Ta'thamiche, Hualapai
|
|
Total population | |
---|---|
2,300 enrolled members | |
Regions with significant populations | |
United States ( Arizona) | |
Languages | |
Hualapai, English | |
Religion | |
Indigenous, Christianity | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Mohave, Yavapai, Havasupai |
The Hualapai (pronounced Wa-la-pie) is a federally recognized Indian tribe in Arizona with over 2300 enrolled members. Approximately 1353 enrolled members reside on the Hualapai Indian reservation, which spans over three counties in Northern Arizona (Coconino, Yavapai, and Mohave).
The name, meaning "people of the tall trees", is derived from hwa:l, the Hualapai word for ponderosa pine and pai “people”. Their traditional territory is a 108-mile (174 km) stretch along the pine-clad southern side of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River with the tribal capital located at Peach Springs.
The Hualapai tribe is a sovereign nation and governed by an executive and judicial branch and a tribal council. The tribe provides a variety of social, cultural, educational and economic services to its members.
The Hualapai language is a Pai branch of the Yuman–Cochimí languages, also spoken by the closely related Havasupai, and more distantly to Yavapai people. It is still spoken by most people over 30 on the Reservation as well as many young people. The Peach Springs School District runs a successful bilingual program for all local students, both Hualapai and non-Hualapai, in addition to immersion camps.
The Hualapai Indian Reservation (35°54′25″N 113°07′58″W / 35.90694°N 113.13278°W), covering 1,142 square miles (2,960 km2), was created by the Presidential Executive order of Chester A. Arthur on January 4, 1883.