AAA Arizona - AAA Travel

Many Native American Tribes refer to themselves as 'The People'. Considering the fact that their ancestors were all here before the first white settlers, 'The People' is an apt description. The tribes in Central and Southern Arizona are briefly described below.

Northern Arizona Tribes

The Apache: Louis L'Amour, one of America's most well read western writers, often described the Apaches as the greatest guerilla fighters who ever lived. Today, the Apaches are known as the Indian Cattlemen. The men prefer cowboy outfits and the women wear long full tiered skirts with loose over blouses patterned after the late nineteenth century dresses. The White Mountain Apache live in one of the most spectacular parts of Arizona. If you're a fisherman, this is a place to cast your line. If you can't get enough of babbling brooks and natural mountain beauty, be sure to see Apache country.

The Hopi: Ancestors of today's Hopi lived in northeastern Arizona for over 2000 years before they settled permanently 600 years ago on mesas about 75 miles northeast of Flagstaff. The Hopi are well known for their carved and colorfully painted Kachina Dolls. Their fine pottery, basketry both coiled and wicker, and overlay silver jewelry can be seen in Trading Posts on the Hopi Reservation. For scenery and beautiful things to buy, a visit to the Hopi's land is a must.

The Navajo: Already the largest tribe, living on the largest reservation in the United States, the Navajo continue to increase their population while maintaining their distinctive traditions and culture. Today, some Navajo are semi-nomadic moving sheep and goats from summer to winter homes, some do extensive farming, and some continue a tradition of making goods as silversmiths and weavers. Like the Hopi, the Navajo have a reputation for excellence. Visit their Trading Posts for a first hand look.
The Paiute: The Tribe is located in five states; north-eastern Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah. In the main the people are English speaking, usually do not dress in the tradition of their ancestors and use cattle raising and wage work as their major source of income. Don't think that the Paiute people are without a distinctive heritage. In fact, their beautiful wedding baskets, coiled and shallow, are noted for their finish and symbolic design. The Arizona Paiute's neighbors, the Navajos, use these baskets, too.

The Hualapai (or Walapai): This large reservation sits just north of Interstate 40. The people live in and above the canyons along the Colorado River and are cattlemen and lumbermen. Baskets follows traditional designs and are quite well known.
The Havasupai: Near the Grand Canyon, the Havasupai live in the spectacular Havasu Canyon. This small agricultural tribe was present before the first European who arrived in 1540. A little over 250 tribal members still live in the Havasu Canyon. It's sad to say that most of their native crafts are gone although the women still make conical burden baskets.
The Mojave: Two Mohave reservations are home to the Mohave people, Fort Mohave Reservation and the Colorado River Reservation. Most of the traditional Mohave pottery is no longer being made. Instead the women are making and selling ties, belts, capes and purses made from glass beads.