The Fort Mohave Indian Reservation, a testament to the enduring presence and resilience of the Mojave people, occupies a unique geographical position, straddling the mighty Colorado River and the state lines of both California and Nevada. This tri-state area encompasses a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a dynamic present, all interwoven with the story of the Pipa Aha Macav, "The People By The River."
The Land and Its People: Pipa Aha Macav
The Mojave Indians, known in their own language as Pipa Aha Macav – meaning "People By The River" – hold a deep and spiritual connection to this land. Their culture is steeped in traditions that trace their earthly origins to Spirit Mountain, the highest peak in the Newberry Mountains. This significant landmark, located northwest of the present-day reservation within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, serves as a powerful reminder of their ancestral roots.
According to Mojave beliefs, their spirit mentor, Mutavilya, played a pivotal role in shaping their world. Mutavilya is credited with creating the Colorado River, its diverse ecosystem of plants and animals, and imparting the arts of civilization to the Pipa Aha Macav. This divine guidance laid the foundation for their prosperous and resourceful society.
Before European contact, the Mojaves were renowned for their agricultural prowess. They cultivated well-established villages and developed intricate trade networks that extended as far west as the Pacific Ocean. Their strategic location along the Colorado River allowed them to thrive as farmers and traders, making them a significant force in the region.
A History of Transition and Transformation
The arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century marked a turning point in the history of the Mojave people. At this time, the Mojaves represented the largest concentration of people in the Southwest, a testament to their successful adaptation to the environment and their strong social structures. However, the increasing influx of non-Indian settlers into the region traditionally occupied by the Pipa Aha Macav led to significant changes and challenges.
In response to the growing tensions and the need to provide safe passage for American immigrants traveling westward, the United States military established an outpost on the east bank of the Colorado River in 1859. Initially named Camp Colorado, it was soon renamed Fort Mojave. This military installation played a crucial role in the evolving relationship between the Mojave people and the expanding American civilization.
The military fort remained in operation until 1891, after which the buildings were repurposed into a boarding school. This school served as an educational institution until 1930, leaving its own complex legacy on the community. Today, the ruins of Fort Mojave stand as a poignant reminder of the complex and often troubled historical relationship between the Pipa Aha Macav and American society. These remnants, located on a bluff overlooking the Colorado River just south of the boundary of present-day Bullhead City, offer a tangible link to the past.
The Modern Reservation: A Tri-State Community
Today, the Fort Mohave Indian Reservation is located along the Colorado River in the vicinity of Needles, California. This expansive reservation encompasses nearly 42,000 acres of land, strategically divided across the tri-state area of Arizona, California, and Nevada.
Specifically, the land is segmented as follows:
- 23,669 acres are situated in Mojave County, Arizona.
- 12,633 acres are adjacent to Needles, California.
- 5,582 acres are located in Clark County, Nevada.
The tribal headquarters, the central hub of governance and administration, are located in Needles, California. This location serves as the focal point for the tribe’s operations and its interactions with the surrounding communities and governmental entities.
A Diversified Economy: Building a Sustainable Future
The Fort Mohave Indian Reservation has developed a diverse and thriving economy that provides employment opportunities for thousands of people. This economic growth is fueled by a combination of strategic investments and entrepreneurial ventures, contributing to the tribe’s self-sufficiency and prosperity.
Key sectors driving the reservation’s economy include:
- Casino Gaming: Casino gaming plays a significant role, generating revenue and employment opportunities for tribal members and the surrounding community.
- Golf: A championship golf course attracts tourists and provides recreational opportunities.
- Agriculture: Agricultural endeavors contribute to the local economy, utilizing the fertile land along the Colorado River.
- Tribal Power Company and Generating Station: The tribal power company and generating station provide essential energy resources and contribute to the region’s infrastructure.
- Residential Subdivisions: Residential subdivisions offer housing options and contribute to the growth of the community.
- Mojave Crossing Event Center: This new indoor multi-use arena in Arizona hosts a variety of events, attracting visitors and boosting the local economy.
Recreational opportunities abound within the Fort Mohave Indian Reservation, catering to a wide range of interests and preferences. Visitors can enjoy:
- Gambling at the tribal casinos.
- Boating and fishing along the scenic Colorado River.
- Staying at the Avi Resort & Casino, which offers a full-service hotel and a variety of amenities.
- Playing golf at the Mojave Resort PGA Championship Golf Course.
- Relaxing at the RV parks located adjacent to the casinos, providing comfortable accommodations for travelers.
Demographics and Community: A Mosaic of Cultures
The Fort Mohave Indian Reservation is characterized by a diverse population, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds. In terms of ethnicity, approximately one-fourth (25.2%) of Fort Mojave Indian tribal members identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, highlighting the intermingling of cultures and the evolving demographics of the region.
Unlike many other Indian reservations in Arizona, occupancy on Fort Mojave Indian Reservation lands is less than 50% Native American. The Mohave people have leased a significant portion of their land to cotton, corn, and soybean farming companies. These agricultural operations employ a large population of resident white people and Mexican Americans, further contributing to the diverse demographic makeup of the reservation.
According to data from 2010, there were 370 households within the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, with an average household size of 2.7 persons and an average family size of 3.1 persons. These figures provide insights into the structure and composition of the families residing on the reservation.
Socioeconomic Factors: Challenges and Opportunities
Analysis of household income data reveals disparities between the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe and the broader county and state averages. The median household income for members of the tribe is $33,424, which is less than both the County ($39,785) and the State ($50,448). This indicates that tribal members are more likely to have lower household incomes compared to the general population. A significant proportion of households have incomes less than $20,000 (24%), exceeding the rates for both the State (17%) and the County (21%).
Furthermore, tribal members are more likely (34%) to have household incomes between $20,000 and $40,000 than the State (22%) and the County (29%). Conversely, a smaller percentage of tribal households (21.7%) have incomes over $60,000, compared to the State (42%) and the County (29%).
The per capita income on the Fort Mohave Indian Reservation ($15,706) is also lower than the per capita income for Mohave County ($21,523) or the State ($25,680). Similarly, the median earnings for workers ($20,500) are lower than the County ($22,472) and the State ($29,573).
These income disparities contribute to a higher poverty rate on the Fort Mojave Reservation (39%), which is more than twice as high as the State (15%) and the County (16%). A concerning statistic is that more than half (58%) of all children under 18 years of age are considered to be living in poverty, while two-fifths (40%) of tribal members between 18 and 64 also live in poverty. However, tribal members over 65 years of age (1%) are far less likely to live in poverty compared to their counterparts in the State (8%) and the County (7%).
Addressing Poverty and Building Resilience
The Census Bureau employs a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine poverty status. If a family’s income falls below the established threshold, the entire family and each individual within it are considered poor. The ratio of income to poverty provides a measure of the depth of poverty. A poverty ratio of 1.0 indicates that a person’s income is at the poverty line, while a ratio of 0.5 signifies that a person’s household income is only half of the designated poverty threshold.
Individuals with family incomes below one-half of their poverty threshold are classified as "severely poor" by the Census Bureau, while those with incomes at or above their threshold but below 125 percent of their threshold are categorized as "near poor."
On the Fort Mohave Indian Tribe, more than one-third of all households (39%) have a poverty ratio between 0.5 and 0.99, classifying them as "severely poor." This rate is twice as high as that of the State (15%) or the County (16%). An additional 10 percent of tribal members are classified as "near poor," with poverty ratios between 1.00 and 1.24, which is lower than the State (5%) or County (7%) rates. These data indicate that a significant proportion of households are entrenched in severe poverty.
Fertility and Population Dynamics
The birth rate for women between the ages of 15 and 50 years is lower for the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe (4%) compared to the State (6%) or the County (6%). Similarly, the proportion of unmarried women giving birth in the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe (0%) is lower than the State (5%) and the County (4%). These statistics provide insights into the fertility patterns and family structures within the tribal community.
The population density of the Fort Mohave Indian Reservation is 28 people per square mile, reflecting a relatively dispersed population across the expansive reservation lands.