Paradise Casino | Carl Chapman

The Cocopah Indian Land is 13 miles south of Yuma and 15 miles north the San Luis, Mexico in Yuma County. It is at an elevation of 103 feet. Today, the tribe has 750 members.

President Woodrow Wilson established the Cocopah Indian Lands in 1917 through an Executive Order. The land created two sections, the West and East Cocopah Indian Lands covering 1,772 acres. In 1985, President Reagan signed the Cocopah Land Acquisition Bill. This bill increased the size of the Indian Land by almost 6,000 acres, including 600 acres of the North Cocopah Indian Lands.

In 1987, a convenience store, gas station, smoke shop and bingo hall were developed. These establishments were built to help the tribe become self-sufficient. Soon afterward, a casino and the Cocopah Bend Recreational Vehicle Resort were constructed.

Today, the Indian Lands are divided up into three separate areas, East Cocopah Indian Lands, West Cocopah Indian Lands and North Cocopah Indian Lands. The tribal headquarters is in Somerton.

Indian Arts:
The Cocopah are known for their beadwork. An 1800’s Cocopah Indian Village can be seen after taking a train excursion from Yuma to Cocopah West Indian Lands. Yuma Valley Live Steamers work with the tribe in creating this train line. The village welcomes visitors with jewelry sales and Indian fry bread.

Cocopah Land Acquisition Day April

The Fort Yuma-Quechan (pronounced Kwuh-tsan) Indian Lands extends on both sides of the Colorado River, just north of Yuma. It borders the states of Arizona, California, and Mexico. Interstate 8 cuts through the middle of the Indian Land. Currently, there are 2,450 members.

The Quechan believe Kumastamxo, a god, used his spear to pierce the earth causing the Colorado River to flow. The Yuma or Quechan Indians have for centuries fought against the Papago, Apache, and others for control of their land along the Colorado River. Their determination has caused the Quechan to be known as the “fighters.”
Today, the Indian Land covers 43,589 acres of those 700 acres have been leased to a non-Indian farmer. A sand and gravel lease was also given to a non-Indian corporation to develop. The tribe enjoys the tourism and business in the area by operating R.V. parks, a bingo hall, a seasonal parking lot for entry into Mexico and a grocery store.

Attractions:
The Quechan Indian Museum is in Yuma near Interstate 8. The museum’s goal is to preserve the culture and heritage of the Quechan tribe.