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 traditional and cultural beliefs through the various political environments and the ever-changing landscapes. 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.
The Cocopah Reservation was first established in 1917, and in 1985, the tribe gained an additional 4,200 acres that included the North Reservation. Today, the Reservation comprises approximately 6,500 acres - much of which is leased as agricultural land to non-Indian farmers.
The Cocopah Casino, the new Cocopah Resort & Conference Center and the Cocopah Korner Store are located on the East Reservation just minutes from the City of Yuma along Highway 95. The Cocopah Rio Colorado Golf Course is the exclusive Somerton golf course owned and operated by the Cocopah Indian Tribe. The Cocopah Museum, a recognized federal repository, is located near the Tribal Headquarters on the West Reservation. The Cocopah Bend RV & Golf Resort are located on the North Reservation.