Redding Rancheria facts for kids

The Redding Rancheria is a federally recognized tribe with a reservation in Shasta County, Northern California. It is a leader in the development of their people in their traditional homelands. The Bureau of Indian Affairs purchased the land that is now considered the Redding Rancheria in 1922, in order to provide Indigenous peoples with a place to camp and live. They had been made landless by European-American settlers in the area. Three groups of Native Americans in the area organized as a tribe and were recognized in 1979.

Description

The Redding Rancheria consists of Wintun, Achomawi (Pit River), and Yana Indians.

It is located in the northern Sacramento Valley, near Redding.

Tribal History

The Bureau of Indian Affairs purchased the land that is now considered the Redding Rancheria in 1922. The purpose of this purchase was to provide a place for homeless Indians to camp and live. And that is precisely what this land became for many Indians in Shasta and Trinity County. Our Rancheria was unique because it included Indians from not just one tribe but Indians of Pit-River, Wintu and Yana descent.

Even Prior to the purchase of the land by the government for Indian homes, many Indians gathered in the area to fish for salmon in Clear Creek. Life on the reservation was communal. People looked after each other’s children, planted gardens for food, and carried buckets of water from natural springs from nearby Clear Creek. Indians on the Rancheria lived a self-sufficient lifestyle.

Although the Bureau of Indian Affairs was obligated to establish and maintain a domestic water system, provide a road and housing, they built only a handful of substandard houses and failed to fulfill the other obligations.

The history of the treatment of Indians in California is tragic. As recently as 1958, the California Rancheria Act expressed Congress’ intent to eradicate the cultural identity of Indians. In the area of termination, Congress unilaterally extinguished the special status and rights of tribes. The Redding Rancheria was terminated by an act of congress on July 6, 1959. The act set forth the distribution of assets of the Rancheria. The Rancheria was no longer recognized by the government and the people residing on the Rancheria were no longer considered Indians. As the years progressed the Rancheria was parceled off and sold to Indians and non-Indians alike. In spite of this, those living on the Rancheria continued their communal traditions and operated a traditional Tribal Council.

During the late 1970’s the Inter-Tribal Council of California was active in forming task forces challenging the termination of a number of tribes. In 1983, a California district ruled that the failure of the BIA to comply with its obligations under the California Rancheria Act invalidated the Act. As a result, the Redding Rancheria and 17 other tribes were restored as federally-recognized Indian tribes. In 1987 the restored Redding Rancheria tribe formally adopted its Constitution.

Vision Statement

"Redding Rancheria is a sovereign nation where pride in tribal culture, history and identity is evident internally and in the larger community. We are a leader in the development of our people within our traditional homelands.The strength of our Tribe lies in honoring our elders, building healthy families and promoting self-reliance in our members. We invest in our youth and adults, knowing that they will create the future with the strength of our ancestors. We empower them with knowledge and skills for a changing world. We lead by example in community development and diversity provide a secure future for the tribe and contribute to a vibrant economy. We preserve and celebrate our culture and live the traditions of our ancestors while building a brighter world for generations to come."

The Redding Rancheria Tribal Health Center

The Redding Rancheria Tribal Health Tribal Health Center (RRTHC) provides health services to the Native American population and their families who reside in the western two-thirds of Shasta County and all of Trinity County. The RRTHC is open Monday thru Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The RRTHC Pharmacy is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eligibility for services is determined by several factors that include: your Indian verification, an Alternate Resource, proof of address and a valid identification. You must be registered before you can be seen by any of the RRTHC providers.  Please call to make an appointment with the registration department at (530) 224-2700. Contract Health Services (CHS) funds are used to provide services that are not available at the Tribal Health Center. Eligibility follows the RRTHC guidelines based on Federal Regulations and is limited to all eligible Federally Recognized California Indians who reside within the defined geographic service area.   

Economic Development

Redding Rancheria Economic Development Corporations has several enterprises.

The Hilton Garden Inn Redding, Opened in November of 2003. The Hilton Garden Inn Redding hotel sits on a plateau overlooking the majestic Sacramento River. With convenient access right off the I-5 freeway, our Redding, California hotel is a great choice for easy travel around town and to the many Redding area attractions. The Redding, CA hotel offers guests a great array of convenient features, including breakfast, lunch and dinner in our Garden Grille and Bar. Relax in your room and enjoy room service or grab a snack or cold beverage from our 24-hour Pavilion Pantry® convenience mart.

River Tasalmi Golf Club (formally Riverbend) was constructed in 1991. In 2010 the golf club was purchased by the Redding Rancheria’s Economic Development Corporation (RREDCO). The name was changed to River Tasalmi, meaning “River Oak”. Tasalmi is the Wintu language spoken by the Wintu Tribe and translates to “Oak.”River Tasalmi remains true to its Wintu name of “River Oak” and has established its roots in our community as the “Biggest Little Country Club in Northern California”. The golf course is perched on a scenic bend where the Sacramento River flows through Redding on its long journey to the San Francisco Bay. Choose from a 9-hole blue tee executive-style golf course with 2,148 yards or an 18-hole 4,103 yard option at par 64. With four par 3 holes as well as five relatively short par 4 holes, challenging hazards, large trees and small fast greens, this is an enjoyable course perfect for players of all levels.

Win-River Mini-Mart, provides guest service, in a positive convenient environment, with honesty and integrity to it's guests, team members, and Tribal Members. Win-River Mini-Mart strives to be the best minimart in Redding, by providing the most convenient, clean, and friendly environment, with fair, competitive prices, while ensuring excellent guest service for our team members, guests, and Tribal Members.

Education

The ranchería is served by the Cascade Union Elementary School District and Anderson Union High School District.