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California Rancheria Termination Acts facts for kids

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The California Rancheria Termination Acts were a series of laws passed by the United States government in the 1950s and 1960s. These laws were part of a bigger plan called the Indian termination policy. This policy aimed to end the special relationship between the U.S. government and many Native American tribes.

For California, these acts meant that 41 "Rancherias" (small Native American communities or reservations) were chosen to lose their official tribal status. Seven more were added later. This meant that these tribes would no longer be recognized by the federal government. They also lost important federal services like healthcare and education. In total, 46 of 51 targeted Rancherias were officially "terminated."

However, many tribes fought back. Through lawsuits and new laws, more than 30 Rancherias have had their official status restored. At least five more are still working to get their recognition back today.

Early Terminations (Before 1958)

Some Rancherias were terminated even before the main 1958 Act.

Koi Nation

The first termination happened on March 29, 1956, for the Koi Nation of the Lower Lake Rancheria. Their land was bought by Lake County to build an airport. The tribe believed they were still a tribe, even without land. But government records showed they were officially terminated. This meant tribal members could not get federal health services. After many years, the government finally recognized the Koi Nation again on December 29, 2000. They said there had been "oversights in official records."

Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians

On July 10, 1957, the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians was also affected. Their land was sold to the U.S. Army to build the Coyote Valley Dam. Even though they moved a few miles away, government records showed they were terminated. Like the Koi Nation, this might have been a mistake, as the tribe is now officially recognized by the federal government.

Laguna Rancheria

Another Rancheria, Laguna Rancheria, was terminated on February 4, 1958. This happened just before the big 1958 Act.

California Rancheria Termination Act of 1958

On August 18, 1958, a major law called the California Rancheria Termination Act was passed. This law aimed to divide up the land and property of 41 Rancherias among their individual tribal members.

Before the land was given out, the government was supposed to survey the land. They also had to improve roads and water systems on the Rancherias. However, a government report in 1957-1958 showed that very little had been done to prepare these communities for termination.

Also, the notice given to the tribes was often not enough. Sometimes, officials only spoke to a few people living on the Rancheria. They did not always talk to all tribal members living nearby. For example, the Nisenan of the Nevada City Rancheria said that officials only spoke to whoever was at home.

1964 Amendment

In 1964, an update to the California Rancheria Termination Act was passed. This amendment added seven more Rancherias to the list for termination.

So, in total, 3 Rancherias were terminated before the 1958 Act, 41 were mentioned in the 1958 Act, and 7 more were added in 1964. This means 46 Rancherias were terminated in total. Some sources say 41, but the actual number is higher.

Restoration Efforts

Many tribes were unhappy with the termination policy right away. The government often failed to keep its promises about improvements and educational chances. This led to many lawsuits asking to reverse the terminations.

Early Successes

The first tribe to successfully challenge their termination was the Robinson Rancheria on March 22, 1977. Five other Rancherias followed soon after:

Each of these early victories helped one specific tribe.

Tillie Hardwick's Class Action Lawsuit

Because of these successes and ongoing problems, a woman named Tillie Hardwick decided to take action in 1979. She worked with California Indian Legal Services to start a "class action" lawsuit. This meant one lawsuit would represent many tribes at once.

On July 19, 1983, a court case called Tillie Hardwick, et al. v. United States of America, et al. ordered the federal government to recognize 17 California Rancherias again. This "Hardwick decision" helped more terminated tribes than any other single case in California. It also encouraged many other terminated Rancherias to seek federal recognition.

Out of the 46 terminated Rancherias, 27 have been restored. The Coyote Valley Rancheria did not need restoration because it is still recognized. At least five other Rancherias are still working to get their federal status back.

Lists of California Rancherias

California Rancherias Terminated prior to 1958
Rancheria or Reservation Tribal entity Date of termination Date of Reinstatement Date of Land Restoration Details
1. Lower Lake Rancheria Koi Nation of Northern California March 29, 1956 December 29, 2000 Terminated by Public Law 443 [H. R. 585] 70 Stat. 58[2] and Public Law 751 [H. R. 11163] 70 Stat. 595.
2. Caoyote Valley Rancheria Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians of California July 10, 1957 Terminated by Public Law 85-91 71 Stat. 283.
3. Laguna Rancheria February 4, 1958 1977
California Rancherias Terminated by Act of 1958
Rancheria or Reservation Tribal entity Date of termination Date of Reinstatement Date of Land Restoration Details
1. Alexander Valley Rancheria Mishewal Wappo Indians of Alexander Valley August 1, 1961 In 2009, the tribe filed for federal restoration. On 25 July 2013 a hearing was held in San Jose, California in the federal court of U.S. District Court Judge Edward Davila. The claim was denied citing that the statute of limitations was exceeded.
2. Auburn Rancheria United Auburn Indian Community August 18, 1967 October 31, 1994 October 31, 1994 By federal statute. Public Law No. 103-434, 108 Stat. 4533 With the passage of their restoration law, 49.21 acres of land were restored to the tribal trust.
3. Big Sandy Rancheria Big Sandy Rancheria of Mono Indians August 18, 1958 March 28, 1983 March 28, 1983 By US Federal Court decision San Joaquin or Big Sandy Band of Indians, et al. v. James Watt, et al. Civil Case #C-80-3787-MHP
4. Big Valley Rancheria Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians November 11, 1965 December 22, 1983 December 22, 1983 By US Federal Court decision Tillie Hardwick, et al. v. United States of America, et al. Case #C-79-1710-SW At the time of the Hardwick I decision 99.52 acres of land were restored to the tribal trust.
5. Blue Lake Rancheria Blue Lake Rancheria of the Wiyot, Yurok, and Hupa Indians September 22, 1966 December 22, 1983 December 22, 1983 By US Federal Court decision Tillie Hardwick, et al. v. United States of America, et al. Case #C-79-1710-SW At the time of the Hardwick I decision 19.40 acres of land were restored to the tribal trust.
6. Buena Vista Rancheria Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California April 11, 1961 December 22, 1983 By US Federal Court decision Tillie Hardwick, et al. v. United States of America, et al. Case #C-79-1710-SW
7. Cache Creek Rancheria Unknown April 11, 1961 Remains terminated as of 1997 Note: The Cache Creek Casino Resort is run by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.
8. Chicken Ranch Rancheria Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California August 1, 1961 December 22, 1983 December 22, 1983 By US Federal Court decision Tillie Hardwick, et al. v. United States of America, et al. Case #C-79-1710-SW At the time of the Hardwick I decision 50.58 acres of land were restored to the tribal trust.
9. Chico Rancheria Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, California June 2, 1967 May 4, 1992 January 24, 2014 Federal decree: 57 Fed. Reg. 19,133 (May 4, 1992). Partial restoration of lands was granted in the final settlement of a US Federal Court decision Scotts Valley v. United States (Final Judgment), No. C-86-3660-VRW (N.D. Cal. April 17, 1992), but they were unable to reestablish the former Rancheria boundaries. The tribe's former reservation is located within the City of Chico and zoned for residential and commercial use, with a part of it being California State University property. On 20 March 20, 2000, the formally requested the State of California to negotiate with the tribe for class III gaming facilities. The stated declined as the tribe has no lands. In 2003 the tribe filed suit in Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, California v. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the State of California, Civ. S-03-2327WBS/GGH, but the case was dismissed on 12 March 2004. A decade later, the federal government authorized the tribe to restore their lands under the "restored lands exception" of the Indian Reorganization Act.
10. Cloverdale Rancheria Cloverdale Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California December 30, 1965 December 22, 1983 December 22, 1983 By US Federal Court decision Tillie Hardwick, et al. v. United States of America, et al. Case #C-79-1710-SW At the time of the Hardwick I decision 12.56 acres of land were restored to the tribal trust.
11. Cold Springs Rancheria Cold Springs Rancheria of Mono Indians of California N/A N/A N/A The ACCIP Termination Report: The Continuing Destructive Effects of the Termination Policy on California Indians, prepared by the Advisory Council on California Indian Policy in September, 1997 states that the Cold Springs Rancheria was never terminated
12. Elk Valley Rancheria Elk Valley Rancheria, California July 16, 1966 December 22, 1983 December 22, 1983 By US Federal Court decision Tillie Hardwick, et al. v. United States of America, et al. Case #C-79-1710-SW At the time of the Hardwick I decision 215.44 acres of land were restored to the tribal trust.
13. Graton Rancheria Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, California February 18, 1966 1992 December 27, 2000 On 2 March 1999 legislation was introduced to restore the tribal lands of the tribe. The legislation was passed the US Congress and signed by President Clinton on December 27, 2000.
14. Greenville Rancheria Greenville Rancheria of Maidu Indians December 8, 1966 December 22, 1983 December 22, 1983 By US Federal Court decision Tillie Hardwick, et al. v. United States of America, et al. Case #C-79-1710-SW At the time of the Hardwick I decision 1.8 acres of land were restored to the tribal trust.
15. Guidiville Rancheria Guidiville Rancheria of California September 3, 1965 1986 March 15, 1991 By US Federal Court decision Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians of the Sugar Bowl Rancheria, et al. v. United States of America, et al., No. C-86-3660-WWS Shortly after the Scotts Valley decision 46.88 acres of land were restored to the tribal trust.
16. Hopland Rancheria Hopland Band of Pomo Indians, California June 18, 1961 March 29, 1978 March 29, 1978 By US Federal Court decision Roger Smith, as Administrator of the Estate of Ellerick Smith, et al. v. United States of America, et al. Case #C-74-1016- WTS
17. Indian Ranch Rancheria Unknown September 22, 1964 Remains terminated as of 1997
18. Lytton Rancheria Lytton Band of Pomo Indians August 1, 1961 September 6, 1991 2000 In 2000 federal legislation was passed granting the tribe a card room in San Pablo as a reservation. In 2002, a lawsuit was filed claiming the group was never a sovereign group and a second challenge was filed in 2003. The tribe defeated both and in 2004 Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger agreed to back the plan of an urban tribal casino. The casino began operations on 1 August 2005.
19. Mark West Rancheria Unknown August 1, 1961 Remains terminated as of 1997
20. Middletown Rancheria Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California N/A N/A N/A The ACCIP Termination Report: The Continuing Destructive Effects of the Termination Policy on California Indians, prepared by the Advisory Council on California Indian Policy in September, 1997 states that the Middletown Rancheria was never terminated.
21. Montgomery Creek Rancheria Pit River Tribe, California N/A N/A N/A The ACCIP Termination Report: The Continuing Destructive Effects of the Termination Policy on California Indians, prepared by the Advisory Council on California Indian Policy in September, 1997 states that the Montgomery Creek Rancheria was one of the land bases of the Pit River Tribe and was never terminated.
22. Mooretown Rancheria Mooretown Rancheria of Maidu Indians August 1, 1961 December 22, 1983 December 22, 1983 By US Federal Court decision Tillie Hardwick, et al. v. United States of America, et al. Case #C-79-1710-SW At the time of the Hardwick I decision 445.31 acres of land were restored to the tribal trust.
23. Nevada City Rancheria Nevada City Rancheria of Nisenan of Northern California September 22, 1964 On 2 December 2010, the Nevada County Historical Society board of directors unanimously rescinded their 2000 endorsement of the Plumas County Tsi Akim Maidu and acknowledged the Nevada City Rancheria tribe's claim of being the historical indigenous people of Nevada County. On 20 January 2010, the tribe filed a case in the US District Court of Northern California (C-10-00270-HRL) for wrongful termination, restoration and federal recognition of their tribe.
24. North Fork Rancheria North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians February 18, 1966 December 22, 1983 December 22, 1983 By US Federal Court decision Tillie Hardwick, et al. v. United States of America, et al. Case #C-79-1710-SW At the time of the Hardwick I decision 141.52 acres of land were restored to the tribal trust.
25. Paskenta Rancheria Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians of California April 11, 1961 November 2, 1994 November 2, 1994 By federal statute. Public Law No. 103-454, 108 Stat. 4793 With the passage of their restoration law, 1,869.16 acres of land were restored to the tribal trust.
26. Picayune Rancheria Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians of California February 18, 1966 December 22, 1983 December 22, 1983 By US Federal Court decision Tillie Hardwick, et al. v. United States of America, et al. Case #C-79-1710-SW At the time of the Hardwick I decision 28.76 acres of land were restored to the tribal trust.
27. Pinoleville Rancheria Pinoleville Pomo Nation February 18, 1966 December 22, 1983 December 22, 1983 By US Federal Court decision Tillie Hardwick, et al. v. United States of America, et al. Case #C-79-1710-SW At the time of the Hardwick I decision 26.37 acres of land were restored to the tribal trust.
28. Potter Valley Rancheria Potter Valley Tribe, California August 1, 1961 December 22, 1983 By US Federal Court decision Tillie Hardwick, et al. v. United States of America, et al. Case #C-79-1710-SW
29. Quartz Valley Rancheria Quartz Valley Indian Community of the Quartz Valley Reservation of California January 20, 1967 December 22, 1983 December 22, 1983 By US Federal Court decision Tillie Hardwick, et al. v. United States of America, et al. Case #C-79-1710-SW At the time of the Hardwick I decision 129.64 acres of land were restored to the tribal trust.
30. Redding Rancheria Redding Rancheria, California June 20, 1962 December 22, 1983 December 22, 1983 By US Federal Court decision Tillie Hardwick, et al. v. United States of America, et al. Case #C-79-1710-SW At the time of the Hardwick I decision 50.33 acres of land were restored to the tribal trust.
31. Redwood Valley Rancheria Redwood Valley or Little River Band of Pomo Indians of the Redwood Valley Rancheria California August 1, 1961 December 22, 1983 December 22, 1983 By US Federal Court decision Tillie Hardwick, et al. v. United States of America, et al. Case #C-79-1710-SW At the time of the Hardwick I decision 176.52 acres of land were restored to the tribal trust.
32. Robinson Rancheria Robinson Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians September 3, 1965 March 22, 1977 June 29, 1977 By US Federal Court decision Mabel Duncan, et al. v. Cecil D. Andrus, et al. Case Nos. C-71-1572-WWS, C-71-1713-WWS The 1977 ruling found that the tribal status must be "unterminated" and its tribal members were to regain federal benefits lost through their unlawful termination. Subsequently, two additional actions were filed. Mabel Duncan et al. v. the United States 597 F.2d 1337 found 18 April 1979 that the US government was liable for tribal damages. On 2 December 1981 the judge confirmed federal liability for damages in Mabel Duncan et al. v. the United States 667 F.2d 36. After the 1977 ruling, 153.22 acres of land were restored to the tribal trust.
33. Rohnerville Rancheria Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria July 16, 1966 December 22, 1983 December 22, 1983 By US Federal Court decision Tillie Hardwick, et al. v. United States of America, et al. Case #C-79-1710-SW At the time of the Hardwick I decision 62.16 acres of land were restored to the tribal trust.
34. Ruffeys Rancheria Unknown April 11, 1962 Remains terminated as of 1997
35. Scotts Valley Rancheria Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians September 3, 1965 March 15, 1991 March 15, 1991 By US Federal Court decision Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians of the Sugar Bowl Rancheria, et al. v. United States of America, et al., No. C-86-3660-WWS Shortly after the Scotts Valley decision 0.79 acres of land were restored to the tribal trust.
36. Smith River Rancheria Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation July 29, 1967 December 22, 1983 December 22, 1983 By US Federal Court decision Tillie Hardwick, et al. v. United States of America, et al. Case #C-79-1710-SW At the time of the Hardwick I decision 89.49 acres of land were restored to the tribal trust.
37. Strawberry Valley Rancheria Strawberry Valley Band of Pakan'yani Maidu April 11, 1961 In July, 2013 they met with Yuba County supervisors, in an attempt to win county endorsement of their efforts for federal recognition and tribal restoration.
38. Table Bluff Rancheria The Wiyot Tribe, California April 11, 1961 September 21, 1981 September 21, 1981 By US Federal Court decision Table Bluff Band of Indians, et al. v. Cecil Andrus, et al. Case #C-75-2525-WTS At the time of the Table Bluff decision 87.99 acres of land were restored to the tribal trust.
39. Table Mountain Rancheria Table Mountain Rancheria of California 1959 June 1983 By US Federal Court decision Table Mountain Rancheria Association v. James Watt, Secretary of the Interior, No. C-80-4595-MHP
40. Upper Lake Rancheria Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake, California 1959 May 15, 1979 2008 By US Federal Court decision Upper Lake Pomo Association, et. al v. Cecil Andrus, et al. No. C-75-0181-SW (The reference to the tribes' restoration date in 1979 was found within other litigation concerning native gaming.) The tribe achieved renewed recognition of their tribal status at that time, but was unable restore their tribal land trust until 2008.
41. Wilton Rancheria Me-Wuk Indian Community of the Wilton Rancheria September 27, 1964 2009 The tribe regained their federal tribal recognition in 2009. In 2014, they were still attempting to have their tribal lands restored.

The ACCIP Termination Report from 1997 lists 7 more reservations that were terminated by the 1964 Amendment. These were not named in the original law.

California Rancherias Terminated by 1964 Amendment
Rancheria or Reservation Tribal entity Date of termination Date of Reinstatement Date of Land Restoration Details
1. El Dorado Rancheria Miwok Tribe of the El Dorado Rancheria July 16, 1966 As of 2014 the Miwok Tribe of the El Dorado Rancheria has not sought to restore its federally-recognized sovereign status.
2. Mission Creek Reservation Mission Creek Reservation 1970 The Serrano, Cahuilla and Cupeño and other peoples who formerly inhabited the Mission Creek Reservation filed a letter of intent to reinstate their tribal status with the Bureau of Indian Affairs on 19 July 2012.
3. Colfax Rancheria Colfax Todds Valley Consolidated Tribe 1965 The Miwok and Maidu Indians of the Colfax Todds Valley Consolidated Tribe discovered in the 1970s that their reservation at the Colfax Rancheria was sold in 1965 by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The local Nisenan attempted to get the land turned over for their use, but were unsuccessful in regaining the land. In 2000, the tribe reorganized in an attempt to be restored as a federally recognized Indian tribe.
4. Likely Rancheria Pit River Tribe, California N/A N/A N/A The ACCIP Termination Report indicates that this rancheria was sold; however, according to the April, 2014 List of Federally Recognized Tribes the Pit River Tribe includes the former rancherias of: XL Ranch, Big Bend, Likely, Lookout, Montgomery Creek and Roaring Creek Rancherias.
5. Lookout Rancheria Pit River Tribe, California N/A N/A N/A The ACCIP Termination Report indicates that this rancheria was sold; however, according to the April, 2014 List of Federally Recognized Tribes the Pit River Tribe includes the former rancherias of: XL Ranch, Big Bend, Likely, Lookout, Montgomery Creek and Roaring Creek Rancherias.
6. Strathmore Rancheria Mono Indians of the Strathmore Rancheria The ACCIP Termination Report indicates that this rancheria was sold and specifically states, "These sales did not affect the status of any tribe;" however, in the 10 December 1965 issue of the Fresno Bee is a report that the Mono Indians of the Strathmore Rancheria were questioning the BIA decision to sell their reservation lands.
7. Taylorsville Rancheria Tsi Akim Maidu of the Taylorsville Rancheria The Tsi Akim Maidu of the Taylorsville Rancheria are seeking federal recognition. In 2013, they were able to resecure a portion of their ancestral lands in Plumas County, California, but without federal recognition they are unable to have it restored as a reservation.
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