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.