The Havasupai Reservation is a Native American tribe located on the western edge of the Grand Canyon’s south rim. It includes Supai village, accessible only by foot, horse, or helicopter. The reservation is a tourist destination known for its blue-green waterfalls and camping areas. The tribe relies heavily on tourism for its economy and is governed by an elected tribal council.
The Havasupai Reservation is home to the Native Americans of the Havasupai tribe. The reserve is located on the western edge of the Grand Canyon’s south rim. The Havasupai reservation includes Supai village, a popular tourist attraction accessible only by foot, horse or helicopter. Established in 1880, the reserve was expanded in 1975.
Comprising 188,077 acres (76,112 ha), the reservation was created by executive orders from the President of the United States issued in both 1880 and 1882. The Havasupai are an officially recognized tribe. Once known as Havasu ‘Baaja, the name translates to “the people of the blue-green waters”.
The Havasupai reservation is a tourist destination that attracts more than 20,000 visitors every year. Supai Village, the capital of the Havasupai Reservation, sits at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Located in Coconino County, Arizona, the village is home to approximately 500 tribe members. The city can only be accessed by taking Old US Route 66 and then following BIA Road 18 about 60 miles (about 97 miles) to the trailhead. From the trail, visitors can take a helicopter ride or hike up to the village.
In the village, visitors will find a post office, lodge and general store/trading post. The village also has a café, school and church. Supai also has a police station, a doctor’s office and camping offices. Alcohol and firearms are banned from the reservation. Visitors are also not allowed to bring pets.
Visitors come to the Havasupai Reservation due to its history and location. It is also known for its blue-green waterfalls and camping areas. Visitors must bring their own food and water to the campsite and take out the trash.
The Havasupai believe that the Grand Canyon is the origin of mankind, making it a sacred site. The tribe believes its people have inhabited the Havasupai Reservation area for more than 700 years. While visitors are allowed to take pictures of the area, they are asked not to take pictures of the people living in the village or their homes.
The tribe relies heavily on tourism for its economy. In 1975, Congress reassigned 185,000 acres (74,866 ha) of the original Havasupai Reservation hunting land to the tribe. The tribe is governed today by an elected tribal council of seven members. The reserve has a museum and handicraft shop celebrating the traditional culture of the Havasupai people.
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