Federally Recognized Since 1916
California Valley
Miwok Tribe
A federally recognized sovereign nation, established 1916. A constitutional government, seated October 2024.
1916
Federally Recognized
2024
Constitution Adopted
9
Tribal Council Members
5
Standing Committees
Who We Are
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.
Tribal Member Services
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
Tribal Government
CVMT Tribal Council
Elected and seated under the tribe’s constitution, adopted October 2024.
Antoinette Del Rio
Chairwoman
Briana Sanchez
Vice Chairwoman
Tami Mora
Secretary
Lisa Lopez
Treasurer
Antonia Lopez
At-Large Member
Pete Ramirez
At-Large Member
Anthony Wilson
At-Large Member
Angel Burley
At-Large Member
Mike Mendibles
At-Large Member
Government Timeline
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.
Get In Touch
Contact the Tribe.
We welcome communication from tribal citizens, government agencies, and community partners.