Introductory Information
The Ak-Chin Indian Community is 30 miles south of Phoenix in the northwestern part of Pinal County. Ak-Chin is an O’odham word translated to mean “mouth of the wash” or “place where the wash loses itself in the sand or ground.” The term refers to the type of farming that relies on washes – seasonal flood plains that are created by winter snows and summer rains. The Community has an enrollment of more than 1,000 tribal members and a land base of just over 22,000 acres.
In May 1912, President Taft signed documentation that originally created a 47,600-acre reservation that was reduced to just less than 22,000 acres the following year. The Ak-Chin Indian Community government was formally organized in 1961, under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 and is governed by a five-member Tribal Council which oversees the governmental operations and departments that service The Community. In 2016, the Ak-Chin Indian Community revised its constitution and for the first time, elected its Chairman, Vice Chairman and three tribal council members. Until that time, the chair and vice chair were appointed by the council from within the elected members.
The first major enterprise for the Ak-Chin Indian Community was the Ak-Chin Farms established in 1963 and currently harvests more than 15,000 acres, making it one of the largest farming communities in the United States. The Ak-Chin Indian Community entered into the gaming industry in 1994 with Harrah‘s Ak-Chin Casino, which now employs more than 750 people and is considered one of the top employers in Pinal County. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino was Arizona’s first and only Indian casino to have a management partner. In 2001, the casino added 150 hotel rooms, in 2011 added an additional 152 rooms in the adjacent state-of-the-art hotel tower and is currently undergoing another renovation, adding more hotel rooms, conference space, new BINGO hall and restaurants
In an effort to provide The Community and surrounding areas with a more diverse economic future, several investments both on- and off-reservation have been made. This includes a partnership with Quail Run Building Materials, Inc. and Santa Cruz Commerce Center. In addition, the Community has renovated the Ak-Chin Regional Airport and Vekol Market. Vekol Market is a local deli and market offering delicious foods made fresh daily, a wide selection of groceries, a café area with a TV and Wi-Fi access, a patio with outside seating. The Vekol Market also offers gasoline for the Community and surrounding areas.
Tribal Council Members
- Robert Miguel, Chairman
- Lemuel Vincent, Vice-Chairman
- Delia Carlyle, Council Member
- Octavio Machado, Council Member
- Lisa Garcia, Council Member
Public Relations
Attractions
The Him-Dak Eco Museum was established to collect, analyze, preserve, protect, promote and teach various aspects of the Ak-Chin heritage, culture and communication between generations. Tribal crafts, exhibits and photographs of the Ak-Chin people are displayed. The Museum is distinguished from a traditional museum in that land and territory replace the museum building, and the residents of the area take on the role of curator and public. This museum acts as an exhibit and storage area that reflects both prehistoric and local items from families that are housed here.
- Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- No entrance fee required
- Group tours can be arranged by calling Museum Office @ 520-568-1350
Ak-Chin BIA Historic House under the Him-Dak Eco Museum program provides exhibits and photographs and historical information on the newly restored house. Contact the museum @ 520-568-1350 for tours and hours of operation.
Gaming
The Ak-Chin Indian Community has Arizona’s first and only tribal casino to have an international management partner, Caesars Entertainment, and has been operating since December 28, 1994. The casino is open 24 hours a day and has 1,089 slot machines including classic reel, video, multi-line and video poker machines ranging in denomination of pennies to $25, 24 Poker and Table Games and has a 500 seat Bingo Hall. It features 6 restaurants which include quick service, fine dining, a buffet and Dunkin’ Donuts and also has gift shop on the premises. The hotel has 300 rooms and surrounds a courtyard swimming pool complex lined with palm trees and features a hot tub and swim up bar. Harrah’s Ak-Chin is the only casino in Arizona that allows guests, through its Total Rewards program, to unlock benefits and other prizes that can be used worldwide at the entire Caesars’ family of casinos.
Visitor Amenities
- Ak-Chin Regional Airport
- Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club
- Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
- Him-Dak Eco Museum
- UltraStar Multi-tainment Center @ Ak-Chin Circle
- Vekol Market and Cafe
Special Tribal Events
- April (1st Saturday) – Him-Dak Celebration
- July 4th – Activities and Fireworks
- September (last Saturday) – Native American Recognition Celebration
- December – Masik Tas Celebration
Contact
Ak-Chin Indian Community
42507 W. Peters & Nall Rd.
Maricopa, AZ 85138
Phone: (520) 568-1000
Fax: (520) 568-1001
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