Federally Recognized Since 1916
California Valley
Miwok Tribe
A federally recognized sovereign nation, established 1916. A constitutional government, seated October 2024.
A sovereign nation, continuously recognized.
The California Valley Miwok Tribe — formerly known as the Sheep Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California — is a federally recognized sovereign tribal nation, recognized continuously by the United States since 1916.
In October 2024, the tribe ratified its constitution through a Secretarial election conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs under Section 16 of the Indian Reorganization Act, formally establishing the governance framework under which our elected Tribal Council now serves.
Our tribal government operates from San Andreas, California. Our homeland lies in the San Joaquin Valley region of central California.
Standing Committees
Five standing committees serve our citizens under the authority of the Tribal Council.
Cultural Resources
Identification and protection of culturally significant sites; stewardship of traditional knowledge; coordination on NAGPRA and Section 106 consultations. Visit Department
Education
Support for the educational advancement of tribal citizens through coordination of academic resources and learning opportunities. Visit Department
Enrollment
Administration of tribal enrollment and maintenance of accurate documentation of tribal citizenship per the CVMT Constitution. Visit Department
Financial
Oversight of tribal budgets, financial reporting, and transparent administration of the tribe's resources and obligations. Visit Department
ICWA
Indian Child Welfare Act case coordination, protecting the connection of tribal children to family, culture, and community. Visit Department
Departments Overview
Review the responsibilities, meeting cadence, and points of contact for every standing committee in a single place. Visit Department
CVMT Tribal Council
Elected and seated under the tribe's constitution, adopted October 2024.
A century of sovereignty.
- 1906
- Congress authorizes the Bureau of Indian Affairs to acquire land for California Indians living outside reservations.
- 1915
- A federal agent conducts the Terrell Census of the Sheepranch Indians at Sheep Ranch, California.
- 1916
- The United States acquires a 0.92-acre parcel at Sheep Ranch, California — held in trust for the Sheep Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians.
- 2001
- The tribe formally adopts the name California Valley Miwok Tribe.
- October 2024
- The tribe ratifies its constitution by Secretarial election; the elected Tribal Council is seated.
Contact the Tribe.
We welcome communication from tribal citizens, government agencies, and community partners.
- Mailing
- P.O. Box 695
San Andreas, CA 95249 - Phone
- (209) 660-7122
- Office@cvmt-nsn.gov