagecoach Road and Sierra Nevada to the Yowlumnee and Coyette. It was signed on June 3, 1851 but was never ratified by the federal government. In 1856 the Yokuts banded together to fight what they believed to be an invasion upon their land and were settled, in 1873, on what is now the Tule River Indian Reservation.

During his speech the marker was unveiled.

“One thing you will notice on the marker is the design. The designs are basket designs developed by the ladies of these tribes of people over thousands of years. Across the bottom, where he always is, is the rattlesnake pattern that is the protector of important and special places. Up the sides you will see arrow points and off  the arrow points you will see the top knot of the valley quail. The valley quail is a critter that is tight family. Every time they, as a group, go to feed always put a guard up somewhere to watch while the rest enjoy. They are a tight family group. At the top is the basket pattern for the Eagle which in their way takes everything here that they do and takes it up and delivers it to the Creator, because the eagle can go up high,” stated Horst.

Rhoda Hunter, another Tule River Tribal Council member offered up a sacred song.

Tribal member Stan Santos was impressed.

“I think it’s good. People can read it and see a little bit of history of what happened years ago. A lot of us never even knew this until now. For the younger generation it will be here when the older generation have gone. They can pass it on,” said Santos.

Fellow attendee John Lindquist agreed.

“I liked it. It was very nice,” said Lindquist who added that remembering history was vital.
“That is what our country is about, where we came from and what has happened before,” stated Lindquist.