In the early part of the 20th century, the homeless Maidu bands at Strawberry Valley and Anthony House, were awarded a rancheria which later became famous for it's status as being among the smallest reservations in the United States. Measuring about one-third of an acre, even that tiny parcel of land was taken from them during the termination policies of the 1950's and later sold to non-Indians in the 1960's. Termination was to be a process of removing Indians and their land from federal trust and was implemented upon a 1948 Hoover Commission recommendation, with the California Indians to be the first recipients. While the US was spending millions of dollars on the post WWII reconstruction of Germany and Japan, it had simply decided to drop it's own natives along the side of the road. This task fell on Dillon Meyer, the commissioner of Indian Affairs during the 1950's whose principal resume item was the administration of the Japanese-American concentration camps during WWII. Several termination bills were introduced during this time by the Indian Service and they specifically targeted California Indians.
Strawberry Valley Rancheria (1918-1961) had been located approximately 30 miles east of Marysville, California in the Sierra foothills, in close proximity to the places of cultural and historical significance to the Strawberry Valley Maidu. Places where important tribal activities occurred and still occur to this day. The Strawberry Valley Maidu have held grass games and gatherings since time immemorial around the areas straddling portions of Yuba, Plumas, Sierra and Butte counties. The Sutter Buttes are the Creator's holy lands and the Strawberry Valley Maidu have gazed upon the Buttes from the foothills since before European time.
September 3, 2013 - The California Indian Conference and Gathering is an annual event for the exchange of views and information among academics, educators, California Indians, students, tribal nations, native organizations and community members focusing on California Indians.
A wide variety of topic are presented including: sovereignty, leadership, dance, storytelling, native languages, histories, law, political and social issues, federal recognition, families and children, education, economic development, arts, traditions and numerous others.
We live in the homelands of California Indigenous peoples and their nations. It is of vital importance for Indians and non-Indians to be aware of current issues, as well as the histories and cultures of our first peoples of this state.
For more information please see the web site below:
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May 26, 2010 - Greenville Wedam, taking place June 3rd - 6th. Greenville Campground (Greenville, CA). Handgame tournament (cash prizes), California dancers, Community meals! For more information, contact William Harrison @ 530-277-5274
February 11, 2010 - The long-awaited new Maidu Museum is opening to the public on Saturday, February 13. Bring family and friends to enjoy the free opening day at this new cultural museum and nature-learning center. If you are busy during the day, the museum will also be open and free Saturday evening, 6:30-8:30pm, with a Cultural Heritage speaker and photographer, Dugan Aguilar , at 7pm. For more information about the new museum and its exhibits, visit the website at www.roseville.ca.us/indianmuseum or call (916) 774-5934.
February 1, 2010 - Next Strawberry Valley Rancheria Tribal meeting is scheduled for March 20, 2010.