Our Story
We are a vibrant community located in the south-central Sierra Nevada foothills. Learn more below about our history, mission & vision, council and more.
Our Story
The mid-19th century brought significant upheaval to the Holkoma Mono people. During the Gold Rush and the Civil War, commercial hunters, followed by ranchers, soldiers, farmers, and other settlers, began encroaching on Holkoma lands. This influx of newcomers disrupted the Indigenous population, destroying their cultural practices such as controlled burns, which were vital for maintaining the landscape. As more people sought to exploit the land’s resources through mining, logging, and hydroelectric projects, the traditional ways of life for the Mono were profoundly altered.
Today, the Cold Springs Rancheria is a federally recognized tribe, with its reservation located in Fresno County, California. The Cold Springs Rancheria spans 155 acres in Sycamore Valley, situated 45 miles east of Fresno and near the town of Tollhouse, which serves as the tribe’s administrative center.
Culturally, the Cold Springs Rancheria is home to the Western Mono Indians, who speak the Mono language, a member of the Uto-Aztecan language family. Acorns remain a traditional staple food, reflecting their deep-rooted significance in Mono culture. The tribe’s rich oral history, preserved through traditional narratives, underscores the importance of storytelling in maintaining their heritage and cultural identity.
The tribe’s governance structure is built on democratic principles, having ratified its current constitution on April 11, 1970, with amendments in 2001. The Tribal Council, elected by the tribe’s members, comprises a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary-Treasurer, and three Council Members. All tribal members aged 18 and older participate in a General Council, ensuring a collective voice in tribal affairs.
Tribal enrollment is a selective process, limited to those listed on the 1960 Plan for Distribution of Assets of the Cold Springs Rancheria and their lineal descendants, provided they possess at least one-quarter degree of Californian Indian blood. The tribe currently has 180 enrolled members, with approximately 200 individuals residing on the reservation.
The history and culture of the Cold Springs Rancheria of Mono Indians reflect a resilient community that has navigated profound changes while maintaining their rich traditions. Their ancestral connection to the Sierra Nevada foothills continues to shape their identity and community life today.
Mission
The Cold Springs Rancheria of Mono Indians of California sustains and enriches our citizenship by drawing on all available resources, including the interests, talents, knowledge, and skills of our citizens, to realize our vision of a sovereign, proud Tribal Nation.
Vision
We envision a healthy, wealthy, educated, safe, and secure Cold Springs Tribal citizenship that pays particular attention to the needs of elders and children, thus preserving, protecting, and promoting Tribal culture, traditions, and language for generations to come.
Values
We value those who act with vision, dignity, integrity and pride in our community. Our priorities are to preserve, protect, and promote our culture, traditions, and language while developing the health, wealth, education, safety, and security of our citizenship. The Tribal government fosters Tribal unity and equality, celebrating diversity and promoting inclusivity among all members, while remaining committed to the development of the highest quality programs in the following areas:
- Child welfare
- Culture and language
- Economic development
- Education
- Elder support
- Health and wellness
- Infrastructure development and maintenance: roads, buildings, water and waste systems, anchor institutions
- Housing
- Land planning
- Land and water stewardship, including a focus on food sovereignty
- Recreation and athletics
- Safety and emergency management
- Telecommunications
Council Members
Meet YOUR tribal council.
Our 6 elected-council members help not only to set-forth policies and the direction of the tribe, but to be the voice of our community.
Our goal is to be transparent and open when it comes to our council members. You can contact any of them directly below and learn more about their background.
Dorothiea Andrews
Vice Chairwoman
My name is Dorothiea Andrews. I am a tribal member of Cold Springs Rancheria committed to serving my people with integrity, accountability, and respect for our traditions.
I come from a family that values responsibility, community care, and the longevity of our culture, and those teachings guide how I show up in leadership.
My work has focused on community wellness, advocacy, and strengthening systems that support our people. With an AS Degree in Human Resource Management, Youth Coordination, Cold Springs Community Health Care Representative, Nursing, and numerous training’s in White Bison, and Native American Fatherhood & Family Association programs. I am confident I can bring programming and awareness to our community especially in areas of health, recovery, Youth Development, and cultural connection. Through my professional and community roles, I have worked directly with families, elders, and Youth, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
I believe effective leadership means listening first to the concerns and voices of the people. I believe we are here to serve the people, not our council. I believe we are here to make informed decisions for the betterment of all our people from cradle board to our elders. I am committed to transparency, collaboration, and protecting our sovereignty while honoring our cultural values.
I step forward with humility and determination, ready to serve our tribe in a good way.
Diana Ratchford
Secretary/Treasurer
My name is Diana Ratchford, and I am honored to serve as the Secretary/Treasurer for the Cold Springs Rancheria. I bring extensive experience in administration, financial oversight, and community-based leadership, with a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and service to our tribal members.
Throughout my career, I have worked in office management, program development, grant administration, and governance. I helped establish the Enrollment Department, contributed to the development of the Cultural Empowerment Center through federal grant funding, and supported initiatives that strengthen tribal services and community engagement. I also played a role in amending the Tribal Constitution to ensure every tribal member has the right to vote and seek elected office.
In addition to my tribal service, I have served on the Board of Directors for Central Valley
Indian Health and worked in programs that support families, elders, and community wellness.
As Secretary/Treasurer, my focus is clear communication, responsible financial stewardship, strong record-keeping, and leadership that listens. I am dedicated to supporting housing, cultural education, and economic development so our Tribe can move forward with unity and purpose.
Contact Us
Have a historical fact, picture you’d like to share or other suggestions? Feel free to contact us!
Are you interested in learning more about what services we offer? Go here.