The Ancestral Homelands of the Nisenan…

are situated in Northern California. The southern boundary of the territory begins below the Consumnes River. From there, it runs east to Kyburz and includes both banks of the Sacramento River to the west. From Kyburz, the boundary winds its way north to Gold Lake then west along ridges and canyons to the south fork of the Feather River. From there, it moves southwest to the Sacred Mountain, 'Estom Yanim (Marysville Buttes) and finally, finds its way back down the Sacramento River.

In the past, Nisenan lived in towns made up of extended family groups of different sizes and led by a Huk (Headman) or Mayan (Headwoman). Like many other Tribes throughout the United States, the Nisenan have been misidentified and mislabeled. The Nisenan have been lumped together under inaccurate labels such as "Maidu", "digger" and "southern Maidu". However, the Nisenan are a separate Tribe with their own Cultural lifeways, their own leaders and holy people, a distinct geographic territory and their own ancient and unique language.

Within the greater Nisenan territory are diverse groups speaking their own dialect, bound within their own geographies and unique Cultural identities. The Nisenan people who today identify with the Nevada City Rancheria come from two language "districts" that encompass a territory with a vast east to west orientation. Beginning in the valley floor and moving up the foothills in elevation, our Tribe took advantage of the abundant landscape and ecological diversity.