Mechoopda
Ethnic group
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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
The 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: Susie Cortez
- Member-at-Large: Lianne Bertolucci
- Member-at-Large: Jessie Kai
- Member-at-Large: Jenny Atkins[5]
Reservation
The 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.[7] Chico is the closest town.[8]