The Hualapai Indian Tribe of the Hualapai Indian Reservation, a federally recognized tribe, calls northwestern Arizona home. The very name "Hualapai," a word resonating with the spirit of the land, translates to "People of the Tall Pines" (pronounced Wal-lah-pie), a testament to the tribe’s historical connection to the region’s towering evergreens. The establishment of the Hualapai Reservation in 1883, through an executive order, marked a significant chapter in the tribe’s ongoing story.
A Glimpse into the Tribe’s Identity:
- Official Tribal Name: Hualapai Indian Tribe of the Hualapai Indian Reservation
- Address: P.O. Box 179, 941 Hualapai Way, Peach Springs, Arizona 86434
- Contact Information: Phone: 928-769-2216 or toll-free 1-888-769-2221; Fax: 928-769-2343
- Official Website: http://hualapai-nsn.gov/
- Recognition Status: Federally Recognized
The Significance of a Name:
The name "Hualapai" is more than just a label; it’s a link to the tribe’s heritage. The "Tall Pines" refer specifically to the trees that yield pinion nuts, a vital food source for the tribe throughout its history. The tribe’s name reflects their intimate relationship with the natural environment, their reliance on its bounty, and their deep understanding of its rhythms.
Other Names and Classifications:
Historically, the Hualapai have been known by other names, including Walapai (Xawdlapdiya). Along with the Havasupai, they are often referred to collectively as the Pai Indians ("the People"). The Hualapai are known as the Western Pai, while the Havasupai are known as the Eastern Pai. They, along with the Yavapai, are also classified as Upland Yumans or Upper Yuman, distinguishing them from the River Yumans such as the Mojave and Quechan. This classification highlights linguistic and cultural connections while acknowledging the distinct identities of each group.
Geographic Roots:
The Hualapai’s traditional territory encompassed a vast area of approximately 5 million acres. Their seasonal migration patterns followed the natural resources available in the lower Mohave valley. Today, the Hualapai Indian Tribe of the Hualapai Indian Reservation resides primarily along the middle course of the Colorado River in northwestern Arizona. The majority of the tribal population lives near Peach Springs, Arizona, a location close to the majestic Grand Canyon.
Reservation Lands:
The Hualapai Indian Reservation, established in 1883, covers approximately one million acres. The reservation is a diverse landscape spanning 108 miles of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River, occupying portions of Coconino, Yavapai, and Mohave counties. Its topography ranges from rolling grasslands and dense forests to rugged canyons, with elevations ranging from 1,500 feet at the Colorado River to over 7,300 feet at the highest point of the Aubrey Cliffs. Peach Springs serves as the tribal headquarters, operating on Mountain Time.
Population and Demographics:
Prior to contact with non-natives, the Hualapai population was estimated at around 1,100. As of the 2000 US Census, the total number of tribal members was approximately 2,300, with about 1,353 residing on the reservation. The name "Peach Springs" originates from the peach trees that historically thrived near the springs in the area.
Governance and Sovereignty:
The Hualapai Hualapai Indian Tribe of the Hualapai Indian Reservation government has evolved over time. In the early 20th century, the tribe formed a tribal council. The tribe adopted a constitution and elected its first tribal president in the 1930s. The Act of Congress (43 Stat. 954) on February 20, 1925, further solidified the tribe’s governance. The tribe adopted a constitution and bylaws in 1938 and a corporate charter in 1943.
As a sovereign nation, the tribe operates under an executive and judicial branch. The executive branch is composed of a nine-member Tribal Council, including a chairperson and vice-chairperson, overseeing twelve administrative departments. The judicial branch comprises a Tribal Court and a Court of Appeals, with judges appointed by the Tribal Council for two-year terms.
The Hualapai Tribal Nation is a member of several prominent organizations, including the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the Council of Energy Resource Tribes (CERT), the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona (ITCA), and the Arizona Indian Gaming Association (AIGA).
Language and Culture:
The Hualapai language belongs to the Yuman language family. Historically, each Hualapai band spoke a distinct dialect. While many Hualapai individuals speak English today, efforts are underway to preserve and revitalize their native tongue. The Peach Springs Elementary School has developed a nationally recognized bilingual/bicultural program to instill cultural pride and improve academic outcomes among children.
Origins and History:
The Colorado River holds profound significance for the Hualapai, revered as "Ha’yiʼ Paʼa," the backbone or spine of the river. The tribe believes that they were created from the sediment and clay of the River.
The Hualapai are believed to be descendants of the prehistoric Patayans of the ancient Hakataya culture. Traditionally, the Pai Indians considered themselves one people, divided into thirteen bands inhabiting northwest Arizona along the Colorado River. By historic times, three subtribes had emerged: the Middle Mountain People, the Plateau People, and the Yavapai Fighters.
The discovery of gold led to conflicts as the Hualapai fought to protect their land. From 1866 to 1868, they engaged in guerrilla warfare tactics against ranchers and the U.S. government. Hostilities resulted in a peace agreement signed in 1868.
In 1874, the U.S. Army forcibly removed the Hualapai from their homes to the Colorado River Reservation. The conditions were harsh, resulting in much suffering and death. Upon their return, they found their land occupied by non-natives. The Hualapai Indian Tribe of the Hualapai Indian Reservation were granted permission to remain, and a reservation was established in 1883.
Modern Day and Tourism:
Today, the Hualapai Reservation is a destination for hunting, fishing, and river rafting. The tribe operates the Hualapai River Runners, the only Indian-owned and operated river rafting company on the Colorado River. Grand Canyon West, located on the Hualapai Reservation, offers the Skywalk, helicopter and boat tours, and other excursions.
Art and Crafts:
The Hualapai are known for their intricate basketry. For centuries, they have crafted baskets and pottery, including pots, dishes, jars, and pipes.
Subsistence and Economy:
The Hualapai traditionally relied on hunting, gathering, and agriculture. Seasonal migrations allowed them to access diverse food resources. They traded with other tribes for goods such as shells and horses.
Today, the reservation faces high unemployment rates. However, tourism, particularly the Skywalk, offers economic opportunities. Other economic activities include forestry, cattle ranching, and arts and crafts. The tribe also controls hydroelectric, natural gas, oil, and uranium resources.
Religion and Spiritual Beliefs:
The Hualapai creation myth centers on a spirit that prayed life into canes cut from the Colorado River. The Hualapai world includes gods and demons that influence the dreams of shamans. Wikame is the Sacred Mountain of Creation for the Hualapai people. Ha’thi-el, a sacred spring, contains petroglyphs that tell a story of the world covered with water and depict the creation of the Hualapai people.
Burial and Wedding Customs:
The Hualapai traditionally cremated their dead and burned their homes and belongings. In the nineteenth century, they adopted the Mojave mourning ceremony. They did not observe formal marriage ceremonies, and divorce was frequent.
Chiefs and Leaders:
Notable Hualapai chiefs and leaders include Cherum (War Chief), Leve Leve (Principle Chief), and Hualapai Charley (Principle Chief).
The Hualapai Hualapai Indian Tribe of the Hualapai Indian Reservation, through perseverance and dedication, continues to preserve its cultural heritage and strive for economic prosperity for its members.