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The Kumeyaay Indians do not exist, at least not in the way that they did before the coming of the Spanish, Mexican, and Anglos of the United States. For thousands of years, they had lived in harmony with each other and with nature. Today, most of their culture, lifestyle, and even the people themselves have disappeared. Through this interactive game we hope to simulate aspects of the Kumeyaay lifestyle and learn some of the ways of these people.

To play, you will have to imagine that you live in a small village of about 30 to 40 people. Most of these people are related to you in some way. Your family moves depending on what the weather is like, or how well the plants near your hut are growing. Sometimes, you will go with your parents or an aunt and uncle up into the mountains for weeks at a time to collect acorns or to meet with other village members for celebrations and special ceremonies. Other times, you might go down to the coast and feast on fish, clams, crayfish and other treats from the sea. Or perhaps you will stay by the river where a wealth of nature's gifts abound including clay, reeds, and willow leaves.

The object of this game is to complete a series of tasks assigned to you by the captain, or kwaaypaay of your village. The first to finish is the winner and will receive special recognition and treats within the village and at the next celebration.


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acorn graphicAbout the Game acorn graphicKumeyaay Lifestyle acorn graphicAdditional Materials
spacerGame Rules spacerThe Coast spacerHistory of the Kumeyaay
spacer Play the Game spacerThe River spacerMaps
spacerTeacher Guidelines spacerThe Mountains spacerCredits


First posted December, 1998.
Last revised January 25, 2000.
by Linda Woods Hyman
SBC Knowledge Network Explorer.
This site currently under development. Some links are not working and are simply reminders for future links.