The Acjachemen have always been here.

The Acjachemen (pronounced ah-HAWSH-eh-men) are the indigenous people of what is now Orange County, California. Their ancestral territory stretches from Aliso Creek in the north to Las Pulgas Canyon in San Diego County, from the Pacific coast to the Santa Ana Mountains. Archaeological evidence places Acjachemen presence in this region for at least 10,000 years — among the longest continuously documented human occupations in North America.

Also known as the Juaneño, a name given by Spanish missionaries at Mission San Juan Capistrano in 1776, the Acjachemen today prefer their original name. They are currently seeking federal recognition from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. California has recognized three Acjachemen groups at the state level. Approximately 2,800 people are enrolled members today.