Big Sandy Rancheria facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 96 enrolled members | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 United States ( California) |
|
| Languages | |
| English, Western Mono | |
| Religion | |
| Traditional tribal religion, formerly Ghost Dance | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Other Mono tribes |
The Big Sandy Rancheria of Mono Indians of California is a special area of land called a ranchería. It is home to a federally recognized tribe of Western Mono Indians. This tribe is also known as Monache. They live in Fresno County, California, in the United States. In 2010, about 118 people lived there. In 1909, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) bought 280 acres of land for this group of Western Mono Indians.
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About the Big Sandy Rancheria
The Big Sandy Rancheria is located near Auberry, California. It is in Fresno County, California. The land covers about 228 acres (0.92 square kilometers). In 2009, around 158 out of 495 tribal members lived on the rancheria. The area is quite private. The tribe's main office is surrounded by homes.
A Look at Their History
In 1909, the BIA bought 280 acres of land for the Big Sandy Band of Western Mono Indians. This land was meant to be a safe home for them. They could grow food and raise animals there. It also protected them from attacks by people who were not Native American.
Changes to Tribal Status
In 1958, the government passed a law called the California Rancheria Termination Act. This law affected 41 California rancherias, including Big Sandy. It meant that the government no longer recognized these lands as special tribal areas. It also changed the official status of the tribes.
Because of this law, the Big Sandy Rancheria formed the BSR Association in 1966. This group was created to manage their shared property. They also had to approve a plan from the BIA for ending the rancheria's special status. The plan suggested giving some land to the American Baptist Home Mission Society.
Challenges and Restoration
The tribe approved the BIA's plan without fully understanding their rights. They did not know all the good or bad parts of agreeing to end their status. They also did not know about other choices they could have made. After the Big Sandy members approved the plan, the BIA stopped recognizing them as a federal tribe.
The BIA did not keep all its promises from the Rancheria Act. This change hurt the tribe a lot. It made it harder for them to grow and improve their community. During this time, the government was offering help programs to other tribes. But Big Sandy members could not get these services. Their housing, income, and education faced many problems. Some of these issues are still present today.
In 1983, a United States court officially brought back the Big Sandy Rancheria's status. They were once again recognized as an Indian Country. The people of the tribe were again federally recognized Indians. Members who had land from the BIA's old plan could return their land to tribal trust status. The Association's properties could also be returned.
How the Tribe is Governed
The Big Sandy Rancheria's main office is in Auberry, California. The tribe is led by a council of five people. These leaders are chosen by the tribe in elections. General Council meetings happen on the last Sunday of every three months. Tribal Council meetings are held on the last Wednesday of each month.
In 1958, the Auberry Band of the Mono people had a name in the Mono language. It was ?unaħpaahtyħ, which means "that which is on the other side (of the San Joaquin River)". Another name was Unapatɨ Nɨm, meaning "across (the Joaquin River) people".
As of 2017, Elizabeth D. Kipp was the chairperson. Miles Baty was the Vice Chairperson. Patricia Soto was the treasurer, and Regina Riley was the Secretary. Sharon Baty Simpson was a Member at Large. The tribal government has three main parts: Family Activities, Head Start, and Finance. James Collins is the tribal administrator. Alena Dondero leads Family Activities. Johanna Leal is the Head Start director. Leann Anguiano manages the finances.
Education for Tribal Members
The Sierra Unified School District serves the children of the rancheria.
Tribal Businesses and Growth
The tribe owns and runs the Mono Wind Casino and Broken Arrow Restaurant. Both are in Auberry.
They also operate BSR Fuel Distribution in Auberry. This business sells diesel and gasoline.
BSR Fuel Distribution trades with other tribes. This helps make tribal relationships stronger. It allows tribes and rancherias to buy fuel directly from another Native American government. This kind of trade avoids state rules. It also means they do not have to pay state taxes on fuel.
Trading with other tribes helps Big Sandy Rancheria keep their tax money for their own people. These funds are used to help the community. They support programs like healthcare, elder care, and native education. They also provide help for hard times, housing, and improvements to the tribe's buildings. The programs and services offered by Big Sandy Rancheria help their members grow and become self-sufficient.
