GOVERNANCE: The Fort Yuma-Quechan Tribe is governed by a President, Vice President, and five council members. Council members serve two-year terms. The President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer are selected by the Council. The Council meets on the first Tuesday of each month. The Tribe resides in Congressional Districts 3 and 4; Legislative Districts 4 and 13.
CONSTITUTION:
COMMUNITY PROFILE: Previously known as the Yuma Indians, the Quechan Tribe of the Fort Yuma Reservation have always lived in the Colorado River Valley. Their land borders California and Mexico, and the Reservation was established in 1884. Quechan (pronounced "kwuh-tsan") means "those who descended." Their distinct language, the native tongue of southeastern California and southwestern Arizona, is believed to be spoken by just a few hundred people.
Their location along the Colorado River has meant a long history of trading and exchange networks with other tribes, as well as battles over land. According to the 2017-2021 Census, 1,372 Quechan live on the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation.
The Fort Yuma-Quechan Tribe operates the Paradise Casino in Yuma, Arizona. The Tribe also operates a sand and gravel enterprise, five trailer and RV parks, a grocery store, and a museum. The Tribe's 700-acre farm is leased to non-tribal members.
