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.
19th century photograph of Mechoopda women and children | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 413 enrolled members | |
| 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. 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.