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The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians is a federally recognized tribe of Cahuilla Indians, located in Imperial and Riverside counties in California.[5][4] Their autonym is Mau-Wal-Mah Su-Kutt Menyil,[6] which means "among the palms, deer moon."[7] in the Cahuilla language.
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 4,146 people living on the reservation[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| United States (California) | |
| Languages | |
| English, Cahuilla language[2] | |
| Religion | |
| traditional tribal religion, Christianity (Roman Catholicism and Protestantism)[3] | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Cahuilla[4] |
The Torres Martinez Indian Reservation is a federal reservation in Imperial and Riverside Counties, with a total area of 24,024 acres (9,722 ha).[5] It was established in 1876[8] and was named for the village of Toro and the Martinez Indian Agency.[7] In 1905 as the Colorado River flowed into the area, most of the tribe packed their belongings and headed into the mountains as they were familiar with the reoccurring lake from their legends.[9] Nearly half of the reservation was eventually flooded by the formation of the Salton Sea.[10] In 1970, 42 of the 217 enrolled tribal members lived on the reservation.[4] As of the 2010 Census the population was 5,594.[11]
The tribe's headquarters is located in Thermal, California.[12] Their tribal administration as of January 2023[update] is as follows:
- Tribal Chairman Thomas Tortez Jr.
- Vice-Chairman Joseph Mirelez
- Secretary Altrena Santillanes
- Treasurer Elena Loya
- Council Member Brandon Butcher
- Council Member Gary Resvaloso
- Council Member Proxy Desiree Franco[13]
The tribe owns and operates the Red Earth Casino in Salton City, California.[14]
The tribe maintains a small (48 interments) cemetery on Martinez Road in Thermal.[15]
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