Historically, the Pomo were the most southerly Native Americans on the California coast not brought under the mission influence of the Catholics in the 18th and 19th century. They consisted of seven sub-tribes: often labeled according to the geographical location. The majority of the Members reside in the counties of Lake, Santa Clara, Contra Costa, Napa, Mendocino, Sonoma, Yolo, Alameda and Los Angeles County due to historic displacement and a lack of educational and employment opportunities.

Their ethnic religion, emphasizing the Bole-Maru, stressed belief in an afterlife and a supreme being. Local dreamers and prophets among the various Pomo groups have guided further evolution, even to this day. Most Pomo now belong to some Christian church, of which the majoirty are not evangelical Christians, but many still fear the consequences of breaking old restrictions.

For more information, see Upper Lake Pomo website.