Kwapa

"For centuries The Cocopah (Kwapa), also known as the River People, have lived along the lower Colorado River and delta . Described as generous and non-materialistic tribe, have maintained their traditional and cultural beliefs."The Tribe is one of seven descendant tribes from the greater Yuman people, who lived the lands along the Colorado River. Cocopah tribal ancestors also lived along the lower regin of the river near the river delta and the Gulf of California. Historical records show that the Kwapa domain once was portions of Arizona, southern California and Sonora, Mexico. In 1848 the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo split the U.S./Mexican border, dividing the Kwapa people between the two countries . Since 1930, the Cocopah (U.S.) and the Cucupá (Mexico) people have been forced to end tribal unity. When President Woodrow Wilson signed Executive Order No. 2711 in 1917 ,The Cocopah Indian Reservation was established. Cocopah Indian Tribe founded its first Constitution and formed a five-person Tribal Counci in 1964. The Tribe gained an additional 4,200 acres through the Cocopah Land Acquisition Bill that was signed by President Ronald Reagan, which included the North Reservation. Today the East, West and North Reservations comprise over 6,500 acres— much of which is leased as agricultural. Currently, about 1,000 Cocopah tribal members live and work on or near the three reservations in Somerton, Arizona.Cocopah Indian Tribe County 15th and Avenue G Somerton, AZ 85350 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. County 15th and Avenue G Somerton, AZ 85350 (928) 627-2102 (928) 627-3173 fax