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.
The tribe was formerly centered in a village located about south of contemporary Chico, California. 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.
The Mechoopda regained federal recognition in 1992.
Government The Mechoopda Indian Tribe ratified their constitution on 1 February 1998. The tribe is governed by a seven-member council. The current administration is as follows: Tribal Chairman: Dennis Ramirez Vice Chairperson: Sandra Knight: Treasurer: He-Lo Ramirez Secretary: Susie Cortez Member-at-Large: Lianne Bertolucci Member-at-Large: Jessie Kai Member-at-Large: Jenny Atkins"Tribal Government." Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Ranchería. Tribal Council. Retrieved 13 July 2016.
Reservation The Chico Ranchería is a federal reservation located in Butte County. The population of the tribe is 560;Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria official website the population on the ranchería is approximately 70. Chico is the closest town."California Indians and Their Reservations: Chico Rancheria." San Diego State University Library and Information Access. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
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External links
Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, official website Mechoopda Indian Rancheria, history University Signs Agreement with Mechoopda Tribe