JULY 19, 1983

HARDWICK V. U.S. (“HARDWICK I”)- STATUS TO 17 RANCHERIAS IN CALIFORNIA RESTORED

Under the California Rancheria Termination Act, Public Law 85-671, tribal members exchanged tribal lands for private land ownership and improvements including sewers, running water, streets, and fire hydrants. The government also promised special education and training programs designed to help the Indians to earn a livelihood. In 1979, when Tillie Hardwick’s son was denied educational benefits, she sued the Federal government in the Northern District of California. Her class action suit (Tillie Hardwick, et al. v. U.S., et al. Case #C-79-1710-SW) restored the status of 17 California rancherias. The U.S. agreed to restore the status of Rancherias members as Indians and to recognize as Indian entities the “Indian Tribes, Bands, Communities or groups” of these 17 Rancherias with the same status as they possessed prior to termination. Tribal members also could elect to restore their fee simple lands which had been former trust allotments to trust status.

Sources:

“Hardwick v. United States, Case No. 79-cv-01710-EMC,” Casetext.   Retrieved 10/20/2023, Hardwick v. United States, Case No. 79-cv-01710-EMC | Casetext Search + Citator

“California Rancheria Termination Acts Facts for Kids,” Kiddle.co.  Retrieved 10/20/2023, California Rancheria Termination Acts Facts for Kids (kiddle.co)

Wikipedia

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