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The first people to live somewhere are known as Indigenous Peoples. The Indigenous Peoples of Sonoma County include the Pomo, Coast Miwok, and Wappo peoples. These Native communities and their descendants have stewarded the land for thousands of years. Due to historical mass relocation and detrimental exposure to diseases, many tribes today have few living members, and some no longer exist at all.
The Indigenous Peoples of Sonoma County
Native Americans have lived in California for at least 12,000 years, with some evidence suggesting 19,000 years.1 Long before the first Europeans or the Spanish missionaries, California was home to the largest population of Native American communities north of present-day Mexico.1 Today, California is home to 109 federally recognized tribes.
In Sonoma County, there are currently five federally recognized tribes:
Sonoma County is the ancestral home of several Indigenous communities, each with their own unique cultures, traditions, and histories. Among the original inhabitants of this region are the Southern Pomo, Kashaya (Kashia) Pomo, Coast Miwok, and Wappo peoples:
Southern Pomo and Kashaya (Kashia) Pomo
Sonoma County encompasses the territories of several different Pomo communities, including the Southern Pomo and the Kashaya (Kashia) Pomo peoples:
Southern Pomo:
The Southern Pomo were the first inhabitants of present-day Sebastopol, CA.
Their traditional territory includes the:
The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County respectfully acknowledges that we are located on the ancestral lands of the Southern Pomo people, in what is now known as Santa Rosa, California.
Kashaya Pomo:
The Kashaya Pomo were the first people to inhabit the area that is now Fort Ross, CA, and are the only Pomo group to live along the coast of Sonoma County.
Their traditional lands stretch from:
Today, all five federally recognized tribes in Sonoma County represent the Pomo people, and many still live within their ancestral territories.
Coast Miwok
The Miwok are indigenous to northern California. The northernmost group of Miwok people are the Coast Miwok. They are also the original inhabitants of present-day Marin County and Southern Sonoma County.
The ancestral lands of the Coast Miwok included:
Today, many Coast Miwok descendants still live in their ancestral homeland. The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria are a federally recognized tribe made up of Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo peoples.
Wappo
The Wappo people are another Indigenous group of Northern California. Though smaller in number and land area than some neighboring nations, the Wappo people traditionally inhabited regions within Lake County, Napa County, and Sonoma County.
Their traditional homelands encompassed:
According to the Wappo Tribe Facebook page, the Mishewal Wappo Tribe of Alexander Valley is the last remaining Wappo Tribe in existence with 340 living members.2
Whose Land Are You On?
Use the Native Land Interactive Map to discover the Indigenous peoples whose land you live on. This is a great starting point for family learning, especially with children.
Ways to Learn More About Sonoma County’s Indigenous Heritage
The Indigenous heritage of Sonoma County is a vital part of the region’s past, present, and future. If you’re interested in learning more about the Indigenous communities who have lived here for thousands of years, here are some local resources to explore:
California Indian Museum and Cultural Center (Santa Rosa)
The California Indian Museum and Cultural Center (CIMCC) is a great place to learn about California Native American history and culture. This self-guided museum features exhibits and programs that showcase the history, culture, and contemporary life of California Indians.
Suscol Intertribal Council
Since 1992, Suscol Intertribal Council has developed local educational outreach programs for public schools (K-14), community clubs, and other organizations. The organization continues to provide county-wide classes and annual events meant to bring the community together. Most classes and many events are open to the public.
Redbud Resource Group
Redbud Resource Group provides training and support to both Tribal and non-Tribal communities in Sonoma County, ensuring that everyone grows together. By strengthening our collective ability to collaborate, balance can be restored to our ecosystems, uplift Indigenous leadership, and create lasting, impactful change.
Museum of Sonoma County (Santa Rosa)
While not exclusively focused on Native history, the Museum of Sonoma County does have permanent exhibits and programs that highlight the region’s rich past. One example is History4Kids which is a kid-friendly program that includes a segment about “Native People, Native Lands.”
The Santa Rosa Junior College Multicultural Museum (SRJC Campus)
The Santa Rosa Junior College Multicultural Museum has a large collection of traditional Native American art, including the handmade basket collection of local Pomo weaver and educator Elsie Comanche Allen.
She is considered one of the most prominent Pomo basket weavers of her generation, and Elsie Allen High School in Santa Rosa is named in her honor.3
Sonoma County Regional Parks
Sonoma County is home to over 60 regional parks with miles of hiking trails and campgrounds. Many of which are located on the ancestral lands of Indigenous Peoples:
These parks are great outdoor learning destinations for families with kids of all ages. Plus, with a Sonoma County Library Card, you can get FREE day passes to regional parks! Just visit your local library to check one out.
Sonoma County Public Libraries
Speaking of libraries… The Sonoma County library is another amazing local resource! Visit your local branch to explore librarian-recommended children’s books celebrating Native American Heritage, or discover Indigenous stories and voices through eBooks, streaming media, and more.
Native American Children’s Book Recommendations:
The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County (Santa Rosa)
At the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, we are proud to offer a playful, hands-on learning environment for children, and we are committed to creating opportunities that honor local Indigenous culture.
Our mobile outreach program, the Museum-on-the-Go! (MOG) Van has an ongoing partnership with the Indian Health Project, bringing fun and educational experiences to families throughout our community.
Each November, in recognition of Native American Heritage Month, we feature children’s books by and about Indigenous peoples in the Family Resource Center, located just outside our TOTopia exhibit:
Visitors to the Children’s Museum can also discover many native plants growing on the property, including the Western Redbud tree and the Elderberry plant. These plant species have long been used by Indigenous peoples for food, medicine, basketry, and other forms of art.4,5
Discover, Learn, and Play at the
Children’s Museum of Sonoma County
At the Children’s Museum, we’re proud to provide hands-on exhibits and programs that encourage wonder, curiosity, and discovery in children of all ages. We invite you to visit us and see firsthand how play can help children grow, learn, and thrive!
During your next visit, stop by our Family Resource Center to find more free resources for families with young children.
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References:
- Wikipedia contributors. (2025, May 23). Indigenous peoples of California. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_peoples_of_California
- (13) Facebook. (n.d.). https://www.facebook.com/WappoTribe/
- Wikipedia contributors. (2025, March 24). Elsie Allen High School. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elsie_Allen_High_School
- Local trees: consider the Redbud. (2025, March 31). UC Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://ucanr.edu/blog/real-dirt/article/local-trees-consider-redbud
- Cultural Significance of Elderberry | UC Agriculture and Natural Resources. (n.d.). UC Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://ucanr.edu/site/california-elderberries/cultural-significance-elderberry
