AKIMEL O’ODHAM/PEE POSH
“THE PEOPLE OF THE RIVER”

Since being formally founded by Constitution in 1939, the Gila River Indian Community in central Arizona has represented itself with the tribal seal. The seal concisely symbolizes how the presence of the river brings life to the desert. The community’s agricultural heritage is illustrated in the extensive irrigation system developed by their ancient descendants, the HuHuKam. From the blue skies overhead to the majestic mountain backdrop, the seal represents “the people of the river” – pride in the past, faith in the future, and a determination to regain self-sufficiency.

The Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) is an alliance of two tribes, the Akimel O’odham (Pima) and the Pee Posh (Maricopa). The community was established by Executive Order in 1859 and formally established by Constitution in 1939. The largest reservation in the Phoenix metropolitan area, the Gila River Indian Community covers nearly 600 square miles and borders such cities as Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Coolidge, and Casa Grande. In the last few years, with concentrated economic development that lead to a continuing increase of agriculture, industrial, and recreational activities, the “People of the River” significantly have moved the community from federal reliance toward greater self-sufficiency.

The Akimel O’odham traced their roots to the HuHuKam. These early people farmed the Gila River Valley from 300 B.C to 1450 A.D. and developed extensive irrigation systems by digging hundreds of miles of canals to supply water to their fields. The irrigated crops include maize, squash, lima beans, tobacco, and cotton, and were supplemented with the gathering of cactus fruit, prickly pear pads, cholla cactus buds, and agave from the harsh desert. Following this practice, the Akimel O’odham irrigated thousands of acres of land to plant and harvest.

Sometime in the mid to late 18th century, the Akimel O’odham welcomed into the Gila River valley a migrating tribe that called itself Pee Posh, “The People.” These yuman-speaking Indians were from the southern Colorado River area and were continually attacked by other Yuman tribes. Moving into the open desert lands east of the river, the Pee Posh eventually became allies of the Akimel O’odham and like their allies, became farmers in the Gila Basin. They agreed that the two tribes would follow their own traditions, but that a single tribal council would govern them.

Building upon our agricultural heritage, the foundation of the Gila River Indian Community continues to be farming. In 1968, the community modified traditional garden plots into an organized farm and established the Gila River Farms. Today, nearly 15,000 acres are harvested annually producing a diverse selection of crops and provide year round employment for many tribal members. With an entirely modern and commercial business, the Gila River Farms has grown to become an important enterprise for the community.

The Gila River Indian Community is also increasing its industrial economic base. The community has developed three industrial parks that are home to a variety of light and heavy industries, and offering businesses with easy access to the Phoenix metropolitan area. One of the Parks, Lone Butte Industrial Corporation, is nationally acclaimed as one of the nation’s most successful Native American industrial parks.

But the community’s recent and most evident economic development is its three casino properties, Wild Horse Pass, Lone Butte and Vee Quiva. Upon signing a compact with the state of Arizona in 1993, the gaming facilities have helped the tribe slowly gain economic strength, providing nearly 2,000 jobs, 60% of which are secured by community members.
Even with such growth, the community recognizes the value of partnerships as we continue to look for innovative ways to diversify our economic development and community activities. For example, managed by Troon Golf, the Whirlwind Golf Club offers a distinct southwest golf experience. The overall design of the championship golf courses, clubhouse, and teaching center illustrates the rich cultural heritage of the Community and highlights the local landscape that includes saguaros, palo verde, mesquite, and cottonwood trees.

Adding to the entertainment experience available to visitors, the Community has developed a substantial resort development project, the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa. Managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. the resort features a 500-room hotel complex, the 17,000 square foot Aji spa, the KOLI equestrian facility, and additional commercial development. With resorts, golf courses, and industrial parks, the community has diversified its financial outlook beyond agriculture and gaming.

With economic strength spurred by revenue from the casinos and other enterprises, the tribe has reinvested in the Community to provide for its many shared social needs, recreational activities, and cultural projects.

A high priority for the Community is the service and protection of our people. Serving as a wide ranging life safety agency for the Community, the Gila River Fire Department had grown from a single volunteer unit in 1993, to an operation with nearly 80 firefighters and operators working three stations. The fire department provides the highest level of public service through the communication of fire prevention, emergency medical care, hazardous materials management, and public education services.

In addition to participating in numerous fire education programs throughout the Community, the Department also created the nation’s first Native American Firefighters Apprenticeship Program that trains and prepares Indian youth for a variety of fire fighting careers.

Another wide-ranging organization, the Gila River Police Department is comprised of more that 100 sworn police officers and civilian employees, all working toward the goal of making the Community a comfortable place to live and work.

The Law Enforcement agency is responsible for providing police service to an area encompassing nearly 600 square miles (representing the seven Community districts) to ensure the public safety of the Community. The department also supports the quality of public safety through the Citizen Police Academy. This program introduces Community youth (aged 16-21) to various units such as the Special Response Team, K-9 Unit, Investigations, D.A.R.E. programs, and prepares trainees for a career in law enforcement.

Another high priority for the Gila River Indian Community is education. Youth participate in various curriculum and schools, including a Head Start program, and six elementary and middle schools. With a scholarship program that encourages many to continue their education beyond high school, nearly $6 million annually goes to aid students as they attend college, vocational schools, and certificate programs.

The Community also concerns itself with the health and general welfare of the people. Managed by a tribal corporation, the HuHuKam Memorial Hospital caters to a variety of primary medical needs, including treatment and prevention for diabetes, high blood pressure, and provides support with exercise programs for the elderly.

Adding to its recreation services, in July 2001 the Community dedicated its newest recreational facility, “Keli Akimel” (Old Man River). The Community, in partnership with the Phoenix Suns, sponsored and invested $1.4 million in the recreational area that incorporates baseball fields, a sand volleyball court, a playground for children, and a small skateboard facility.
The Community has also established two Boys & Girls Clubs - the first of any tribe in Arizona to promote health, leadership, and education. Programming includes athletics, computer skills, career development, and the prevention of substance abuse. In addition, the Sacaton Branch is home to an Intel Computer Clubhouse that provides a safe after-school environment where the youth can work with adult mentors to explore programs of multimedia, music, web design, publishing, and more. This facility also includes a gymnasium, a kitchen area, and conference rooms, which opened in December 2001.

Also, a planned Huhugam Heritage Center, highlighting the culture of the Akimel O’odham and the Pee Posh, will recognize and preserve the communities’ enduring traditions. The Center will be a modern curation facility featuring a museum, analysis areas, and a repository to house artifacts such as ethnographic items, historical photographs, and significant documents.

As these and other projects of growth and progress face the tribe, the Gila River Indian Community will be guided by the aspirations for the development and continuation of self-sufficiency.

It is the goal of the leadership of the Community to provide a greater quality of life for future generations. As a result, the Administration and the 17 elected Community Council Members continue to focus on developing a diversified economic base, building effective community service programs, and promoting cultural vitality as a way to construct and expand upon a solid foundation.

In addition, in order to strengthen the role young people have within the Community; a youth council has been established as well as partnerships with programs such as The Close Up Foundation. The goal is to involve middle and high school students in the fundamentals of the tribal governmental process, and to build personal growth and effective student leaders.