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You are here: Home / Native Americans / Native American Tribe Facts / Maidu Tribe Facts

Maidu Tribe Facts

By Damian Bacich

Home region: Lower reaches of the Yuba River, the American River and the Feather River, to the east bank of the Sacramento and the Sierra crest.

Mission affiliations: San Francisco de Asís

Historical background: The Maidu people occupied the areas of the northern Sierra, and down into the Sacramento Valley. Maidu contact with the Spanish most likely came about as early as 1808, when Gabriel Moraga explored along the Sacramento River and into the lower reaches of the Feather River.

Interesting facts: Where weather would allow, they established permanent villages, while in other places they would establish seasonal villages or camps.

Today: The Maidu today have created the following organizations: The Susanville Rancheria (Lassen County), Greenville Rancheria (Plumas County), Roundhouse Council of Greenville (Plumas County), Berry Creek Rancheria (Butte County), Enterprise Rancheria (Butte County), Mooretown Rancheria (Butte County), the Mechoopda Tribe of the Chico Rancheria (Butte County), Butte County Indian Council, Auburn Rancheria (Placer County).

Filed Under: Native American Tribe Facts

About Damian Bacich

Damian Bacich, Ph.D. writes about California and the West. He is also a professor, translator and historical researcher. You can learn more about Damian here.

I’m Dr. Damian Bacich, and I started the California Frontier Project. Learn more about me and the project here.

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