Indian Lands

Arizona ’s Native American history began long ago, with the Hohokam, Anasazi and the Sinagua people. These cultures can be traced back hundreds and hundreds of years. Some of these tribes simply disappeared and others have evolved into the Indian Tribes we see today.

Since that long ago beginning, the Indian community has been through its share of difficult times. When settlers and miners first arrived in Arizona , many of the Native American’s did not approve of their infringement on the land. Wars and raiding broke out across the region. After years of battle, the Native American’s were forced onto Indian Reservations.

In 1859, Congress established the first Indian Land in Arizona and named it the Gila River Indian Land. Between 1859 and 1934, Indians were mistreated and their land was taken away from them and then portions returned. Finally in 1934, Congress passed the Indian Reorganization Act. This Act did several things for the Indian culture. First of all, it ended the allotment of land, gave Indians the right and limited means to hire counsel and banned compulsory religion. It also promoted traditional Indian handicrafts and encouraged tribes to set up governments and form corporate business charters. However, it wasn’t until 1948 that the Indians were allowed to vote, provided the individual knew English.

Arizonan.com has consciously used the word “Indian Lands”in place of the word “Reservation.”It is a small gesture showing honor and respect to these Indian tribes. The term honors the tribe’s ownership in their culture and land.

Today Arizona has 27% of its land devoted to Indian Lands, totaling 20,000,000 acres. Arizona has more Indian Land than any other state. Currently, there are about 252,000 Indians representing 17 tribes living on 20 Indian Lands spread out across Arizona .

the following information will give you a quick look at all 20 Indian Lands and the people that live on them. If you would like more in depth information on a particular Indian Tribe, click on the name of the Indian Tribe. the Ak-Chin Indian Lands is located along the Santa Cruz River Valley in Pinal County. It is 30 miles south of Phoenix. The Ak- Chin people live on 21,840 acres and the tribe has 575 members. The land is home for the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino.
The Cocopah Indian Lands is 13 miles south of Yuma and 15 miles north the San Luis, Mexico in Yuma County. The tribe lives on 6.009 acres and has 774 members. The Cocopah people have many businesses. They have opened a convenience store, smoke shop, bingo hall, recreational vehicle park, Cocopah Casino and gas station.
The Colorado River Indian Lands has land in both Arizona and California. The tribe holds 225,995 acres in La Paz County, Arizona . The Mohave Indians have lived here for centuries, however the Chemehuevi, Hopi and Navajo Indians were relocated here back in history. Currently, there is a population of 3,1000. The Mohave Indians are known for their handicrafts and the Chemehuevi for their powwows.
The Fort Apache Indian Lands is in the White Mountains of Arizona . The land covers part of Apache, Gila and Navajo Counties. It is 150 miles from Phoenix. The Apaches live on 1,664,984 acres and have 10,000 members. The land has been turned into a recreational spot. The tribe has Sunrise Ski Resort and the Salt River Canyon for attractions and recreation.
Fort McDowell Mohave-Apache Indian Lands is along the banks of the Verde River in Maricopa County. It is 15 miles from Phoenix. The Indian Lands contain 24,680 acres and has 849 members. The tribe hosts recreational activities by the Verde River and the Fort McDowell Gaming Center is situated close to Fountain Hills.
Fort Mojave Indian Lands lies in California, Nevada and Arizona . The land is in Mohave County with 12 miles of the Colorado River running through it. It has 22,820 acres and 1,000 members. Farming cotton and alfalfa is important to the tribe, along with the Spirit Mountain Casino and recreation areas near the Colorado River.

Fort Yuma-Quechan Indian Lands is just north of Yuma. The Indian Land has 43,589 acres and 2,419 members. The tribe opened Paradise Casino and has recreational spots by the Colorado River.
The Gila River Indian Lands is in Central Arizona , south of Phoenix. It is within Maricopa and Pinal Counties. The land includes 372,000 acres. The Indian Lands include both Pima and Maricopa Indians, totaling 11,550 members. It is home to Lone-Butte Industrial Park, Firebird Lake Water Sports World, Gila River Arts and Crafts Center and the Gila River Casino.
Havasupai Indian Lands is located at the bottom of Havasu Canyon in the Grand Canyon. It is in both Coconino and Navajo Counties. The land includes 188,077 acres and 601 members. Tourism is improving the tribe’s living standards, although it is difficult. This is due, in part, to the fact that there are few ways into and out of the community. Travel can only be done by foot, horse or helicopter.
The Hopi Indian Lands is in Northern Arizona . It is in both the Coconino and Navajo Counties. The tribe’s land measures 1,561,213 acres and includes 8,114 members. The tribe is known for their handicrafts, such as Kachinas and pottery. The Hopi’s also publicize some of their ceremonial dances.
The Hualapai Indian Lands is near the Grand Canyon. The Hualapai are in Coconino and Mohave Counties. The Indian Lands covers 992,463 acres and includes 1,400 members. The tribe offers the Hualapai Arts and Crafts Center, Hualapai Tribal River Runners and recreational areas.
The Kaibab-Paiute Indian Lands is in Northern Arizona , near the Utah border. The Indian Lands is in Mohave County. The tribe’s land contains 120,827 acres and has 200 members. They have a visitor center and a gift shop near the Pipe Spring National Monument.
Navajo Indian Lands is in Northern Arizona , near the state of New Mexico. A portion of the reservation lies in Apache, Coconino and Navajo Counties. It is the largest Indian Land in the United States. The tribe encompasses 4,775,068 acres and has 175,000 members. Many of the Navajo people live on farms. The Indian Lands includes Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Monument Valley, Four Corners and the Navajo National Monument. the Pascua Yacqui Indian Land is south of Tucson and is the newest Indian Land in Arizona . It is in Pima County. The tribe includes 895 acres and has 8,000 members. The Yacqui Indian Land is home to the Casino of the Sun.
The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Lands is minutes from Phoenix. It is in Maricopa County. The tribe includes 55,801 acres and has 5,527 members. The members are a combination of the Pima and Maricopa Indian tribes. Both of these Indian communities live on the Indian Lands. The land hosts recreation along the Salt River, a waste disposal operation, a sand and gravel plant and the Pavilions shopping center.
San Carlos Apache Indian Land is in Eastern Arizona . The Indian Land is in Gila and Graham Counties. The tribe’s land encompasses 1,826,541 acres and has 10,000 members. The San Carlos people raise cattle, mine gemstones and provide recreational spots in the area.
San Juan Southern Paiute Indians are a special tribe. This tribe has no acreage, but has 209 members. Most of these members live in Coconino County. The people are called Paiute-Navajo Indians.
The Tohono O’odham Indian Lands is in Southern Arizona . The Indian Lands lies in Maricopa, Pinal and Pima Counties. The tribe is separated into four Indian lands: the Tohono O’odham Reservation with 2,773,050 acres, Gila Bend Reservation with 10,000 acres, San Xavier Reservation with 71,000 acres and Florence Village with 200 acres. The tribe numbers 18,061. The tribe was once called the Papago, until 1986 when the name was changed to Tohono O’odham. The Indian Lands hold the Desert Diamond Casino, the National Historic Landmark of Mission San Xavier del Bac, farming and mining.
The Tonto-Apache Indian Lands is in Northern Arizona , near Payson. The tribe is in Gila County. The Indian Land includes 85 acres and 103 members. The Yavapai and Apache Indians live on this land. The land hosts the Mazatzal Casino and recreational spots.
Yavapai-Apache (Camp Verde) Indian Lands is also in Northern Arizona . The Indian Lands covers only 653 acres with 1,200 members. The Yavapai and Apaches live on the Indian Lands together. The tribe has the Cliff Castle Casino, two National Monuments (Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot), along with the Yavapai-Apache Visitor Activity Center.
Yavapai-Prescott Indian Lands is still another Northern Arizona Indian Lands. This tribal land adjoins the town of Prescott. The tribe holds 1,400 acres and 139 members. The Yavapai operate Bucky’s Casino and are developing their handicrafts.

Havasupai

The Havasupai (pronounced “have a soup pie”) Indian Lands lie 3,000 feet at the bottom of Havasu Canyon at the western end of the Grand Canyon. It is in both Coconino and Navajo Counties. The land is at the end of Indian Route 18, off of Historic Route 66. Currently, the tribe has 600 members. Havasupai means “people of the blue green water.”The tribe has been in this region for more than 1,000 years. Throughout their history, they have practiced the tradition of irrigation farming in the canyons during the summer and hunting on the plateaus during the winter.

The Havasupai Indian Land was established in June 1880 and later enlarged to 188,077 acres in 1975. All of the tribal members live in Supai Village at the base of Havasu Canyon, near where the Havasu River cascades over the edge creating blue green pools below.

Tourism is helping the tribe’s living standards, although it is difficult. This is due to the fact that there are only a few ways in and out of the community. Traveling down to Havasu Falls can only be done by foot, horse or helicopter. Still, more than 12,000 visitors come to see the amazing high waterfalls. This Indian Land is sometimes called the “Shangri-la of the Grand Canyon”because of its towering cliffs, spectacular falls and calming pools of water.

Hualapai

the Hualapai Indian Land stretches 108 miles along the Colorado River and includes the western end of the Grand Canyon. The Indian Land is in Coconino and Mohave Counties. It shares its northern and eastern boundaries with the Grand Canyon National Park and also adjoins the Hualapai Indian Lands on the east. The elevation ranges from 1,200 feet to 7,400 feet. Currently, the tribe has 1,400 members.
The name Hualapai comes from the word hwal bay, which means people of the tall pines. The Hualapai originally came from the Yuma Indians in Western Arizona , but they eventually moved to this region.
When settlers started to encroach on the Hualapai, battles erupted. After losing the war, the Indians were placed in a camp near the town of Parker. Many Hualapai perished at the camp, however some did manage to escape.
They made their way back to their homeland and later the land was set aside for the tribe to live. The Hualapai Indian Lands covers almost 1 million acres and was created by Executive Order in January 1883.
Today, Peach Springs is the Tribal Capital. The town owes its name to the peach trees growing at the springs nearby. The Hualapai Indian Land is working hard make a positive future. There has been economic, social and government progress in recent years. This is evident with the building of new homes, an improved water and sewer system, paved and curbed streets and a mission to be an anti-drug and alcohol community.
The western section of the Indian Lands remains closed to the public. This area is viewed as sacred to the Hualapai tribe.
Attractions:
The Hualapai Indian Lands offers the only access by car into the Grand Canyon. By driving to Peach Springs and following Diamond Creek Road, you will arrive at the gorge where Diamond Creek and the Colorado River meet.
The Hualapai Tribal River Runners is the only Indian owned and operated river-rafting company on the Colorado River. The company offers one and two day Indian guided tours.
Hualapai Arts and Crafts Center has a variety of traditional and modern arts available for purchase. The center is located in Peach Springs.
Hualapai Indian Days    May

Kaibab-Paiute

The Kaibab-Paiute Indian Lands is found along Kanab Creek in Northern Arizona , near the Utah border in the Arizona Strip. Kanab Creek runs through the Indian Land on its way to Snake Gulch and the Colorado River. The land also sits on the Markagunt Plateau north of the Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest, making it one of the most remote Indian Lands in the state. In order to reach this area, you must take U.S. Highway 89 from the east through Jacob Lake and Fredonia. The Indian Land is in both Coconino and Mohave Counties. The tribe’s land contains 120,827 acres. Currently, the tribe has 200 members.
History:
The Kaibab-Paiute Indians are members of the Southern Paiute Nation, which is located along the southern Great Basin and San Juan-Colorado River drainage. Their language is Uto-Aztecan and English. The tribe has five villages, Kaibab, Steam Boat, Juniper Estates, Six-Mile and Red Hills.
Today, most of the members live in Kaibab. All of the villages live in combination of the modern and traditional settings. The traditional ways are shown in language, celebrations, community organization and values.
Indian Arts:
The Kaibab-Paiute Indians are known for their coiled basket called the “Wedding Basket.”
Attractions:
Pipe Springs National Monument began as two pools of water, which flow from the Sevier Fault on the Moccasin Terrace. Then in 1870, a group of Mormons discovered the springs and decided to build a community. They established a fort and named it Windsor Castle. The Kaibab-Paiute Indians never attacked the settlement. The area was designated a national monument in 1923.

Kayenta

Kayenta, is in the Northeastern portion of Navajo County, is approximately 20 miles south of the Utah border on U.S. 163. It is 148 miles north-northeast of Flagstaff, Arizona , and 98 miles west of Shiprock, New Mexico. Because of its remoteness, in the early days the Kayenta region was seldom visited by non-Indians. Although in 1874, Mormon emigrants moved their wagons through on their route from Tuba City to Aneth on the San Juan River, the Navajos and Paiutes of the area were only occasionally disturbed by itinerant traders and wandering prospectors.

In 1910 things changed with the opening of a trading post at Kayenta. In 1914, the March Pass School opened its doors. By 1916, another trading post had opened for business.Since that time, and especially since the paving of roads through the area, Kayenta, at an elevation of 5,660 feet, has had considerably more traffic and has been designated a “growth center” of the Reservation.

Today, its position as a gateway to the tourist attractions of Monument Valley as well as its midpoint location on state Highway 160 between Shiprock and Tuba City have helped establish Kayenta as a major community on the Navajo Reservation. Navajos refer to Kayenta as Tohdenasshai.

The Four Corners area, a junction of Arizona , Utah, Colorado and New Mexico – the only spot in the United States where four states meet – is less than 80 miles away. Within a 150-mile radius of the community are a variety of parks and recreational facilities. Arizona is the home of Grand Canyon National Park with the Vermillion Cliffs and Paria Canyon. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell are the result of the construction of Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River.

The pre-historic Indian dwellings of Canyon de Chelly National Monument, and the monoliths and arches of Monument Valley, Rainbow Bridge National Monument and the Navajo Scenic Area are nearby.

Leupp

Leupp is in Eastern Arizona . It is in Coconino County. The town is situated along the southwest bank of the Little Colorado River, in the southwest corner of the Navajo Indian Lands. It is just off of Interstate 40, on State Highway 99.
Overview:
Leupp has always been a town of change and growth. The warm desert climate has a summer high temperature of 100 degrees and a winter low temperature of 30 degrees.
Community Features:
Leupp has so many outdoor activities. Wupatki National Monument is located just northwest of Leupp. Here you will see countless ruins of a community from long ago. The three-story dwelling at Wupatki is the most striking. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is almost directly to the west. The monument is a spectacular sight. There are two trails that visitors can take to get an up close look at the volcanic formations. Meteor Crater is to the south, off of Interstate 40. It is truly amazing. A 570-foot deep and 4,000 foot diameter hole was created after a meteor slammed into the earth. Meteor Crater has a rim walk that lets you see the crater from all angles.
History:
During the 1800’s, there were scattered settlements near the Little Colorado River. The river’s water drew many to the area. This region has long been a path for travel by the Navajo Indians.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs established a school in Leupp in 1902. The town’s name is pronounced LOOP. Soon afterward, the school was moved to a new location known as Old Leupp. Old Leupp is a few miles to the southeast of Leupp. Later in 1907, Leupp became the headquarters of the Leupp Indian Land. It was one of five Navajo Indian Lands that existed before 1936.

The Navajo Indian Nation combined all its lands in 1936. The center for the Navajo Nation was also established during this period in Window Rock, Arizona . The Navajo Nation decided that there would be Navajo chapter organizations dispersed throughout the Indian Land. These chapters evolved into local government units servicing the local residents. Leupp was selected as one of 110 Navajo chapters.

In 1961, the Bureau of Indian Affairs rebuilt the boarding school. The school became the center for social and political activities.
Leupp is one of the Navajo Indian Land’s fastest growing towns. Today, it is focusing on high tech industry and was designated by the Navajo Indian Land as a secondary growth center.

Navajo

The Navajo Indian Land lies in three states, including the northeast Arizona , the northwest New Mexico and the southeastern Utah. A portion of the reservation lies in Apache, Coconino and Navajo Counties. It is the largest Indian Land in the Untied States. The elevation ranges from 4,500 feet to 10,400 feet. Currently, the tribe has 175,000 members.

History:

The Navajo (pronounced “NAH-vuh-ho”) Indians are descendants of the Athapascan speaking people. They are also related to the Apache Indians, who arrived here from the north. Navajos do not refer to themselves as Navajo, but as Dineh (pronounced “dee-NAY”), meaning “the people.”

In the beginning, the Navajo were nomadic bands of hunters and gatherers. They attacked the Hopi Indian villages for supplies. But as time passed, the Navajo began to change. They learned farming, weaving and pottery making. Members of the tribe were living in homes called hogans raising herds of sheep and goats.

During the 1800’s, the Navajo came into conflict with the Spanish colonists. However, it wasn’t until the United States became involved did war occur.

In 1846, the first treaty was made between the Navajo and the United States government. Unfortunately, disagreements arose and troops were sent in 1849. It was also during this time, that Kit Carson led an extensive war against the Navajo.

Carson was able to take charge and captured 8,000 Navajo. These Indians were led to a reservation called Fort Sumner in New Mexico. This trek to the fort was later called the “Long Walk.”

While at the reservation, the Navajo suffered. Disease, crop failure and other warring Indians all took their toll on the Navajo tribe. Then in 1868, another treaty was signed allowing them to return to their homeland. The treaty established the Navajo Indian Lands. Later, in 1884 additional land was given the Navajo. Then again in the 1900’s, the land was extended to encompass 4,775,068 acres.

Today, the Navajo Tribal Headquarters is in the town of Window Rock. An elected chairman, vice chairman and 87 delegates, governs the Navajo Nation.

Indian Arts:

The Navajo Indians are known for their pottery, baskets, silver jewelry and woven rugs.

Attractions: p Canyon de Chelly National Monument is a combination of three gorges measuring 100 miles in length. The gorges were created by a 1,000-foot cut in the sandstone plateau. The canyon also houses five periods of Indian culture dating from 350 A.D. to 1300 A.D. It is the perfect backdrop to Anasazi ruins and Navajo homes. It is located three miles east of Chinle on U.S. Highway 191.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is 23 miles north of Kayenta. The valley itself lies in the northern section of Arizona and continues into the southern part of Utah. It contains rolling sand dunes, magnificent mesas, fragile pinnacles, colorful sandstone spires and arches. This is a very popular sight for many movies and commercials. Those interested in seeing these amazing rock formations up close will need to take a guided tour off of the road.

Four Corners Navajo Tribal Park is the only spot in the United States where four state boundaries meet. Visitors can place all fours with an arm and leg in Arizona , Colorado, New Mexico and Utah. There is a visitor center, demonstration center and picnic area.

Rainbow Natural Bridge National Monument is along the blue waters of Lake Powell. It is the world’s largest natural bridge stretching nearly 290 feet high. Visitors can reach the bridge by way of boat, hiking or horseback. A permit is required for hiking or horseback.

Navajo National Monument includes two of Arizona ’s largest Indian ruins. Betatakin and Keet Seel Ruins are pieces from the Anasazi past that have survived over 900 years. The monument is 10 miles north of State Highway 564.

Antelope Creek Canyon is one place that has been photographed time and time again. The canyon has a variety of shades of color that change throughout the day. It is sometimes called, “Cork Screw Canyon.”This spot is not for the weak at heart, one must hike down to the bottom to see its wonder. p Window Rock Tribal Park is a small park at the base of huge red rock formation. The sandstone has a large hole in the middle making it look as though it is a window. There are trails and picnic areas available. The park was created to honor all warriors during times of war and peace. It is located in the town appropriately named Window Rock. p St. Michael Historical Museum is near Window Rock. The museum is housed in an old mission. It provides visitors a background on the Franciscan influence on the Navajo people. p Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site is 28 miles west of Window Rock. The post is the nation’s oldest known trading post and is still open today. The adjoining Hubbell home shows the history of the Southwest through paintings and Indian crafts. p Kayenta Visitor Center is filled with information on the Navajo Nation and its spectacular sights. There is also a museum with exhibits including artifacts and history of the Navajo culture. Visitors will also find a food court area. p Grand Falls is a spectacular sight. The falls are located on the Little Colorado River east of Highway 89 between Flagstaff and Cameron. These falls are a sight to see especially after a big rainstorm, when water is sent cascading over 185 feet of rock terraces. p Fourth of July Celebration and Pow Wow July

Navajo Tribal Fair September

Western Navajo Agency Fair October

New Lands

New Lands is in Eastern Arizona . It is in Apache County. The expansive community is located 20 miles east of the Petrified Forest National Park and stretches from the town of Chambers to the New Mexican border.
Overview:
New Lands is a planned community created to blend the traditions of the past with the lifestyle of today. The community sits at elevations ranging from 5,500 feet to 6,900 feet. The warm desert climate has a summer high temperature of 100 degrees and a winter low temperature of 30 degrees. It is a growing area that is working toward a common goal.
Community Features:
There are a few outdoor activities that will make your trip to the area memorable. Window Rock is 35 miles to the northeast. It is a sandstone cliff created by wind, sand and water, which eroded an opening that reveals a broad sweep of country. It looks as if it had been made by the poke of a giant’s finger. However, Navajo legend has it that the Giant Snake made it. The Giant Snake crawled along the expanse of sandstone and eventually created a passageway to the other side. It is a huge, red sandstone formation that is 47 feet in diameter and 100 feet high. The formation suggests a window through a rock and it is listed as one the Seven Wonders of the World.

Climbing the rock is forbidden. It is a scared place to the Navajo. Visitors can still get a good look at Window Rock from below by hiking around it. There are pieces still seen today near its base that are from a prehistoric pueblo. New Lands is 20 miles east of the Petrified Forest National Park. Here you will discover some of the most amazing outdoor activities in the state. Once you arrive at the park, you will see what I mean. There are petrified logs in many shapes and sizes strewn across the desert floor. Please remember the collection or removal of petrified wood, natural or cultural objects is prohibited. There are two entrances to the park and both begin off of Interstate 40.

The north entrance takes you to the Painted Desert Visitor Center. Here you will see spectacular colors bouncing off the rock formations. The best time to make your visit is during sunset. You can then take the loop driving tour around to the south entrance. In the middle of the loop drive, there is the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark Museum. This was once a Fred Harvey hotel. It was built in the 1930’s. Today, the park service uses it as a visitor center and it sometimes features Native Americans demonstrating their crafts. The southern end of the drive has the Rainbow Museum. Visitors will find artifacts from the Puerco Indian Ruins dating back to 1150 A.D. Kids will love the three life-sized dinosaurs on display.
History:
New Lands was created on 351,691 acres of tribal trust land and reaches from approximately Chambers, Arizona to the New Mexico state line, along Interstate 40. The towns of Sanders and Chambers are included in an additional 18,000 acres of private land, south of the Navajo Indian Land.

The land was selected for development to promote the strong religious and traditional values of the Navajo Indians. Yet, it also includes the transitional part of the Navajo society. This combination allows for all Navajos to live together. There are 17 range units that were constructed to provide the traditional lifestyle that many want to continue.

Near the town of Sanders is the Naht’a'Dziil chapter house. This chapter house in the center of local government for the New Land community and is the 110th Navajo chapter house. Naht’a'Dziil means, “planning through strength.”This phrase symbolizes New Lands.
New Lands is a planned community with ongoing growth. There are areas for homes, industry, business, farming, recreation and education. Visitors will see a high school, hospitality center, rodeo arena, health clinic and an industrial building.

Today, the community’s goal is to encourage industrial and commercial expansion. This growth is anticipated, due to the community’s location along Interstate 40 and in addition to the Santa Fe Railroad running parallel to the highway.

Gila River Indian Lands

The Gila (pronounced “heela”) River Indian Land is in Central Arizona , south of Phoenix, Tempe and Chandler. It is within Maricopa and Pinal Counties. The land includes 372,000 acres. Currently, the tribe has 11,550 members consisting of both the Pima and the Maricopa Indians. The Hohokam Indians were the first to live in this area. They built early irrigation systems to farm the land. The Pima Indians can trace their ancestry back to the Hohokam. The Maricopa Indians first lived along the Colorado River, but moved due to the avoid battles with the Mohave and Yuma Indians. They eventually ended up along the Gila River with the Pima Indians.

An Act of Congress established the Gila River Indian Lands in February 1859. It became the first Indian Lands created in Arizona . In the 1900’s, the Indian Land suffered a huge set back when the Gila River was dammed. This caused poverty and many farms turned to desert.

Today, there has been a change. New businesses and development are being emphasized. Three industrial parks and commercial complexes are being used to draw others to the area. Although, farming has not being completely eliminated. The community’s farm has 12,000 acres with crops such as cotton, wheat, melons, citrus and alfalfa. Another 22,000 acres is set aside for independent farming. The tribal administrative offices and departments are situated in the town of Sacton.

Indian Arts:

The Gila River Indians are known for their Pima basketry and Maricopa pottery.

Fort Mohave

the Fort Mohave Indian Lands encompass 6,290 acres in California, 3,860 acres in Nevada and 22,820 acres in Arizona . The land is in Mohave County with 12 miles of the Colorado River running through it. Currently, there are 1,000 members.

The Mohave Indians known as the Pipa Aha Macave or “The People by the River”occupied this area long ago. It is believed that Spirit Mountain, which is located northwest of the Indian Lands today, were where the tribe originated. The Mohave were farmers living in villages. They had established trading with other cultures.
Soon, settlers came to mine and built communities. Battles erupted and in 1859 Fort Mohave was constructed. The fort was a military outpost established to control the Mohave Indians.

Today, the Mohave Indians have taken an aggressive approach to the development of their Indian Land resources, in order to boost their economy. There is a plan to see that this goal accomplished. A long-term lease for the development of a power plant, creation of a master planned community in Nevada, construction of several retail businesses, an R.V. Park and a golf course are all steps in the right direction.

Indian Arts:
The Fort Mohave Indians are known for their beadwork and basketry.

Attractions:
The land is home to Avi Hotel and Casino in Nevada.
Avi Hotel and Casino Anniversary Days and Pow Wow    February
Annual Fort Mohave Indian Days    October

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