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The Pima Indians, originally called Otama, live in Arizona and parts of Mexico. The name Pima comes from miscommunication with Europeans. The O’Odham tribes lived along the Gila River and considered its waters holy. The Pima Indians moved to the US in 1853. Drought eliminated agriculture as their primary source of income, but they re-established their cultural roots and economic support through casinos, telecommunications companies, and farms. The Gila River and Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Communities are run by elected presidents and tribal councils.
The Pima Indians are a group of Native Americans who live in Arizona and parts of Mexico. Before 1694, they were called Otama. The name Pima is thought to derive from miscommunication between Europeans and members of the Otama tribe. The term pi ‘ani mac or pi mac means “I don’t know,” which is said to be what the Indians repeatedly replied to Europeans, as they tried to communicate.
Ancient history described eight tribes located along the Gila River. Often referred to as the O’Odham, these groups lived on its banks and considered its waters to be holy. Tribal traditions, activities and celebrations centered around river life. The O’Odhams also settled on the banks of the Salt River, Yaqui River, and Sonora River.
Between 1694 and 1853, Pima Indians lived in Mexico. Contact with Europeans introduced people to grain, livestock and disease. In 1853, the Pimas moved to the United States and the American era began. This was initiated following the Gadsden purchase. Southern Arizona, once part of Mexico, was absorbed by the United States under this agreement.
By 1898, drought had all but eliminated agriculture as the primary form of economic support for the Pima Indians. Many indigenous people then started logging to make money. The 1924 San Carlos Project attempted to revitalize Pima agricultural efforts by building a dam and storage system on the Gila River. The water was used to irrigate 50,000 acres of Pima Indian land, but the effort proved unsuccessful for a variety of reasons.
From 1924 to 1945, cultural pressure changed the face of Pima Indian life. Economic development and sovereignty among the tribesmen declined. After the end of World War II, the Pima reorganized and established their own tribal government.
As an autonomous tribe, the Pima Indians re-established stronger cultural roots and economic support for members. The tribe owns and operates casinos, telecommunications companies, and farms. Agricultural prowess was regained after a water distribution system was built to move water throughout the reservation. Two significant communities of Pima Indians are found on the Gila and Salt rivers.
The Gila River Indian Community controls 583,749 square miles (1,511,902 km2) and was home to more than 11,000 people as of 2000. The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community encompasses 53,600 acres (217 km2) and was home to more than 6,000 people that same year . Approximately 19,000 acres (77 km2) in those areas are preserved lands. Elected presidents or governors, along with a tribal council, run both tribes. The Gila River Tribe also elects a lieutenant governor to serve in this capacity.
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