About
The Dumna people, who originally lived in the area that is now Fresno and Madera counties, are related to the surrounding Monache tribes. Funds supported costs associated with planning and implementing a “Dumna Tribal Coming Out Ceremony,” which was the first public ceremony to be practiced by the Dumna for over five decades. The gathering provided an opportunity to teach Dumna descendents the history, ceremonies and dances of their people.
“ Some of our people did not know what tribe of Indian they were. I, with my strong up-bringing, knew who we were. Our tribe is getting bigger through research and meetings. Our gathering was very good. People talked about who was related to whom. The gathering was a ‘coming out gathering’ to let the people know we are back – the Dumna (‘Wo-wah’) tribe of ‘Chiqiloo’ (Table Mountain area).”
—Norma Behill Turner, tribal elder and project director
Contact Information
Norma Turner Behill
Dumna Cultural Preservation Association
P.O. Box 1386
Fresno, CA 92716
(559) 855-3128
(559) 855-5418 (fax)
Norma
Behill Turner in preparation for the Dumna Coming Out Ceremony