Big Sandy Rancheria History
In 1909, the Big Sandy Rancheria of Auberry was established by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to provide the San Joaquin or Big Sandy Band of Western Mono Indians with a secure land base. However, the 1958 California act led to the Rancheria’s termination, adversely impacting the tribe’s social and economic development. Despite significant challenges, a 1983 United States District Court action restored the Rancheria’s status as Indian Country, paving the way for the development of a self-sufficient community and the reestablishment of the tribe’s federally recognized Indian status.