The Cocopah Tribe of Arizona, a people deeply intertwined with the history and ecology of the lower Colorado River, stands as a testament to resilience and cultural preservation. Known historically as the River People, the Cocopah are one of seven descendant tribes originating from the broader Yuman language-speaking groups who once thrived along the Colorado River and its delta. Their ancestral lands encompassed a vast area near the river delta, extending towards the Gulf of California, a region rich in resources and vital for their traditional way of life.
A History Rooted in the River
The story of the Cocopah Tribe of Arizona is inextricably linked to the Colorado River. Archaeological and historical evidence suggests that the ancestors of the Cocopah migrated from the north, possibly during the first millennium. By the 16th century, they had established themselves in the lower Colorado River region. In 1540, pressure from the Mojave and Quechan tribes pushed them further down the river, where they developed a sophisticated agricultural system, cultivating approximately 50,000 acres of delta land enriched by the annual spring floods. This fertile land provided the foundation for their sustenance and allowed for a relatively stable existence.
The mid-16th century also marked the initial encounters between the Cocopah and Spanish explorers and soldiers. While these interactions occurred, the Cocopah remained largely isolated and unaffected by European influence for several centuries. This relative isolation continued until the late 19th century when the construction of dams along the Colorado River drastically altered the natural flow and eliminated the annual floods that were essential to their agricultural practices.
Divided by Borders, United by Heritage
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, which concluded the Mexican-American War, had a profound and lasting impact on the Cocopah Tribe of Arizona. The treaty drew a new U.S.-Mexican border, effectively bisecting the Cocopah’s traditional lands and dividing their people. This division was further solidified in 1853 by the Gadsden Treaty, which separated the Cocopah into four distinct bands. Two of these bands remained in Mexico, while the other two migrated north to the vicinity of Somerton, Arizona.
The mid-1800s also brought a period of transition for the Cocopah. With the cessation of hostilities with the Quechan, their traditional adversaries, the Cocopah experienced a shift in their societal focus. Many Cocopah men found employment as river pilots and navigators along the Colorado River, navigating the waterways and facilitating trade. This exposure to American goods and foods created a new demand within the tribe, further integrating them into the broader economic landscape. However, the advent of the railroad to Yuma in 1877 marked the decline of riverboat traffic, ending this era of economic opportunity. A devastating blow came in 1905 when an accidental diversion of the Colorado River led to the creation of the Salton Sea, displacing the Cocopah from their remaining lands and further disrupting their traditional way of life.
Since 1930, the Cocopah people residing in the United States and those in Mexico, known as the Cucapá, have faced challenges in maintaining tribal unity due to the imposed international border and differing national policies. Despite these challenges, the Cocopah have continued to strive for cultural preservation and the restoration of ties between their communities on both sides of the border.
Land and Governance
In 1917, President Woodrow Wilson signed Executive Order No. 2711, establishing a 1,700-acre reservation for the Cocopah Tribe of Arizona. This marked a significant step towards securing a land base for the tribe. In 1985, the Cocopah Land Acquisition Bill, signed by President Ronald Reagan, added an additional 4,200 acres, including the North Reservation, to their holdings.
Today, the Cocopah Tribe of Arizona comprises three noncontiguous parcels of land known as the North, West, and East Reservations. These reservations encompass over 6,500 acres, much of which is leased to non-Indian farmers for agricultural purposes. The Cocopah Reservation is strategically located in Yuma County, Arizona, approximately 13 miles south of Yuma and 15 miles north of San Luis, Mexico. Its unique geographical location places it at the crossroads of the United States, Mexico, Arizona, and California.
The Cocopah traditionally maintained a decentralized political structure. Their society was organized into small settlements, or rancherias, consisting of 10 to 12 families. Each clan within the rancheria had its own leader. Other prominent figures included dance leaders, war leaders, and funeral orators. Leadership was typically based on experience, ability, and spiritual insights gained through dreams.
In 1964, the Cocopah Indian Tribe formally established its first Constitution, providing a framework for self-governance. The tribe is governed by a Tribal Council, which consists of five members, including executive officers. The Tribal Council is responsible for making decisions on behalf of the tribe, managing tribal resources, and promoting the well-being of the Cocopah people.
People and Culture
When Don Juan de Oñate and Father Escobar explored the region, it was estimated that there were approximately 6,000 to 7,000 Cocopah people living along the delta and the lower Colorado River. According to the 2000 United States Census, the Cocopah Tribe of Arizona numbered 891 people. In addition, there are at least 200 Mexican Cocopah individuals residing in Baja California and Sonora, Mexico.
The Cocopah language is classified as Delta-California Yuman, belonging to the broader Hokan language family. While most Cocopah people speak their native language, efforts are underway to preserve and revitalize it for future generations.
The Cocopah culture is rich in traditions and customs. Historically, ceremonies centered around death, with the karuk, a six-day mourning rite featuring long, "dreamed" song cycles, being a particularly significant event. The onset of puberty was also marked by special ceremonies. Traditional attire, such as grass skirts, is sometimes worn during ceremonies, connecting the Cocopah to their ancestral heritage.
Modern Life and Challenges
Today, the Cocopah Tribe of Arizona faces a variety of challenges. While some tribal members continue to practice subsistence farming, the majority work off-reservation for wages. The tribe operates the Cocopah Bend RV Resort, providing recreational opportunities for tourists. A casino and bingo hall on the reservation also contribute to the tribal economy.
In the past, the Cocopah experienced high rates of unemployment, peaking at around 90 percent in the 1970s. While economic conditions have improved, challenges remain. The tribe operates a small health clinic on the reservation to address the numerous health problems faced by its members. Housing conditions have also improved significantly, with substandard housing being replaced by adequate dwellings.
The Cocopah creation myth, like those of other Yuman tribes, speaks of twin gods living beneath the waters who emerged to create the world. The Cocopah revered the sun and believed that dreams guided their lives. Shamans played an important role in Cocopah society, using their dreams to ensure success in war and healing.
The Cocopah traditionally cremated their dead, along with their possessions, following a special rite. Relatives would cut their hair in mourning, and the name of the deceased was never spoken. These burial customs are still practiced today, reflecting the enduring importance of tradition in Cocopah culture.
Resilience and Future
The Cocopah Tribe of Arizona has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges of displacement, division, and assimilation, the Cocopah have maintained their cultural identity and their connection to the Colorado River. Through self-governance, economic development, and cultural preservation efforts, the Cocopah are working to build a brighter future for their people. Their story is a testament to the strength and enduring spirit of Native American communities in the Southwest.