Cocopah facts for kids
Middle Sky, Cocapah, photo by Frank A. Rinehart, 1899 (hand-colored)
|
|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 1,009 in the United States (2010) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Mexico(  Baja California and  Sonora) United States ( Arizona) |
|
| Languages | |
| Cocopah, English, Spanish | |
| Religion | |
| Traditional tribal religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| other Yuman peoples |
The Cocopah (Cocopah: Xawitt Kwñchawaay) are Native Americans who live in Baja California, Mexico, and Arizona, United States.
In the United States, Cocopah people belong to the federally recognized Cocopah Tribe of Arizona.
Contents
What Does "Cocopah" Mean?
The Cocopah are also called the Cucapá. In their own language, Cocopah, they are known as Kwapa or Kwii Capáy. This name means "Cloud People." It refers to the misty fog often seen along the Colorado River where they live.
Their special name for themselves is Xawiƚƚ kwñchawaay. This translates to “Those Who Live on the Cloudy River.” It comes from words meaning "river," "cloud," and "to live."
The Cocopah Language
The Cocopah language is part of the Yuman language family. This family includes several languages spoken by Native American groups in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
In 2010, the U.S. Census reported that there were 1,009 Cocopah people. Many Cocopah today also speak English or Spanish.
A Look at Their History
Life Before Europeans Arrived
The ancestors of the Cocopah lived in parts of what is now Arizona, California, and Baja California. Archaeologists call their ancient culture the Patayan culture. These people lived between 700 and 1550 A.D.
They lived along the Gila River and the Colorado River. They also lived in nearby uplands and areas near the Grand Canyon. The Patayan people were likely the ancestors of the Cocopah and other Yuman-speaking tribes. They grew crops in floodplains when possible. They also hunted animals and gathered wild plants for food.
First Contact with Europeans
The Cocopah likely first met Europeans in 1540. This happened when the Spanish explorer Hernando de Alarcón sailed into the Colorado River delta. The Cocopah were specifically mentioned by name in a Spanish expedition in 1605.
After the Mexican-American War
After the Mexican–American War in the 1840s, Cocopah lands were divided. This happened because of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This treaty split their traditional territory between the United States and Mexico.
The discovery of gold in California in 1849 brought many travelers through the Cocopah lands. The U.S. government saw how important the Colorado River crossing was. So, they set up Camp Independence in 1850 to protect this route. Many tribes along the river, including the Cocopah, started ferry businesses. This created many jobs for them.
The Cocopah joined some conflicts during this time. They fought alongside other tribes against the U.S. government. Later, they also had disputes with other tribes, like the Quechan. These conflicts eventually ended.
The Cocopah and the Mexican Revolution
During the Mexican Revolution, a group called the Magonistas gained support from the Cocopah. Camilo Jiménez, a Cocopah leader, helped this happen. The Cocopah were interested in fighting for their land rights against both Mexican and U.S. control.
The Cocopah, along with other tribes, helped the Magonistas. They even helped capture the city of Mexicali in January 1911. Cocopah armies also raided small towns. However, the Cocopah were eventually defeated by Mexican forces. They were forced off some of their land.
The Modern Era
In 1964, the Cocopah Tribe of Arizona created its first constitution. They formed a Tribal Council to govern their community on the Cocopah Indian Reservation.
In the late 1970s and 1980s, the tribe gained more land. They built homes, installed utilities, and developed important services. They also started businesses to help their community grow.
The Cocopah Tribe of Arizona
Cocopah people living in the United States are part of the Cocopah Tribe of Arizona. In 2000, there were 891 people in this tribe.
The tribe has several businesses on their reservation. These include a casino, a speedway, a resort, a family entertainment center, and a bingo hall. They also have a Museum and Cultural Center. This center helps share their history and traditions.
Another Yuman group, the Quechan, lives on the nearby Fort Yuma Indian Reservation. On special occasions, Cocopah people wear their traditional ribbon shirts and ribbon dresses.
Where Cocopah People Live
Cocopah people live in several places in Mexico and the United States. In Mexico, they live in the Mexicali Municipality in Baja California. They also live in the San Luis Río Colorado Municipality in Sonora.
In the United States, Cocopah people live in Arizona.
See also
In Spanish: Cucapah para niños
