Nisenan (Southern Maidu) and Plains Miwok Indians have lived in the Sacaramento Valley area for many thousands of years. Unlike the settlers who would eventually make Sacramento their home, these Indians left little evidence of their existence.

The population levels of indians in Californai is unknown but estimates range into the hundreds of thousands.

Traditionally, their diet was dominated by acorns taken from the plentiful oak trees in the region, and by fruits, bulbs, seeds, and roots gathered throughout the year.