Native Lands
Fourteen Indian tribes are found within Arizona. Each tribe is distinct and the people and culture are unique within each tribe, however all are proudly united by their Indian Heritage. More than 19 million acres of land belongs to the twenty reservations.
The story of the Indian people is brought to life in their art forms and their cultural and social gatherings. It is a proud and spiritual story, woven into the tapestries and baskets, carved in the jewelry and pottery, crafted by skilled artists. (Purchasing Native American Artwork.)
The story of the Indian people is brought to life in the ceremonies, many of which are now open to the public. From the Mul-Cha-Tha "Gathering of the People" to the Snake Dances to the many other ceremonial activities, the public is given opportunity to view and participate in Indian history and culture.
Many tribes now host cultural centers, hubs of education and history, which are open to the public. Most Tribes offer annual social events including "All Indian Rodeos", pageants, and craft fairs. Many tribes also offer camping, hunting & fishing. (Camping/Hunting/Fishing on Native Lands) Although gambling is illegal in Arizona, many of the reservations (separate political entities) now have gaming available.
Below is the list of reservations located in Arizona. To find information on a particular reservation, please click on that reservation below.
Fort Yuma Reservation | |
Hualapai Reservation | |
Kaibab-Paiute Reservation | |
Navajo Reservation | |
- A note about purchasing Native American Artwork - If you are seeking just a souvenir of your visit to Arizona - buy anywhere. If seeking authentic Native American Crafts - ask questions!
- Arizona Law 44-1231 states that it is unlawful for any person to" sell or offer to sell any products represented to be authentic Indian arts and crafts unless the products are in fact authentic Indian arts and crafts ""sell or offer to sell nonauthentic Indian arts and crafts unless the nonauthentic Indian arts and crafts are clearly labeled."
- In simple terms, ask questions. A dealer or vendor must disclose the authenticity of the product they are selling. Authentic Native American artwork is identified with a Trademark of the artist and oftentimes identifies which Tribe they are a member.
- Look for the trademark, look at other items offered for sale (check that obvious nonauthentic items are clearly identified) and ask questions. If you are looking to add the work of a skilled Native American Artist to your collection or gift-giving list, be aware of how you can assure the product you buy is authentic.
- For further assistance in identifying authentic Native American Arts, contact the reservation of the artist, or type of art, you are interested in. Contact information is provided on the informational page for each reservation (links above).
Purchasing Native American Art
Camping - Hunting - Fishing on Native Lands
You are required to have a permit (not an Arizona permit) from the reservation where you plan to engage in these activities. Native Lands are not Arizona State lands and each reservation establishes their own regulations on these recreational activities. Contact information for the reservations is provided on the reservation's informational page (links above).
Most of the reservations offer camping, hunting and fishing and each reservation includes scenic, sometimes pristine, areas for recreation.
Please visit, enjoy and respect Native Lands while visiting Arizona!