Description
The Chimariko are an indigenous people of California, who originally lived in a narrow, 20-mile section of canyon on the Trinity River in Trinity County in northwestern California. Non-native fur trappers first entered the Chimariko's territory in 1820, followed by miners and settlers in the 1850s. The Chimariko were profoundly affected by the destructive environmental practices of gold seekers during the California Gold Rush, starting in 1848. One of the major issues involved the disruption of the salmon population that was the main food source of the Chimariko. In the 1860s, conflict between the Chimariko and white miners led to the near extinction of their population. The surviving Chimariko fled to live with the Hoopa Valley Hupa, and nearby Tsnungwe and New River or Salmon River Shasta.
Language
Chimariko people spoke the Chimariko language, a Northern Hokan language. The language is currently extinct. The language probably became extinct sometime in the 1930s.
Culture
In general culture, they were much like their neighbors, the Hupa, though they are said to have lacked canoes and did not practice the deerskin dance of the Hupa and Yurok. They lived mainly on salmon, eels, and vegetal foods, especially acorns. Originally hunter-gatherers, the Chimariko are possibly the earliest residents of their region. They had good relations with the Wintu people and were enemies of the Hupa, a Southern Athabaskan people. The houses in the Chimariko villages were poor in comparison to those of their neighbors, although they were made in a similar style. Their location along the Trinity River meant that the Chimariko people had a steady supply of fish to eat. The men used nets and traps to catch the salmon and other fish. They also used harpoons, as well as bows and arrows, and clubs. Sometimes they caught fish with their bare hands. The river in Chimariko territory was too small and fast-flowing for canoes to be useful. Fishermen waded into the river. In addition to fish, the Chimariko hunted deer, elk, and bear in the nearby forests, several kinds of birds such as quail, and small animals like rabbits and rodents.