Sarah Choi

Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation is an independent, self-governed tribal nation located in Brooks, California. The Yocha Dehe Tribe is a sovereign Native American nation and is recognized by the United States. Operating under the Tribe’s own constitution and bylaws, the Tribal Council enacts laws that govern its own sovereign lands and enterprises. The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation Tribal Council is the governing body of the Tribe. The Tribe enjoys a productive government-to-government relationship with the State of California and Yolo County. As the Tribe’s governing body, the Tribal Council negotiates government-to-government agreements with the State, the County and local agencies. The Tribal Council consists of five tribal citizens who are duly elected for three-year terms by the full Tribal Community Council. As a federally-recognized tribe, Yocha Dehe possesses the inherent authority to govern its own lands and people, and manage its own affairs, for the overall health and welfare of the Tribe and its citizens. Through an independent government, Yocha Dehe has established systems and operations designed to achieve the Tribe's various mission and values, which include fostering education and cultural renewal, protecting natural resources and achieving environmental sustainability, engaging in community giving and partnerships, securing economic self-sufficiency through sound business, and more generally, protecting the overall health and wellness of the Tribe's people. The Tribal Council oversees all areas of the tribal government and its business enterprises, evaluating and making final decisions with respect to the recommendations of the Tribe’s various departments and committees. The Tribe also owns and operates a number of business enterprises, including Cache Creek Casino Resort and the Séka Hills Olive Mill & Tasting Room.