Berry Creek Rancheria of Maidu Indians of California
The Berry Creek Rancheria of Maidu Indians of California are a federally recognized Native American tribe based in northeastern California, south of Lassen Peak. They historically have spoken the Konkow language, also known as Northwest Maidu.
They are a federally recognized Maidu tribe headquartered in Oroville in Butte County.
Reservation
Their reservation is, located in two separate geographical sites: one near Oroville in the community of Oroville East, and the other at the eastern edge of the community of Berry Creek, within a mile of the Feather River.Their historical territory was along the Feather River and in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, about 20 miles south of present-day Oroville.
Of the tribe's 304 enrolled citizens, 136 live on the reservation.
Language
The Konkow language, called Koyoomk’awi or Northwest Maidu, is a Maidu language. The anthropologist Alfred Kroeber estimated that once 9,000 people spoke Konkow. Today, a few people still speak the language.Government
The tribe is managed by an elected tribal council. They hold elections every four years. Their current tribal chairman is Francis Steele.Enrollment
The tribe has approximately 304 enrolled citizens.Education
The ranchería is served by the Pioneer Union Elementary School District and Oroville Union High School District.Notable Berry Creek Rancheria members
- Frank Day, artist