Mechoopda

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]

Mechoopda Maidu Indians

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

Mechoopda sweat house

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: Roberta Lewis
• Member-at-Large: Barbara Rose
• Member-at-Large: Isaiah Meders
• 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.^{[citation needed]} Chico is the closest town.^[7]