Welcome
The Hopland Band of Pomo Indians’ traditional land is located in the Sanel Valley and surrounding areas of what is now southeastern Mendocino County, California. This land has been home to our Hopland people since time immemorial. In the Central Pomo language, we call ourselves Sho-Ka-Wah, meaning “east of the river.” Our main village, Shanel—meaning “of the roundhouse”—once held five assembly houses and was guided by many respected leaders, or “captains.” Before European contact, our community thrived with an estimated population of 1,500, living in balance with the land and carrying forward a rich cultural heritage that continues today.