The Wukchumni Tribe 501c3 is dedicated to revitalizing and maintaining the cultural values (traditional and spiritual) of the Wukchumni Yokuts.

We strive to develop and teach our cultural values and traditional life ways to our children, as done by our ancestors before us. We serve our Wukchumni people by teaching and actively using methods that help us to protect and preserve our traditional food systems, plants, and traditional ecological knowledge used sustain our traditional life ways. We work together with guidance from our Elders to provide educational opportunities in our local schools and at community events.

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“Storytelling has always been important to our people. That’s how we’ve passed on history, genealogy, life’s lessons. It is our way of life.” — Darlene Franco (Wukchumni)

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Current Programs

Youth Program

We currently offer a weekly after school study time for K-6th graders, storytelling, cultural enrichment opportunities, Indigenous STEM, Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter programs during school breaks, and cultural camps for youth & their parents. Youth are empowered to lead activities, talking circles, and group activities to build their leadership and public speaking skills.

Teen & Transitional Youth Program

With a grant from Elevate Youth California, we are able to provide weekly programs for 13-26 year olds living in Tulare, Fresno, and Kings Counties. Programs include Cool Crew, Talking Circles, Walking Groups, Paid Mentorships, and Cultural and History Projects.

Wukchumni Farms

Our Food Sovereignty project that began in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Wukchumni people came together to grow our own food to nourish us and allow for us to safely gather together. Today, we have created a educational site where community members can learn gardening, composting, soil health, storytelling, and seed saving. Our Farm provides fresh produce and eggs to Elders bi-weekly.

Land Stewardship

We believe that it is our sacred responsibility to care for and actively steward our Pa’an (land), as our ancestors did for generations before us. We currently are building a seed library and a native plant nursery where we will be able to provide seeds and native plants to our tribal relatives and the community.

Food Pantry

Thanks to our partnership with FoodLink for Tulare County, we are able to offer weekly food boxes to our community. Families are able to pick up boxes from our office in Visalia. If you are interested in learning more about our Food Pantry please contact Lisa Thomas - lisa@wukchumnitribe.org

Community Outreach

We are active in our local community and in the greater Central Valley as we participate in community events, host presentations and demonstrations, offer fieldtrips and workshops, as well as host cultural gatherings. We’re grateful for the unique and fulfilling work that we’ve accomplished alongside partners such as Tulare County Cultural Heritage Foundation, FoodLink for Tulare County, and Central Environmental Justice Network (CCEJN).