Self-Governance- Hoopa Valley Tribe

The Hoopa Tribe originated in the Hoopa Valley over 10,000 years ago and has ever since governed its territory, which is part of the North Western California region. The peace and friendship treaty that was negotiated between the Hupa people and the United States in 1864 was never ratified by the United States, as a result the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation was established by Presidential Executive order on 1876. The Tribe’s right to exercise sovereign authority over the Reservation has been recognized since time immemorial.

Tribal sovereign powers are among the most sacred of all tribal possessions Tribal sovereignty. They originated from the Hupa people and the protection and exercise of those powers was delegated to the Tribal Council through the Hoopa Constitution. The Hoopa Tribal Council is, quite literally, the steward of the Nation's sovereign powers and rights. The possession of inherent sovereign powers is not enough, it is critically important for our Tribal Leaders today to know how those powers can be applied.

Indian reservations are under the territorial control of Indian tribes. Article I, Section 8 of the United State Constitution recognizes that Indian tribes, like foreign nations, are sovereigns that exercise varying amounts of control within their territories. When traveling through the many Indian Reservations around the Nation, it should be respected that you are crossing the lands of some of the most consistently inhabited lands of any on the North American Continent.

You are welcome to review the information on our web page and to visit the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation at any time that you are in the North Western California area. We are hopeful that your visit will be enjoyable and educational. If you have any questions regarding Tribal Sovereignty, feel free to contact our Tribal Self-Goverannce/Commerce Coordinator or call (530) 625-4211.

The Hoopa Tribe has strived to exercise it's sovereign rights and authority through the establishment and implementation of the Tribal Department of Commerce. Headed by the Tribal Self-Governance Coordinator, the Commerce Department is structured by way of Business Code development and strong economic planning of the Hoopa Valley Tribe. Click here to read an article on the Hoopa Tribal Department of Commerce. (57k)

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