The Ak Chin Indian Community of the Maricopa (Ak Chin) Indian Reservation is a federally recognized Native American tribe nestled in the heart of the Santa Cruz Valley in Arizona. This vibrant community is primarily composed of Akimel O’odham (Pima) and Tohono O’odham (Papago) people, with a small number of Hia-Ced O’odham members also residing within its boundaries. The reservation serves as a homeland and a center for cultural preservation for these distinct yet related O’odham groups.
Location and Environment:
The Ak Chin Indian Community of the Maricopa (Ak Chin) Indian Reservation occupies a portion of the Sonoran Desert in Pinal County, Arizona, situated approximately 37 miles south of the bustling metropolis of Phoenix. The average elevation of the reservation is 1,186 feet. The landscape is characterized by arid conditions and sparse vegetation, typical of the Sonoran Desert environment. However, the community has ingeniously adapted to this challenging environment through innovative agricultural practices.
A Land Reduced: The Reservation’s History
The story of the Ak Chin Reservation is intertwined with the complex history of federal Indian policy. In May 1912, President William Howard Taft initially signed an order establishing a 47,600-acre reservation for the Ak Chin people. Tragically, this initial allocation was significantly reduced the following year to just under 22,000 acres. This drastic reduction had long-lasting consequences for the community, impacting their ability to sustain themselves and manage their resources.
The Significance of "Ak-Chin": A Name Rooted in the Land
The name "Ak-Chin" itself carries profound meaning, deeply rooted in the agricultural practices and the relationship with the land. "Ak-Chin" is derived from the O’odham language and translates to "mouth of the wash" or "place where the wash loses itself in the sand or ground." This refers to a specific type of farming that relies on "washes," which are seasonal floodplains created by the runoff from winter snows and summer rains. This method of agriculture is crucial in the arid environment, allowing the community to cultivate crops even with limited rainfall.
The O’odham People: A Confederacy of Cultures
The Ak Chin Indian Community belongs to the broader O’odham confederacy, which encompasses both the Akimel O’odham (Pima) and the Tohono O’odham (Papago) people. These groups share linguistic and cultural similarities but also possess distinct traditions and histories. The Ak Chin community represents a unique blend of these O’odham cultures.
The name "Pima" is believed to have originated from the phrase "pi ‘aňi mac" or "pi mac," meaning "I don’t know," which was reportedly used repeatedly in their initial encounters with European explorers. The term "Papago," on the other hand, translates to "tepary bean eater," a name given to them by Spanish conquistadores who had heard them referred to as Ba:bawĭko’a by other, more competitive Piman bands. Ba:bawĭko’a was then Hispanicized by the Spanish into Papago.
Governance and Organization:
The Ak Chin Indian Community of the Maricopa (Ak Chin) Indian Reservation is governed by a five-member Tribal Council. The tribe formally organized its government in 1961 under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, marking a significant step towards self-determination and the management of their own affairs.
Demographics and Language Preservation:
The Ak Chin Indian Community has an enrolled population of approximately 889 tribal members. The community actively works to preserve and promote the O’odham language, which belongs to the Uto-Aztecan language family.
The O’odham language encompasses several dialects, with Tohono O’odham and Papago referring to the same language, as do Akimel O’odham and Pima. The Ak Chin Indian Community has developed its own written form of the O’odham language to further its preservation.
In 2000, it was estimated that there were approximately 9,750 total O’odham speakers in the United States and Mexico combined. The O’odham language ranks as the 10th most-spoken indigenous language in the United States and the 3rd most-spoken in Arizona, following Western Apache and Navajo. It also holds significance at the local level, being the third-most spoken language in Pinal County and the fourth-most spoken in Pima County, Arizona.
According to the 2000 Census, approximately 8% of O’odham speakers in the US have limited English proficiency. Among younger O’odham speakers (ages 5-17), around 4% were reported as having difficulty with English, highlighting the ongoing need for language revitalization efforts.
Traditional Way of Life:
Historically, the O’odham people lived in brush wickiups, dome-shaped dwellings constructed from readily available materials. Agriculture was the cornerstone of their subsistence, with the Ak-Chin wash farming technique being particularly crucial for cultivating crops in the arid environment.
Economic Development and Modern Enterprises:
The Ak Chin Indian Community has diversified its economy over the years, embracing both traditional and modern enterprises. One of the community’s earliest and most successful ventures was Ak-Chin Farms, which currently cultivates over 15,000 acres, making it one of the largest farming operations in the United States.
In 1994, the Ak Chin Indian Community ventured into the gaming industry, partnering with Promus/Harrah’s to establish a casino. This casino has since expanded to include a 148-room resort hotel and a new bingo facility. The Ak-Chin Casino employs over 830 people and is recognized as one of the top employers in Pinal County, contributing significantly to the local economy.
Cultural Preservation and Modern Life:
The Ak Chin Indian Community strives to maintain its cultural heritage while navigating the challenges and opportunities of the modern world. While Christianity is practiced by some members, traditional tribal religion and spiritual beliefs continue to play a vital role in the community’s identity. The Ak Chin O’odham Runner Newspaper serves as a platform for community news, cultural expression, and the preservation of the O’odham language.
Contemporary Challenges and Future Aspirations:
Like many Native American tribes, the Ak Chin Indian Community of the Maricopa (Ak Chin) Indian Reservation faces ongoing challenges related to economic development, healthcare, education, and the preservation of their cultural identity. The community is actively engaged in addressing these challenges through strategic planning, community-based programs, and partnerships with government agencies and other organizations.
The Ak Chin Indian Community remains committed to self-determination, cultural preservation, and the well-being of its members. By building on their rich cultural heritage, embracing economic opportunities, and advocating for their rights, the Ak Chin people are working to create a brighter future for generations to come. The Ak Chin Indian Community of the Maricopa (Ak Chin) Indian Reservation stands as a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and enduring spirit of the O’odham people.