American Indian reservations were first introduced in 1851 as early peace treaties between the United States government and native Indian tribes.  Indian tribes turned over large regions of land to the U. S. government, who allocated defined specific parcels (reservations) as sovereign nations in return.  These reservations were a fraction of the original land occupied by Native Americans. In many instances individual Indian tribes were forced to relocate resulting in the compromise of primary indigenous customs. Today the Indian reservations of Arizona offer much in the way of natural resources, cultural contributions, and economic opportunities. 

Arizona is home to over twenty Indian reservations – the largest in the nation. The state devotes 25% of the land to these sovereign nations. Two largest reservations in the state are the Navajo Nation and the Tohono O’odham Nation. Smaller reservations include San Carlos Apache Reservation, White Mountain Apache Tribe, Hopi Tribe, Hualapai Tribe, Gila Indian River Community and more. Although these tribes each possess unique qualities in the form of natural resources, cultural practices, and economic opportunities (and challenges) in many ways they are similar. 

The Arizona landscape is vast and varied containing three unique zones; Colorado Plateau, the Transition Zone and the Basin and Range Providence. The reservations of Arizona occupy land in all three regions. Two of the most notable are the Navajo and the Tohono O’odham Nations. “The Navajo Nation extends into the states of Utah , Arizona and New Mexico , covering over 27,000 square miles of unparalleled beauty. Diné Bikéyah, or Navajoland, is larger than 10 of the 50 states in America.” http://www.navajo-nsn.gov/history.htm. Natural landmarks found in the region of Navajo Nation include Canyon De Chelly and Rainbow Natural Bridge. Tohono O’odham is located in southern and central Arizona,  “Historically, the O'odham inhabited an enormous area of land in the southwest, extending South to Sonora, Mexico, north to Central Arizona (just north of Phoenix, Arizona), west to the Gulf of California, and east to the San Pedro River. This land base was known as the Papagueria and it had been home to the O'odham for thousands of years.” http://www.tonation-nsn.gov/history_culture.aspx These varied landscapes offer a variety of natural resources which offer mining, farming, ranching and beyond.

The Indian tribes of Arizona have a long-standing history of cultural contribution to the Southwest region. Traditional languages are still spoken. The Navajo language was used in World War II as a secret method of communication. Later made famous when the Navajo Code Talkers were honored for their contributions, saving countless lives and expediting the end of the war. http://www.navajocodetalkers.org/ The tribes also produce traditional arts and crafts from jewelry making, to basket weaving, creating wool rugs with traditional designs and more. Traditional dances and ceremonies are still big events and are attended by not only the residence of the region but many tourists as well. These ceremonies educate the history of the tribes through storytelling in song and dance. Although many of the younger Native Indians have moved to cities and towns away from the reservation, these cultural traditions serve as the thread that bounds them to their heritage and home. These cultural practices add to the foundation of Arizona’s rich and vibrant history.