The Mechoopda are a tribe of Maidu people, an Indigenous people of California. They are enrolled in the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, a federally recognized tribe. Historically, the tribe has spoken Konkow, a language related to the Maidu language, and as of 2010, has created digital learning materials from old recordings of Emma Cooper, made during the 1940s as a part of the war effort.[2]
 19th century photograph of Mechoopda women and children | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 413 enrolled members[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 California | |
| Languages | |
| English, Konkow | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity, traditional tribal religions | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| other Maidu people |
The tribe was formerly centered in a village located about 3+1⁄2 miles (5.6 km) south of contemporary Chico, California.[3] The Tribe was terminated in 1967, losing its 26-acre Chico Rancheria. Today, approximately one-half of the old Chico Rancheria is now owned by California State University, Chico (CSUC). The 11-acre university-owned portion of the former reservation is used by CSUC's agriculture, anthropology, and archaeology students.[4]
The Mechoopda regained federal recognition in 1992.
Government
editThe Mechoopda Indian Tribe ratified their constitution on 1 February 1998. The tribe is governed by a seven-member council.[1] The current administration is as follows:
- Tribal Chairman: Dennis Ramirez
- Vice Chairperson: Sandra Knight:
- Treasurer: He-Lo Ramirez
- Secretary: Roberta Lewis
- Member-at-Large: Barbara Rose
- Member-at-Large: Isaiah Meders
- Member-at-Large: Jenny Atkins[5]
Reservation
editThe Chico Ranchería is a federal reservation located in Butte County. The population of the tribe is 560;[6] the population on the ranchería is approximately 70.[citation needed] Chico is the closest town.[7]
Notes
edit- ^ a b "Tribal Government." Archived 2012-10-22 at the Wayback Machine Mechoopda Maidu Indians. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
- ^ Meridith J. Cooper (2010-09-30). "Preserving Mechoopda tradition – A young tribe member creates a learning program using old recordings of the native language". Chico News & Review. Retrieved 2012-07-19.
- ^ "Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park". EveryTrail. Retrieved 2012-07-19.
- ^ "Conversation with Tribal Chairman Steve Santos". Inside Chico State – Volume 36 Number 3. Archived from the original on 2014-03-30. Retrieved 2013-05-08.
- ^ "Tribal Government." Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Ranchería. Tribal Council. Retrieved 13 July 2016.
- ^ Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria official website
- ^ "California Indians and Their Reservations: Chico Rancheria." San Diego State University Library and Information Access. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
External links
edit- Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, official website
- Mechoopda Indian Rancheria, history
- University Signs Agreement with Mechoopda Tribe