The tribe was formerly centered in a village located about 3+1⁄2 miles (5.6 km) south of contemporary Chico, California.[3] The Tribe was terminated in 1967, losing its 26-acre Chico Rancheria. Today, approximately one-half of the old Chico Rancheria is now owned by California State University, Chico (CSUC). The 11-acre university-owned portion of the former reservation is used by CSUC's agriculture, anthropology, and archaeology students.[4]
The Mechoopda regained federal recognition in 1992.
Government
The Mechoopda Indian Tribe ratified their constitution on 1 February 1998. The tribe is governed by a seven-member council.[1] The current administration is as follows:
The Chico Ranchería is a federal reservation located in Butte County. The population of the tribe is 560;[6] the population on the ranchería is approximately 70.[citation needed] Chico is the closest town.[7]