About The Tribe

The Past

For Centuries, the Cocopah, known as the River People, have lived along the lower Colorado River and delta. The Cocopah people, described as generous and non-materialistic, have maintained their tradition and cultural beliefs through the various political environments and the ever-changing landscapes.

The Cocopah Indian Tribe is one of seven descendant tribes from the greater Yuman language-speaking people who occupied lands along the Colorado River. The Cocopah people had no written language; however, historical records were passed on orally or interpreted in documents written by outside visitors.

The Cocopah Tribe was first established in 1917, and in 1985, the Tribe gained an additional 4,200 acres that today comprises approximately 6,500 acres. Much of the land is leased as agricultural land to non-Indian farmers. Agriculture was - and still remains - very important to the Cocopah Tribe. In 1964, the Cocopah Indian Tribe founded its first Constitution and formed a five-person Tribal Council.

The Present

The Cocopah Reservation, nestled in the historic Yuma Valley along the Colorado River, comprises three noncontiguous bodies of land known as the North, West and East Reservations. Over 1,000 Cocopah Tribal members live and work on or near the three reservations.

In addition to the Cocopah Bend RV and Golf Resort, there are a number of tribal enterprises. Located on the East Reservation along Highway 95. The Cocopah Casino includes slot machines, bingo, blackjack tables, a full-service buffet, a sports bar and lounge. The 101-guest room Cocopah Resort & Conference Center is adjacent to the Cocopah Casino and includes 4,000 square feet of adjustable meeting space, complimentary breakfast, a business center, a fitness center and a gift shop with Native American jewelry and more.

The locally-known Cocopah Korner is the Tribe's convenience store and gas station that sells specialty foods, tobacco, drinks, gasoline and diesel fuels. Farther south, the Cocopah Rio Colorado Golf Course is the exclusive 9-hole golf course owned by the Tribe located in the City of Somerton just off North Bingham Avenue.

The Cocopah Museum, a federally-recognized repository, is located near the Tribal Headquarters on the West Reservation and features depictions of the Cocopah history and culture. Guests may purchase authentic Cocopah items in the Museum Gift Shop or visit the 1.5-acre natural park surrounding the facility.

Wild River Family Entertainment Center features 24 bowling lanes and a 7,000 square-foot arcade with games and laser tag. The building also houses private rooms for parties, a full-service bar and fire pit. This tribal business is a fun-for-all facility located adjacent to the Cocopah Resort and Casino.

The Future

The Cocopah Indian Tribe continues its respect for the past, preservation of the present and purpose for the future.

For more information on the Cocopah Indian Tribe, visit our website at www.cocopah.com. Guests are also invited to contact or visit any one of our Cocopah tribal enterprises.