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We are here to serve our people and provide the best services we can offer. Please check out our departments for assistance. DEPARTMENTS HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES Providing health and social services to tribal families. LEARN MORE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Working to protect and restore the environmental health of the reservation. LEARN MORE EDUCATION Giving our Native community the tools they need to grow and succeed in today’s society through educational programs, cultural classes, and youth mentorship. LEARN MORE HOUSING Serving the Native community by providing low to moderate-income housing on the reservation, and offering a number of other services and assistance programs to members on and off the reservation. LEARN MORE TRIBAL POLICE A Federally Commissioned Law Enforcement Agency dedicated to providing a safe environment for our members and guest. LEARN MORE ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE Providing administrative, clerical, and fiscal support to the tribal membership, governmental body, and departments. LEARN MORE

Explore the rich pomo tribal history overview and discover insights into the heritage and culture. Learn about pomo tribal history overview here. Coyote Valley History Ancestorial Territory The Pomo people have lived in the areas of Mendocino, Lake, and Sonoma counties for many millennia, denoting the thousands upon thousands of years our people have lived and thrived in the area now known as Mendocino County. These people differentiated themselves in many ways, one such being their language. By dialect these people are further broken down as Northern, Central, Eastern, Northeastern, Southeastern, Southern, and Kashaya (Southwestern) peoples who spoke the same languages over a range of their territories. The Pomo people were weavers, famous for their beautiful basketry, healers, whose songs and ceremonies called upon divine and sacred healing powers, and a peaceful people, who made many connections with surrounding indigenous groups who bordered their greater territory. Oral traditions strengthened communities, stories of creation, of the natural world, and of the spirits that lived alongside the people. The Sho:daxay (Shodakai) Pomo, our people, originate in the northern territory alongside the Russian river of the Pomo homeland, the dialect predominately of Northern Pomo. Map of the Pomoan languages (Walker 2020). “Northern Pomo.” California Language Archive, cla.berkeley.edu/languages/northern-pomo.html. The 1800's Nestled in the foothills alongside the east fork of the Russian River, Coyote Valley was one of several valleys running along the river’s many branches. In the 1800s, it was described as being “all brush,” a “bare trace of land, where nothing grew, no trees or shrubs, just grasses.” However, a thriving population of Indians lived in this valley long before settlement occurred and still inhabited the area when the first non-Indians came. In 1835, Spanish troops led by Captain Sepulvedo Vallejo came to procure Indians from Coyote Valley and the surrounding area, to work on houses and forts being built at Sonoma, followed soon after by expeditions to procure Indian children as slaves. Coyote Valley, Calpella, and Redwood Valley were “settled” sometime early in the 1850’s as part of the township of the Ukiah and hence divided into grants of land and farms. On December 10, 1878, a group of Indians of the Ca-ba-kana, Pomo, and Katca tribes of Redwood Valley bought seven acres of the land in Coyote Valley for two hundred dollars. The land was mostly flat and extended to the western edge of the property and was part of Riverside Ranch, a large ranch owned by Lucius Byron Frasier. Title to the Old Rancheria was held in common by the “Redwood Valley Tribe.” Although eighteen men were listed in the deed as owners, it appears that there were usually no more than five or six families living there at any given time. The Indians of Coyote Valley rejected housing provided by the ranchers and preferred to live in “grass homes” on their own property, but some wooden houses also stood on the land. These homes were made of rough redwood board and batten construction. There were few windows, and in some cases, the houses were without doors. Their homes did not have running water, unlike the homes of their non-Indian neighbors. The Indians would pack buckets of water to their homes from the river or from a year-round spring located near their homes. Early 1900's In 1909, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) purchased land in Coyote Valley for the benefit of the Indians of the Ukiah Valley. The land, known as the Coyote Valley Rancheria, was made up of 101 acres and consisted of three distinct sections: rivers bottom, sloping hillside and a flat terrace land overlooking the river. According to residents of the Rancheria, there were live oaks and white oaks growing in isolated and dense groves on the bottomland. It was “open in places, rocky grasslands also in other places and poison oak all over.” The traditional diet of the Coyote Valley Rancheria residents underwent change long before the establishment of the Rancheria in 1909. Residents stated that whites had essentially destroyed traditional sources of clover and acorns and only a few were left accessible to them. Deer were scarce, but the fishing remained good. No livestock other than poultry were kept on the Rancheria. During the summer, deer were hunted in the hills around the valley. For the most part, however, residents depended upon stores in Ukiah as the major source of food. Residents’ memories of buying dry goods in Ukiah were not pleasant. By the early 1920s, it appears that eight individuals held assignments on the Coyote Valley Rancheria. In the mid-1940s, nine field assignments were issued for agricultural and related activities; three of the assignments were issued to residents who already had house assignments there, while six were issued to residents of Pinoleville. As with most Indians throughout the country, Coyote Valley Rancheria residents were discriminated against in the Ukiah Valley. Stores in town would not allow Indians to try on ready-made clothing, which meant they had to take a trip to Santa Rosa if they wanted to try on clothes before purchase. They were not served in local beauty parlors, and only one restaurant, run by a Chinese family, would accept Indian patronage. The local movie theater permitted Indians to sit only in the balcony. In the 1920s, a number of residents attempted to enroll in local schools. One resident recalled, “They didn’t allow Indians,” although there were occasional exceptions. Coyote Valley Indians attended an Indian school in Pinoleville as well as the Sherman Institute in Riverside, California, and Chemawa Indian Training School in Oregon. Four Indian men attempted to steal wine from the storage facility of an Italian grape grower. When the grower confronted them, he was fatally shot. All four men were indicted and brought to trial. Three were convicted and received lengthy prison sentences. The fourth, an Indian from the Old Rancheria, was found not guilty. Their defense was conducted by Ukiah lawyer Arthur "Wessels", whose fee was $250.00 at 8% per year payable in two years. The promissory note was signed on January 26, 1924, and was secured by a mortgage on the Old Rancheria. The young Indian families were unable to pay the principal or interest on the note. Wessels eventually assigned the lot to Mrs. Susan Husted of Ukiah for $250.00. Finally, on January 27, 1928 the court issued a decree of foreclosure and order of sale. On April 21, 1928, by order of the court, the land was sold on the steps of the courthouse to the highest bidder for the sum of $376.50. By the 1940s, this discrimination had, in the main, ended largely due to the efforts of the Pomo Mothers Club . Employment was usually seasonal. Men, women and older children picked fruit and hops from March to July and grapes and pears from September to October. In the early years, women were not allowed to pick pears since it was considered too difficult. Some women did laundry and housekeeping for white families, but from November to March there were usually no significant income at all for any of the Rancheria’s residents. For men as well, winter offered few employment opportunities. In need for a mechanism, whereby Coyote Valley Rancheria residents could regulate their own business activities, 12 members passed the constitution and by-laws for a regulatory organization. On May 27, 1947, The Growers of the Coyote Valley Rancheria Association was formally organized. This photo depicts a view of what is now known as the Bushay Recreation Area and Eastside Trailhead area of Lake Mendocino before the Pomo Indians were removed for the development of the Russian River dam. (1953) Mid 1900's Diane-Ortiz, Altheia Campbell-Ortiz, Hannah Ortiz, Janet Ortiz-Mulhorn, Josephine Campbell-Bernard, Altheia Ortiz-Magana In a report produced in 1951 by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Rancheria was described as having three distinct levels. The first level, located on the main highway, was the location of the homesites. The seven or eight houses, all constructed by the Indians themselves, were in good condition with electricity in all the houses. The second level was agricultural with about 13 acres of the vineyard being farmed by members of the Pinoleville Rancheria. The report also indicated that there were two wells on the Rancheria, a spring providing one family with freshwater and one water tank with a holding capacity of six thousand gallons. Ten years after the sale, the status of the Coyote Valley Indians came up again. Although the bill HR 6692 specified that Coyote Valley’s status as a recognized tribe was “terminated,” the Indians believed there tribal status was illegally destroyed. In 1973, James F. King, an attorney with the California Indian Legal Services, wrote to the BIA in Sacramento on behalf of the Coyote Valley Indians, inquiring as to the specific legal authority for the condemnation of the Coyote Valley land and the termination of their tribal status. On February 20, 1976, a final declaratory judgment and permanent injunction was issued by action of Eddie F. Knight versus Thomas S. Kleep and by Judge W. I. Sweigert, United States District Court, North District of California (Actions 73 – 0334; 74 – 0005). This judgment declared that termination of the Coyote Valley Rancheria in 1957 was invalid and that the government-to-government relationship between the United States and the Coyote Valley Pomo, as documented on the various Rancheria distribution plans, continued to exist. The Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians regained their status as a recognized tribal group. Thus, in 1976, the Coyote Valley Tribal Council was organized for the primary purpose of regaining a land base for the band and to promote the economic and social welfare of its members. On October 3, 1980, the General Council ratified the governing document entitled, The Document Embodying the Laws, Customs and Tradition of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians. Prior to the late 1970’s, the tribe had begun looking for property that would be suitable for a residential community. A Community Development Block Grant was awarded to the tribal community from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 1979, to purchase a 52 to 76 acre parcel in Redwood Valley, California. The land was taken into Federal Trust status the same year. A Secretarial proclamation declared this new tribal land to be a federally recognized Indian reservation. 1 Carpenter, Aurelius O., and Percy H. Millberry. “Early Settlement.” History of Mendocino and Lake Counties, California, with Biographical Sketches of the Leading, Men and Women of the Counties Who Have Been Identified with Their Growth and Development from the Early Days to the Present. Los Angeles, Cal.: Historic Record, 1914. 70. Print. 2 Carpenter, Aurelius O., and Percy H. Millberry. “The Grant.” History of Mendocino and Lake Counties, California, with Biographical Sketches of the Leading, Men and Women of the Counties Who Have Been Identified with Their Growth and Development from the Early Days to the Present. Los Angeles, Cal.: Historic Record, 1914. 82. Print. 1980 Constitution Adopted The General Council adopted the Document Embodying the Laws, Customs and Traditions of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, formally establishing the Tribe's governing document and creating the framework for the modern Tribal government. The Redwood Valley property acquired through a HUD Community Development Block Grant was proclaimed a federally recognized Indian Reservation and taken into trust, establishing the Tribe's new permanent homeland following restoration. 1986 Thirty HUD homes were completed on the Reservation through a $1.75 million housing development project, providing permanent housing for Tribal citizens and representing one of the first major investments in rebuilding the community. 1994 On July 1,1994, The Tribe opened its first gaming facility in a double-wide trailer, marking the beginning of Indian gaming at Coyote Valley. 1994 In November the casino relocated into a sprung-structure tent, expanding gaming operations and establishing the Tribe's long-term economic foundation. 2000's 2012 In October, the General Council approved significant amendments to the Tribal Constitution, modernizing membership provisions, strengthening the Tribal Judiciary, and affirming the Tribe's authority over its governing document. The amendments were subsequently acknowledged by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. 2015 In August, construction began on new Tribal facilities to support the continued growth of government services and economic development. 2015 On March 19, 2016, the Coyote Valley One Stop Shop, Fuel Station, and adjacent Class II gaming facility opened. The project became the first Tribal business owned and operated by Coyote Valley Retail Enterprises (CVRE), a subsidiary of the Coyote Economic Development Corporation (CEDCO), creating new employment opportunities and expanding Tribal enterprise. 2017 In October during the Redwood Valley Fire Emergency, the Tribe opened its facilities and provided food, shelter, and essential supplies to evacuees and members of the surrounding community, demonstrating its commitment to serving both Tribal citizens and Mendocino County residents. The Tribe entered into an agreement with Mendocino County supporting the relocation and expansion of the Coyote Valley Casino, laying the groundwork for future economic growth. 2018 In May, ground was broken on a major housing development that would provide new homes for Tribal citizens and elders. In December, the Tribe celebrated the opening of the Elder Village, providing dedicated housing for Tribal elders and strengthening intergenerational community connections. 2019 On September 12, 2019, the new Coyote Valley Casino officially opened. The approximately 30,000-square-foot facility features Class III gaming, poker, dining, entertainment space, and expanded amenities, representing one of the largest economic development projects in Tribal history. On November 15,2019, The Tribe celebrated the completion of its Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) development, including Elder Village homes, new single-family residences, and rehabilitation of existing housing. The Tribe partnered with Mendocino College through the Pomo Pathways program, supporting Native students in higher education and celebrating strong student achievement and retention. 2021 State legislation authorized the transfer of Blues Beach to Tribal ownership, restoring stewardship of an important ancestral coastal property. 2023 On January 26,2023, the Tribe formed the Coyote Valley Utility Corporation (CVUC) to oversee utility infrastructure supporting Tribal housing and enterprise operations. The Tribe also expanded renewable energy through installation of a 2,250-kW solar canopy system. On September 30,2023, the Wyndham Garden Hotel opened adjacent to the casino, expanding tourism, hospitality, and economic opportunities through a 99-room hotel with conference facilities and guest amenities. 2026 The Tribe expanded its economic development initiatives through the creation of new Tribal corporations focused on housing, financial technology, and healthcare, continuing its long-term strategy of economic diversification and self-sufficiency.

The Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians welcomed Tribal members to a special event on Friday, October 9, 2026. The tribe celebrated the grand opening of the new Coyote Valley Community Park. This park is more than just a place to play. It is a space designed to bring families and neighbors together, strengthen community bonds, and support healthy, active lifestyles. The park is a proud achievement made possible by funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through an Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG). This support helped turn the Tribe’s vision into a real place where recreation and connection happen every day. aeriel view of Coyote Valley Community Park playground with children playing The new playground at Coyote Valley Community Park offers a safe and fun space for children to play and grow. A Place for Recreation and Family Time The Coyote Valley Community Park is designed with everyone in mind. It features a splash pad where kids can cool off during warm days, a playground with equipment for all ages, basketball courts for sports lovers, and picnic areas with gazebos perfect for family gatherings. These amenities create many ways for Tribal members to enjoy the outdoors and spend quality time together. The park encourages physical activity and outdoor play, which are important for health and well-being. It also provides a welcoming space where elders, adults, and children can connect across generations. This helps keep the community strong and rooted in shared experiences. How HUD Funding Made This Possible The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Indian Community Development Block Grant program played a key role in bringing this project to life. The ICDBG program supports Tribal communities by funding projects that improve housing, infrastructure, and community facilities. Thanks to this funding, the Tribe could plan and build a park that meets the needs of its members. The grant helped cover costs for construction, equipment, and landscaping. It also supported the coordination needed to complete the project on time and within budget. This partnership shows how federal support can help Tribal communities create lasting resources that improve quality of life. Wide angle view of basketball courts and picnic gazebos at Coyote Valley Community Park Basketball courts and picnic gazebos provide spaces for sports and family meals at the new park. A Community Space Reserved for Tribal Members The Coyote Valley Community Park is a private space reserved exclusively for Tribal member residents. This ensures the park remains a safe and welcoming place for the community to gather without outside interruptions. Because of this, the park is not open to the general public. Media representatives interested in covering the grand opening are asked to contact the Tribe in advance to arrange attendance. This helps the Tribe manage the event smoothly and respect the privacy of its members. Supporting Community Well-Being Through Recreation Creating a dedicated community park is a meaningful step toward supporting the well-being of Tribal members. Outdoor spaces like this encourage healthy habits, social connection, and cultural pride. For example, the playground and splash pad offer children a chance to be active and enjoy nature close to home. The basketball courts provide a place for friendly competition and teamwork. Picnic areas and gazebos invite families to share meals and stories, strengthening bonds. This park is a place where traditions can be celebrated and new memories made. It reflects the Tribe’s commitment to preserving culture while building a healthy future. Examples of Community-Focused Amenities The park’s design includes features that meet the needs of all ages and interests. Here are some highlights: Splash Pad: A water play area that is safe and fun for children during hot weather. It encourages outdoor play and helps kids stay cool. Playground: Equipped with slides, swings, and climbing structures, the playground supports physical development and imaginative play. Basketball Amenities: Courts designed for games and practice, promoting fitness and social interaction. Picnic Areas and Gazebos: Shaded spots for families to gather, eat, and enjoy time together outdoors. These amenities are examples of how thoughtful planning can create a space that serves many purposes and brings people together. Eye level view of children playing in splash pad Looking Ahead: A Lasting Resource for the Tribe The grand opening event will celebrate the hard work and collaboration that made the park possible. It will also honor HUD’s support in helping create a lasting resource for Tribal members. This park is more than a place to play. It is a symbol of the Tribe’s dedication to community health, cultural preservation, and self-governance. It will serve current and future generations as a place to connect, relax, and grow together. The Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians continues to invest in projects that support the well-being of its people and the economic growth of Mendocino County. This park is a shining example of that commitment. The Coyote Valley Community Park is a wonderful new space that brings us closer to each other and to the land we cherish. It shows how support, vision, and hard work can create something truly meaningful. Let’s enjoy this gift and keep building a strong, healthy community for generations to come. HUD ICDBG page Playground Equipment Solutions

A new chapter is taking shape in Coyote Valley. What was once the site of the old Coyote Valley casino is now being transformed into a thoughtfully designed community park created for residents of all ages. Groundbreaking for the Coyote Valley Community Park took place on April 6, 2026, and just a few months later, the project is nearing completion. Anticipated to open in early October 2026, the new park will provide a welcoming space where families, children, elders, and community members can gather, play, relax, and create memories together. A Place for Everyone The Coyote Valley Community Park was designed with the community in mind. From active recreation to quiet spaces for gathering, the park will offer something for people of all ages. Visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of amenities, including: Splash Pad — A fun and refreshing space for children and families to cool off and enjoy the outdoors. Play Structure with Shade Structure — A dedicated play area where children can explore, climb, and play while staying protected from the sun. Full-Size Basketball Court — A space for basketball games, recreation, and friendly competition. Spacious Open Grass Field — An adaptable area for sports, picnics, community activities, and gatherings. Gazebos — Comfortable gathering spaces for families, friends, and community events. Concession Stand and Restrooms — Convenient amenities designed to make visits to the park more enjoyable and accessible. The park will also be surrounded by lush landscaping, creating a beautiful and inviting environment that connects recreation with the natural surroundings of Coyote Valley. More Than a Park The transformation of the old casino site represents more than the construction of a new recreational facility. It is the creation of a place where community members can come together. A park can become the backdrop for childhood memories, family celebrations, friendly basketball games, summer afternoons, community gatherings, and everyday moments spent outside. It gives children a place to play, families a place to connect, and community members a place to simply enjoy being together. As construction continues toward completion, excitement is building for what this new space will bring to Coyote Valley. Looking Toward October With the park nearing the finish line, the community is looking forward to seeing the vision become a reality. From the former casino site to a new community gathering place, Coyote Valley Community Park represents growth, renewal, and an investment in the community's future. As we anticipate an opening in September 2026, Coyote Valley is preparing to welcome a new space where generations can play, gather, celebrate, and make memories for years to come. A new space. A new chapter. A place for the whole community. Coyote Valley Community Park is almost here.

The Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians has reached an exciting milestone. We recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of our new Solar Energy Project. This project is the result of a year filled with careful planning, teamwork, and hard work. It shows our Tribe’s strong commitment to protecting the environment, supporting sustainability, and building a stable economic future. Eye-level view of solar panels installed at Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians Solar panels installed on tribal land, generating clean energy for the community A New Chapter in Clean Energy for Our Tribe Our solar project includes more than 4,000 solar panels. Together, they can produce 2.2 megawatts of clean, renewable energy. This power will supply several important tribal facilities. These include the casino, hotel, wastewater treatment plant, gas station, and three tribal government buildings. By using solar energy, we reduce our reliance on traditional power sources and lower our energy costs. This project is more than just about saving money. It is a big step toward energy independence. Over time, the solar system is expected to save the Tribe about $23 million. These savings will allow us to put more resources into programs and services that help our community grow and thrive. It also opens doors for future opportunities that benefit everyone. Protecting Our Environment for Future Generations The environmental benefits of this solar project are just as important. Each year, the system will stop about 2,000 metric tons of carbon emissions from entering the air. To put that in perspective, it is like taking 500 passenger cars off the road every year. These reductions will continue for many years, helping us protect our natural surroundings. By investing in renewable energy, we honor our responsibility to care for the land. This project supports a cleaner, healthier environment for our children and grandchildren. It shows how we can use modern technology while respecting our traditions and the earth. Working Together to Make It Happen This achievement would not have been possible without strong leadership and teamwork. We thank our Tribal Council for their vision and guidance throughout the project. We also appreciate the expertise and dedication of partners like Patrick Naredo, Rachel Whetstone, and Titon Energy. Their support helped turn our ideas into reality. One of the key services that helped us was the solar panel installation and maintenance provided by Titon Energy. Their team ensured the system was built to last and operate efficiently. Choosing a trusted partner made a big difference in the success of this project. Ariel view of solar panels What This Means for Our Community This solar project is about more than energy. It reflects our commitment to building a strong, sustainable community. By reducing energy costs and protecting the environment, we create a better future for everyone. The savings from this project will help fund education, health services, and cultural programs. We are proud to lead by example in Mendocino County. Our project shows how tribes and communities can work together to create lasting change. It also highlights the importance of investing in clean energy solutions that respect the land and support economic growth. Looking Ahead with Hope and Determination The ribbon cutting was a joyful moment for all of us. It reminded us that progress comes from shared goals and cooperation. This project is just the beginning. We plan to continue exploring ways to strengthen our community and protect our environment. We encourage others to consider how renewable energy can benefit their communities. Whether it is through solar panels, energy efficiency, or other green technologies, every step counts. Together, we can build a cleaner, more resilient future. Aeriel video of 4,000 solar panels at Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians Our journey with this solar project shows that honoring our traditions and embracing new solutions can go hand in hand. We are grateful for the support of everyone involved and excited for what lies ahead. If you want to learn more about how solar energy can help your community, check out Titon Energy’s services. Their expertise can guide you through the process of making smart, sustainable energy choices. Together, we are building a future that respects the land, supports our people, and creates lasting benefits for generations to come.