Ranchería

A ranchería (Spanish for "small ranch") is a small, rural settlement, originally applied in colonial Spanish America, particularly in regions of Spanish influence in what is now the southwestern United States and Mexico. The term has evolved in meaning and usage over time.

Initially, rancherías were often associated with Indigenous settlements, particularly those of semi-nomadic or agrarian Indigenous peoples. They frequently served as locations for livestock grazing and agricultural activities connected to larger haciendas or ranchos.

In the context of Native American history in the United States, the term ranchería specifically refers to certain federally recognized tribes in California. These tribes often consist of small, dispersed communities that were historically associated with Spanish missions or ranchos. Many rancherías were established as reservations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often on marginal or less desirable land. The Rancheria Act of 1958 aimed to terminate federal supervision over these tribes, but the consequences of this policy were largely negative, leading to land loss and hardship. Subsequent legislation has sought to address these issues and restore tribal sovereignty.

Beyond California, the term ranchería can also describe similar small, often isolated, settlements in other parts of Latin America, generally characterized by a focus on agriculture or livestock raising and a relatively small population. The social and economic conditions in rancherías can vary significantly depending on the region and historical context.