THE CARMEL BAND OF RUMSEN INDIANS

The Carmel Band of Rumsen Indians is a Native American tribe that historically inhabited the Carmel River Valley and surrounding areas in Monterey County, California. They are part of the Ohlone family and were closely related to other Rumsen village groups and neighboring Ohlone tribes.

 

While the Rumsen were not divided into distinct tribes, they did have different village groups and cultural affiliations within their overall territory.

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Some of the main Rumsen village groups included:

 

• Monterey Rumsen: This group inhabited the Monterey Bay area, including the city of Monterey.

 

• Carmel Rumsen: This group lived in the Carmel River Valley and surrounding areas.

 

• Soquel Rumsen: This group resided in the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Soquel Creek area.

 

• Watsonville Rumsen: This group occupied the Watsonville area and parts of the Pajaro Valley.

 

Members of the Carmel Band of Rumsen Indians are descendants of the Costanoan Carmel Rumsen Tribe