Last Updated: 2 years
The Cedarville Rancheria is a federally recognized tribe of Northern Paiute people located in Modoc County, California. This resilient tribe is composed of descendants from not only the Northern Paiute but also the Achomawi and Atsugewi peoples, creating a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and historical connection to the land.
Official Tribal Name: Cedarville Rancheria
Contact Information:
- Address: 300 West 1st Street, Alturas, CA 96101
- Phone: 530.233.3969
- Fax: 530-233-4776
- Email: cedranch@citlink.net
- Official Website: www.citlink.net/~cedranch/Cedarville_Rancheria/Welcome.html
Recognition Status: Federally Recognized
Traditional Roots: The Ancestral Tribes of Cedarville Rancheria
The Cedarville Rancheria stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of several indigenous tribes who have called the region home for countless generations. Each of these ancestral groups possesses unique cultural identities, distinct traditions, and their own linguistic heritage, contributing to the diverse identity of the modern-day Cedarville Rancheria. While the provided source material does not explicitly list the traditional names and meanings of these specific tribes, it is important to acknowledge the collective heritage of the Northern Paiute, Achomawi, and Atsugewi peoples within the Rancheria’s framework.
Region: California
State(s) Today: California
A Land Etched in History: Traditional Territory
The ancestral lands of the Cedarville Rancheria encompass a significant portion of northeastern California, extending into parts of southern Oregon and western Nevada. Specifically, their traditional territory centers around Modoc County, California, where their deep connection to the land is evident in their history and cultural practices.
The landscape within this territory is diverse and varied, including a network of mountain ranges such as the Warner Mountains and the expansive Modoc Plateau. Vital waterways, including the Pit River, Lost River, and Rush Creek, meander through the region, providing essential resources and shaping the environment.
Lakes, like Lake Surprise and Lake Almanor, punctuate the landscape, along with sprawling wetlands that support a rich ecosystem. The vegetation reflects the varying elevations and climates, ranging from oak woodlands and sagebrush steppe to juniper forests and towering ponderosa pine forests.
For centuries, the ancestors of the Cedarville Rancheria relied on these lands for sustenance, practicing traditional hunting and gathering techniques to procure food. The territory also served as a sacred space for spiritual ceremonies and community gatherings, further solidifying their bond with the environment. Today, the Cedarville Rancheria is dedicated to preserving their cultural heritage and protecting their ancestral lands from the pressures of modern development, ensuring that future generations can continue to connect with their history and traditions.
The Paiute Confederacy: A Shared Heritage
The Cedarville Rancheria is affiliated with the larger Paiute Confederacy, a group of related tribes sharing linguistic and cultural connections. This affiliation reflects a shared history and ancestry with other Paiute groups across the Great Basin region.
Treaties: An Unsigned Chapter
Unlike many other tribes, the Cedarville Rancheria was not a signatory to any of the 371 treaties negotiated between the United States government and various Native American nations. This absence from the treaty-making process has shaped the tribe’s relationship with the federal government and influenced their land rights and sovereignty.
A Place to Call Home: Cedarville Rancheria and Off-Reservation Trust Land
The Cedarville Rancheria maintains a small reservation located near the town of Cedarville, California. This reservation represents the only federally recognized tribal land within Modoc County, serving as a central point for the tribe’s government operations, housing, and community facilities.
- Land Area: The reservation consists of approximately 26.58 acres of land held in trust by the federal government for the exclusive use of the Cedarville Rancheria.
- Tribal Headquarters: Near Cedarville, California.
- Time Zone: Pacific Time
Population: Past and Present
Historical population figures for the specific tribes that comprise the Cedarville Rancheria at the time of European contact are not definitively known. However, it is estimated that the Modoc people, one of the groups contributing to the Rancheria’s heritage, numbered around 3,000 individuals prior to contact.
Registered Population Today: 35
Membership: Tribal Enrollment Requirements
Tribal enrollment within the Cedarville Rancheria is governed by specific requirements designed to ensure the preservation of tribal identity and lineage. While the exact details of these requirements are not provided in the source material, they typically involve demonstrating direct lineal descent from a documented ancestor listed on historical rolls or census records. Other factors, such as residency, cultural participation, and community involvement, may also be considered during the enrollment process.
Unlocking the Past: Genealogy Resources
Researching family history and tracing ancestry within the Cedarville Rancheria can be a complex but rewarding endeavor. Several resources may prove helpful to individuals seeking to learn more about their lineage:
- Tribal Enrollment Office: Contacting the Cedarville Rancheria‘s enrollment office is the first step.
- National Archives and Records Administration (NARA): NARA holds a vast collection of historical documents related to Native American tribes.
- Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA): The BIA maintains records related to tribal membership, land ownership, and other administrative matters.
- State and Local Historical Societies: These organizations often have genealogical resources.
Governance: A Framework for Self-Determination
The Cedarville Rancheria operates under a constitution and bylaws approved by the Secretary of the Interior on November 28, 1983. This framework provides the foundation for tribal self-governance and decision-making.
The Tribal Council, composed of five elected members serving staggered three-year terms, is the governing body of the Cedarville Rancheria. The Council is responsible for managing tribal resources, establishing policies, and protecting tribal sovereignty.
Executive officers, including a Tribal Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer, are elected by the Tribal Council to oversee specific areas of tribal governance. These officers serve two-year terms, providing leadership and direction to the tribe’s administrative functions.
The Cedarville Rancheria Charter outlines the structure and governance of the tribe, including election procedures, the roles and responsibilities of tribal officials, and the process for amending the constitution and bylaws.
Since the initial approval of the constitution and bylaws and the charter, there have been several constitutional amendments. These amendments were approved by the Cedarville Rancheria membership and subsequently approved by the Secretary of the Interior on June 20, 1990,October 23, 1991, November 20, 1996, November 18, 1998, December 22, 2000, November 16, 2005, October 27, 2010, October 2, 2013, November 16, 2016, and November 13, 2019.
Language: Preserving a Cultural Treasure
The traditional language of the Cedarville Rancheria is Northern Paiute, a member of the Numic branch of the Uto-Aztecan language family. Northern Paiute is further classified as a dialect continuum, with variations spoken by different tribes and bands across the region.
The number of fluent Northern Paiute speakers within the Cedarville Rancheria is not readily available. However, like many indigenous languages, Northern Paiute is considered endangered, with a declining number of fluent speakers and limited opportunities for language revitalization.
Efforts to preserve and promote the language include language classes, recordings, and documentation of traditional stories and songs. The Cedarville Rancheria has also collaborated with other tribes and organizations to support language revitalization efforts in the region.
Origins: A Creation Story
The Northern Paiute origin story is a creation myth that explains the origins of the world, its inhabitants, and the Paiute people themselves. This story is a vital part of the Paiute culture and is passed down through generations as an important part of their oral tradition.
Legends / Oral Stories:
Storytelling is an important part of Cedarville Rancheria’s cultural heritage. Tribal elders pass down stories and legends to younger generations, preserving the community’s history and traditions.
Social Structure: Bands, Gens, and Clans
The Paiute tribe, like many other Native American tribes, has a complex social structure that includes bands, gens, and clans. The Paiute people traditionally traced their lineage through the mother’s line, which is a matrilineal system.
Related Tribes:
The Paiute people are part of the larger Numic language family, which includes several other tribes in the Great Basin region of the western United States. These tribes have interacted and intermarried with each other for centuries and have shared cultural practices, beliefs, and traditions.
Traditional Allies and Enemies:
The traditional allies and enemies of the Paiute tribes varied depending on the time and place.
Ceremonies / Dances:
Ceremonies and dances are integral aspects of Paiute culture, serving as expressions of spirituality, community, and connection to the natural world.
Modern Day Events & Tourism:
Powwows are social gatherings that celebrate Native American culture and traditions. Cedarville Rancheria holds an annual powwow that brings together tribal members from all over the region.
Art & Crafts:
Traditional arts and crafts, such as basket weaving, beadwork, and leatherwork, play a significant role in preserving cultural heritage and expressing artistic talent.
Animals:
The Cedarville Rancheria’s traditional territory is home to a variety of wildlife.
Clothing and Adornment:
Before contact with European settlers, Paiute clothing was made from locally available materials such as animal hides, plant fibers, and bark.
Housing:
The traditional housing of the Paiute people varied depending on the season and the location of their villages, but generally consisted of dome-shaped structures made from natural materials such as brush, bark, and grasses.
Subsistence:
Cedarville Rancheria is a Native American community situated in northern California’s Modoc County, within the Great Basin region.
Economy Today:
The Cedarville Rancheria tribe owns and operates a fueling station with attached public scales in the town of Cedarville.
Religion & Spiritual Beliefs, Wedding Customs and Burial Customs:
The religious and spiritual beliefs of the Cedarville Rancheria are not well-documented, but it is likely that they are rooted in the traditional beliefs and practices of the Paiute people.
Paiute Leaders:
Throughout history, numerous Paiute leaders have emerged to guide and advocate for their people, demonstrating resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Catastrophic Events:
The Paiute people have faced numerous catastrophic events throughout their history that have had a significant impact on their culture and way of life.
Tribe History:
Here is a brief timeline of significant events in the history of the Cedarville Rancheria.