The Tohono O’odham were formally known as Papago, decentants of the prehistoric Hohokam Culture. The Tohono O’odham of today is a nation with a population of more than 24,000 people. They live on four separate land bases totaling more the 2.7 million acres. This is approximately the size of the state of Connecticut. The land bases are comprised of the main reservation, San Xavier District, San Lucy District and Florence Village. The main reservation is located in south central Arizona with the Sells community which serves as the Nation’s Capital. The San Xavier District is located just south of Tucson. The San Lucy District is located near the city of Gila Bend. Florence Village is near the city of Florence southeast of Phoenix.
The Nation has created an industrial park which is the home to Caterpiller, the Desert Diamond Casino and a 23 acre foreign trade zone. The lands are located within the Sonoran desert in south central Arizona with the largest community being Sells. This community functions as the Nations capital.
The O’odhams are well known for their basket weaving. O’odham baskets were used as household wares, such as food containers, medicine and trinket holders, strainers for liquids, etc. Baskets have progressed to an art, where weavers can express themselves in various patterns and designs. Baskets were made by women, but today many are men have taken up the art.
Gaming was authorized August 11, 1993 and on October 12 of that year, the Desert Diamond Casino opened. The casino offered visitors a choice of 500 slot machines which has resulted in the Nation being the 13th largest employer in the area, representing over 2,400 jobs.
In 1995 the facility was expanded to include bingo and live card dealers as well as 500 slot machines. A second, smaller casino, Golden Hasan opened 1999, and has 100 slot machines.
The Desert Diamond Casino, open 24 hours, and is located at 7350 South Old Nogales Highway in Tucson, Arizona. There are two casinos run by the tribe, one is the "old" Desert Diamond and not as large as the "new" one. The "old" one is located on Noglas Hwy, just south of the Tucson Airport.
The tribe has a specail event on February 1st when they hold their annual rodeo.
Contact the Tribal Council at: Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.
2214 North Central Avenue, Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: 602-258-4822
Fax: 602-258-4825Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.