Shotgun

The Cupeno band of Indians was moved off Warner Ranch in 1903 and relocated to the Pala reservation 70 miles away. The march took three days and was not a happy trail. The 35 or so remaining Cupeno had be accused of stealing from the heard of 5000 or so head on the ranch. When the decision of Barker v. Harvey was handed down, the U. S. government offered to buy new land for the Cupeno, but the refused.

Cecilio Blacktooth, spokesman for the Cupa at Agua Caliente Village said, "If you give us the best place in the world, it is not as good as this. This is our home. We cannot live anywhere else; we were born here, and our fathers are buried here."

My first hand evidence for these things is slight, but when did the U.S. purposely give 'relocated' Indians the best lands?

Let me add more of my opinions. Cupa still believe that the area of Warner Springs is sacred. The spirits of their ancestors live in the Cupa as they try to regain their cultural and religious places. Still, just because the Cupa probably have right on their side doesn't me that there isn't a mean spirited Cupa. And is the spirit of Juan Jose ner and of Dona Vincenta Supulved de Carrillo all bad?

Many Trails of Tears

A trail-head for one of them in California is the chapel of St. Francis Assissi near Warner springs on State Highway 79. It serves a primrily native population. Mass and burials are conducted at the chapel.

The point from which the 'trail of tears' for the people who now live at Pala began is marked by this little chapel. Near it a plaque commemorating the loss, and steps leading to it may be found. Bring your glasses; the writing on the plaque is small. Bring your respect and reverence too. This place is holy for a significant number of people.

Early Spanish speaking people said that an Indian community near here had been called El Cuanan.

In 1847 Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, son of Sacajawea visited the area.

Mission Santa Ysabel is a very short drive from the chapel