
History
Early Contact
Missionaries introduced Roman Catholicism, new crops (cattle, horses, sheep, and goats), and new technologies, which we readily adapted. However, during the Spanish and early Mexican periods, we were largely left to ourselves, our lives continuing much as they had before. This changed dramatically in the following historical phase. 19th and 20th Centuries
Akimel O’otham (Pima)
Pee-Posh (Maricopa)
The Maricopa people were small bands along the lower Gila and Colorado Rivers, migrating eastward at different times. The Xalychidom (Maricopa of Lehi) left around 1825-1830, with the last bands departing the Colorado River in the late 1830s. These bands eventually united and became known as the Maricopa. During their migration, they formed an alliance with the Pima for protection against the Yuman and Apache tribes. Some Maricopa, primarily the Xalychidom Piipaash, migrated to the area now known as Lehi on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community due to dwindling water resources on the Gila River. When the Salt River Indian Community was established in 1879, it included both tribes. The Maricopa are known for their distinctive red clay pottery. Using natural materials and dyes, they created jars and bowls decorated with geometric designs. Examples of Maricopa pottery are on display at the Community’s Huhugam Ki Museum.