Arizona's Native American Tribes

Arizona is home to 21 federally recognized tribes. Together, the tribes contribute to the rich cultural diversity of Arizona.
The state is home to over 250,000 Native Americans (2000 Census). Reservations and tribal communities comprise over a quarter of
Arizona's lands.

Through applied research, technical and management assistance, counseling and referral services,workshops and seminars, the
Economic Development Research Program works extensively with Native American tribes throughout Arizona. One of the the
Economic Development Research Program functions is that of facilitators, with a special interest in building partnerships between
Indian communities and non-Indian communities. The following provides a general profile and information on each of Arizona's 21
distinct tribes.

Click on the labels below for more information about these reservations.

Arizona Indian Tribes: Profiles

Ak-Chin Indian Community

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The Ak-Chin Indian Community was created in May of 1912 by way of Executive Order from President Taft. The community consists
of both Tohono O'odham and Pima Indians, and can be found in the Sonoran Desert of south central Arizona. In 1984, a water rights
settlement was approved by Congress, entitling the Ak-Chin Community access to 75,000 acre-feet of Colorado River water. Ak-Chin
Farms, Harrah's Casino, and the Ak-Chin Tribal Government are all major employers.

Yavapai-Apache Nation

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Location: 95 Miles north of Phoenix
Population (2000 Census): 743
Enrolled Tribal Members: 1,550
Land Area: 1.02 square miles
Gaming: Yes (Cliff Castle Casino, located in Camp Verde)

The Yavapai-Apache Nation is the amalgamation of two distinct Tribes who historically occupied the Upper Verde Valley. A
Reservation was initially established in 1871, but it was rescinded by Presidential Order in 1875 and all of the people, Yavapai and
Apache alike, were forcibly marched to the San Carlos Agency east of Phoenix. In 1909, a Reservation was re-established and
additional lands were acquired in 1915, 1967, and 1974. The Tribe once relied on agricultural activity as a primary means of economic
sustenance. In recent years, economic activity has expanded and the Tribe now operates a convenience market, service station,
recreational vehicle park, and a casino.

Navajo Nation

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The Navajo refer to themselves as the Diné, or "the People". In 1868, a peace treaty was signed allowing the Navajo people to return
to their homeland. Today, the Navajo Tribe represents the largest Indian Tribe in the U.S. and stretches across the high deserts and
forests of the four corners region. Tourism has a significant role in the Navajo Tribe's economy, as it is home to natural wonders such
as Canyon de Chelly and Rainbow Natural Bridge. The Navajo Nation is also home to Diné College, the first tribally controlled
community college in the country. The college features a six story, hogan shaped cultural center.

Cocopah Indian Reservation

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Location: 13 miles south of Yuma on Highway 95
Population (2000 Census): 1,025
Enrolled Tribal Members: 880
Land Area: 9.4 square miles
Gaming: Yes (Cocopah Indian Casino, located in Somerton)

The Cocopah Indian Reservation was established by an Executive Order from Woodrow Wilson in 1917. In 1985, the Cocopah Land
Acquisition Bill extended the area of the Reservation, which is divided into three parcels (East, West, and North Cocopah). With its
location adjacent to the Colorado River, agriculture plays an important factor in the community's economy.

Colorado River Indian Tribes

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Location: 189 miles west of Phoenix on Highway 95
Population (2000 Census): 7,466
Enrolled Tribal Members: 3,389
Land Area (Arizona): 353 square miles
Land Area (California): 66.7 square miles
Gaming: Yes (Blue Water Resort and Casino, located in Parker)

Established in March of 1865 for the "Indians of said river and its tributaries," the Colorado River Indian Reservation straddles a part
of the Arizona and California border, although over 80% of the Reservation is located within Arizona. The Reservation's economy
centers around agriculture, recreation, light industry, and government. The Colorado River Indian Tribes has senior water rights to
717,000 acre-feet of the Colorado River, which represents nearly a third of the allotment for the State of Arizona.

White Mountain Apache Tribe[back to map]

Location: 194 miles northeast of Phoenix
Population (2000 Census): 12,429Enrolled Tribal Members: 12,634
Land Area: 2600.7 square miles
Gaming: Yes (Hon-Dah Resort/Casino, located in McNary)

Established as the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in November, 1891 by Executive Order, the area is now known as the White
Mountain Apache Reservation. The tribal members are direct descendants of the original tribes that lived in this area. The White
Mountain Apache live in a region that has an abundance of natural resources and scenic beauty, and the tribe has earned a national
reputation for its network of enterprises, which include a timber company, lumber hardware retail center, ski resort, and casino.

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The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation was created by Executive Order in September of 1903. The Reservation is a small parcel of land
that was formerly the ancestral home of the Yavapai. The landscape of the area is marked by tree-lined bottom lands along the Verde
River and cactus-filled rolling hills. The Fort McDowell Gaming Center, tribal farm, sand and gravel center, and a tribally-owned gas
station serve as significant sources of economic activity on the reservation.

Fort Mojave Indian Tribe

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Location: 236 miles northwest of Phoenix
Population (2000 Census): 773
Enrolled Tribal Members: 1,066
Land Area (Arizona): 37 square miles
Land Area (Nevada): 8.7 square miles
Gaming: Yes (Spirit Mountain Casino, located in Mojave Valley, AZ and Avi Casino, located in Laughlin, NV)

The Fort Mojave Indian Tribe is spread across three states, with over two-thirds of the Reservation boundaries located in northwest
Arizona. The Reservation stretches along the banks of the Colorado River, and the Mojave Indians are the Pipa Aha Macav - the
people by the river. Approximately 25,000 acres of its land is used for agricultural development such as irrigated crop land. The two
casinos are another notable part of the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe's economy. The 300-room hotel and casino in the Nevada portion of
the Reservation was master planned by the Tribe.

Gila River Indian Community

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Location: 40 miles south of Phoenix
Population (2000 Census): 11,257
Enrolled Tribal Members: 19,266
Land Area: 581.1 square miles
Gaming: Yes (Vee Quiva and Wild Hores Pass, both located in Chandler)

The Gila River Indian Community traces its roots to the prehistoric Hohokam Indians, who lived and farmed the Gila River Basin.
Today the community is composed of two members of Tribes, the Pima and Maricopas. Established in 1859 by Act of Congress, the
Gila River Indian Community is now divided into seven districts that can be found in peripheral areas of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
The community has a diverse economic base that includes Gila River farms, sand and gravel operations, a nationally acclaimed
industrial park (Lone Butte), and two casino/resorts.

Havasupai Indian Reservation

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Location: 310 miles northwest of Phoenix at the bottom of the Grand Canyon National Park
Population (2000 Census): 503
Enrolled Tribal Members: 667
Land Area: 293.8 square miles
Gaming: No

For over 1,000 years, the Havasupai have lived in the Grand Canyon, practicing irrigated farming during the summer months and
hunting on the plateaus during the winter. The Reservation was created in 1882 and enlarged for the Havasupai, which means "people
of the blue-green waters". Tourism is the primary economic staple for the reservation, bringing in more than 12,000 guests a year. The
Tribe also operates a cafe, grocery store, museum, cultural center, and an art/silkscreen studio.

Hopi Tribe

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The Hopi Reservation is located in the high deserts of northeastern Arizona and is surrounded by the Navajo Nation. The Hopi people
trace their Arizona roots back to more than 2,000 years. Throughout the Hopi Reservation, every village is an autonomous government,
but the Hopi Tribal Council sets policy to oversee tribal business and law. A recent broadband internet project has provided four
communities on the Reservation with internet lab access. Agriculture continues to have an important role in the Hopi economy.

Hualapai Tribe

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Location: 250 miles northwest of Phoenix
Population (2000 Census): 1,353
Enrolled Tribal Members: 2,156
Land Area: 1,550.2 square miles
Gaming: No

Hualapai, meaning "People of the Tall Pines," was established in 1883 by an Executive Order. The Reservation rests along 108 miles
of the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon. The topography varies from rolling grassland to forest and the rugged canyons of the
Colorado River. The Hualapai Tribe's primary economic activities center around tourism, cattle ranching, timber sales, and arts and
crafts.

Kaibab-Pauite Tribe

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Location: 350 miles north of Phoenix
Population (2000 Census): 196
Enrolled Tribal Members: 233
Land Area: 188.7 square miles
Gaming: No

The Kaibab-Paiute Reservation is located along Kanab Creek in the grasslands and plateaus of northern Arizona. The Kaibab-Paiute
people are members of the Southern Paiute Nation. Three national parks, one national monument, and Glen Canyon National
Recreation Area all rest within a two hour drive of the Reservation. Arizona Highway 389 crosses the Kaibab-Paiute Reservation and
is a main thoroughfare between Las Vegas and Lake Powell, making the Kaibab-Paiute economy centered on tourism along with
livestock. Additionally, the Tribe is involved in agriculture and owns a 1,300 tree fruite orchard.

Pascua Yaqui Tribe

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Location: 15 miles west of Tucson
Population (2000 Census): 3,315
Enrolled Tribal Members: 12,766
Land Area: 1.4 square miles
Gaming: Yes (Casino of the Sun and Casino del Sol, both located in Tucson)

The Pascua Yaqui are descendents of the ancient Toltecs from northern Mexico. Congress transferred 202 acres to the Pascua
Yaqui Tribe in 1964 and in 1982, the Reservation acquired another 690 acres. The Tribe's first constitution was approved in 1988. The
Casino of the Sun and Casino del Sol are the Tribe's largest employers. Other economic enterprises include a landscape nursery, a
manufacturer of adobe blocks, and a bingo hall.

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community

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Location: 10 miles east of Phoenix
Population (2000 Census): 6,405
Enrolled Tribal Members: 6,284
Land Area: 87.2 square miles
Gaming: Yes (Casino Arizona at Salt River, located in Scottsdale)

An Executive Order by President Hayes in June of 1879 established the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. The Executive
Order allowed the Pima and Maricopa people to occupy a stretch of fertile agricultural land together. Today, the Salt River Community
has attempted to take advantage of its location adjacent to the Phoenix metropolitan area through comercial development. This
includes a 140-acre retail commercial development called the Pavilions and a Wal-Mart retail center. The Salt River Community also
maintains a 19,000 acre natural preserve. Agriculture and gaming represent other important economic activities for the community.

San Carlos Apache Reservation

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The San Carlos Apache's are descendants of the Athabascan family, who migrated to the Southwest around the 10th Century. The
San Carlos Apache Reservation was established in 1871 through an Executive Order by President Grant. Over one-third of San
Carlos' land is forested or wooded. A portion of the Reservation is contiguous with the largest stand of ponderosa pines in the world.
Gaming, lumbering, tourism, cattle ranching and recreation are significant sources of economic activity for the San Carlos Apache. In
addition, a new retail shopping complex has recently been completed.

Tohono O'odham Nation

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The Tohono O'odham Nation is the second largest Native American Nation in the United States. The Nation comprises of four
non-contiguous segments, but the largest of the segments (the Tohono O'odham Reservation) represents over 90% of the land. The
Tohono O'odham have been living in southwestern Arizona and northwestern Sonora for hundreds of years. The Nation share 63 miles
of border with Mexico. Principal economic activities include tourism (most notable the Mission San Xavier del Bac), an industrial park
near Tucson and a casino.

Tonto Apache Tribe

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Recognized by a Congressional Act in 1972, the Tonto Apache Tribe is home to the smallest land base Reservation in Arizona. The
Reservation is located adjacent to Payson, and the casino represents one of the community's largest employers. To enable the Tonto
Apache to gain its land base, the Tribe is working with the Forest Service in a land purchase and exchange process.

Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe

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The Yavapai-Prescott Reservation is located in the rolling hills adjacent to Prescott. The Reservation was established in 1935, and
additional area of land was acquired in 1956. At one time, the Tribe depended upon timber, mining and agriculture for its economic
base. The Yavapai-Prescott now have a more diversified economic structure that incorporates tourism, gaming and retail activities.
The tribe owns a 162-room resort, two casinos, a business park and a shopping center.

Fort Yuma-Quechan Tribe

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Location: 185 miles southwest of Phoenix, adjacent to Yuma
Population (2000 Census): 36
Enrolled Tribal Members: 2,668 (in Arizona and California)
Land Area: 68.1 square miles
Gaming: Yes (Paradise Casino, located in Yuma)

The Fort Yuma-Quechan Tribe is home to the Quechan Indians and is located on both sides of the Colorado River in Arizona and
California. The Tribe is largely an agricultural community, but it also depends on tourism and a sand and gravel operation to help
sustain its economy. The Tribe operates five trailer and RV parks, a small grocery store and a museum to help meet tourist demand.

San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe

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Location: 200 miles north of Phoenix
Population (2000 Census): 209
Enrolled Tribal Members: 254
Land Area: N/A
Gaming: No

The San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe is a small newly recognized Tribe. For administrative reasons, it has long been regarded as part
of the Navajo Tribe by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The San Juan Paiutes are culturally distinct from their Navajo neighbors, having
their own language and history. The Tribe is now involved in litigation to establish and secure their land base. Economic activities
include livestock raising and subsistence farming.

Sponsored by the University of Arizona with support provided by
the U.S. Department of Commerce- Economic Development Administration