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.
Curtis Lee
Tribal Chairperson
Mun-a-hoo. I’m Curtis A. Lee, Chairperson of Cold Springs Rancheria. I hold over 130 college credits in business, fire technology, and forestry. My career in service began in 1994, including seven seasons with the US Forest Service, forestry management roles, and later, as a Natural Resources Manager. Elected as Vice-Chairperson in 2022, I co-led the SSBC grant program and completed certifications in Tribal governance.
Today, I represent CSR at forestry and climate events and serve on the Sierra Tribal Consortium Board and TANF Advisory Committee. My focus is on economic growth, housing, and creating job opportunities for our Tribe. I support community events, youth sports, and ceremonies to uphold our traditions. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, basketball, and outdoor activities, always working to uplift Cold Springs Rancheria.
Gavin Begaye
Vice Chairperson
Munahoo. My name is Gavin M. Begaye, Vice Chairperson of Cold Springs Rancheria’s Tribal Council, serving from 2024 to 2026. I am a graduate of California State University, Fresno, with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and a Cross-Cultural Competency certificate. With over a decade of dedication, I’ve served Native American communities in various roles, including work with Fresno American Indian Health Project, Sierra Tribal Consortium, and as UCLA’s Assistant Director for Native American/Alaskan Native Recruitment.
My focus is on strengthening the Tribe’s programs in education, housing, and cultural preservation. I strive to ensure our youth, language, and ceremonies are upheld. Guided by my family, I represent Cold Springs Rancheria in cultural activities and support our youth’s achievements in athletics and traditional events.
Brandy Lewis
Secretary/Treasurer
Since May 2021, I have proudly served as the Secretary/Treasurer of Cold Springs Rancheria, honoring the legacy of my grandmother, Emma Lewis. I graduated from Kaplan College with a degree in Medical Office Specialization and am currently advancing my education in accounting to enhance our financial management practices. With 11 years in the casino industry and my current role as Site Project Coordinator for OVCDC, I bring solid experience in leadership and project management.
I hold certifications in Mandated Reporting, Tribal Property Management, Financial Management, and more. My goal is to address unresolved projects from prior years and foster transparency and accountability in our organization’s governance. Dedicated to serving our community, I aim to support Tribal members and improve our financial systems for a secure future.
Timothy Lee
Member-At-Large
Hello, my name is Timothy Lee, and I am honored to serve as Member at Large for the Cold Springs Rancheria Tribal Council and as our CIMC representative. I am a proud member of the Golden Eagle Clan, grateful for the opportunity to represent and serve our Tribe.
My vision is to strengthen our Tribe’s presence within the broader community while remaining deeply connected to our cultural heritage and traditions. I am dedicated to promoting unity and pride among our members, encouraging us to preserve and practice our ancestral ways. Through these efforts, I aim to foster a future where our Tribe continues to grow, guided by the wisdom of our elders and the values of our people. I am committed to building a strong, culturally grounded future for Cold Springs Rancheria.
Jacqueline Edd
Council Member
Munahoo, my name is Jacqueline Edd. Raised on the Cold Springs reservation, I returned to serve our community after working in social services and health. With over 12 years in Tribal social services, I’ve focused on grant management and supporting local Tribal communities. Now, as a first-time Council member, I’m committed to applying my experience to bring growth and positive change to Cold Springs Rancheria.
My priorities include enhancing services for our youth and Elders, supporting social programs, and strengthening our community’s resources. I volunteer at community events, helping with gatherings and initiatives for our Tribe’s well-being. I’m honored to serve on Council and look forward to working with other leaders to help create a stronger future for our community.
Jackalyn Badoni
Council Member
Munahoo, my name is Jackalyn Badoni, daughter of Pam and Morris Lee. Currently, I serve as a Council Member, bringing experience in office and grant management and a strong commitment to social services. I work as the Alternative Education School Site Secretary/Registrar for Sierra Unified and have previously served as a Grant Manager and Substance Abuse Counselor for Fresno American Indian Health Project.
My dedication to service extends to volunteer roles with youth sports, cultural events, and my family’s annual basketball tournament. Raised on the Cold Springs reservation, my upbringing instilled a strong connection to our culture, traditions, and the values of the Red Road. I am honored to support our Tribe’s growth and am dedicated to fostering a thriving, respectful community for future generations.
Contact Us
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