Introductory Information
The Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) traces its roots to the Hohokam, prehistoric Indians who lived and farmed along the Gila River Basin centuries ago. Composed of two members of tribes, the Pima and Maricopas, GRIC is located in south-central Arizona.
The 372,000 acre reservation, which lies south of Phoenix, Tempe and Chandler, was established by an act of Congress in 1859 and formally established by Constitution in 1939. Tribal administrative offices and departments are located in Sacaton.
The Gila River Indian Community is steadily increasing and diversifying its industrial, agricultural, retail and recreational economic base. The Community currently operates three industrial parks that are home to several local and national companies. One park, Lone Butte Industrial Park, is nationally acclaimed as one of the most successful Indian industrial parks in the U.S.
Gaming also continues to be a positive economic development activity for the Community (see below). Wild Horse Pass and Vee Quiva are the two facilities that comprise the Gila River Casinos. Adding to the entertainment experience available to visitors, the community is currently developing a substantial golf and resort development project that will feature two world-class 18 hole golf courses and a 500-room hotel resort complex.
In addition to emphasizing industry, business and recreational opportunities, the Community continues to depend upon agriculture to grow its economy. 15,000 acres of Community farms on the GRIC support a variety of crops such as cotton, wheat, millet, alfalfa, barley, melons, pistachios, olives, citrus, and vegetables. Independent farming operations cultivate an additional 22,000 acres of similar crops, bringing the total agricultural product value to an excess of $25 million.
The Gila River Reservation enjoys a relatively young population with a median age of 22.7 years. The Community is home to 14,000 people.
Government And Council Members Listing
- Stephen R. Lewis, Governor
- Regina Antone, Lt. Governor
- Arzie Hogg, Council Member, Dist 1
- Joey Whitman, Council Member, Dist 1
- Carol Schurz, Council Member, Dist 2
- Avery White, Council Member, Dist 3
- Rodney Jackson, Council Member, Dist 3
- Delmar Jones, Council Member, Dist 4
- Regina Antone-Smith, Council Member, Dist 4
- Jennifer Allison, Council Member, Dist 4
- Chrsitopher Mendoza, Council Member, Dist 4
- Brian Davis, Sr., Council Member, Dist 5
- James De La Rosa, Council Member, Dist 5
- Wahlean Riggs, Council Member, Dist 5
- Marlin Dixon, Council Member, Dist 5
- Charles Goldtooth, Council Member, Dist 6
- Anthony Villareal, Sr., Council Member, Dist 6
- Terrance B. Evans, Council Member, Dist 6
- Devin Redbird, Council Member, Dist 7
Public Relations
Office of Public Relations
Attractions
The Huhugam Heritage Center highlights the ancestral, historic and current cultures of the Gila River Indian Community, made up of two tribes – the Akimel O’otham and the Pee Posh. Their mission is to ensure their Akimel O’otham and Pee Posh cultures flourish for future generations.
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Just southwest of the reservation is Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, a four-story pueblo built by the Hohokam Indians in the 13th Century.
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Gaming
Gila River Casinos, an entity of the Gila River Indian Community, consist of two casinos Wild Horse Pass and Vee Quiva. Located just south of Chandler, Wild Horse Pass features 900 slot machines, a 1,000 seat bingo hall, live poker, as well as dining and entertainment. On the west side of Phoenix, Vee Quiva also features over 1,300 slot machines, bingo, and dining areas. In total, the Gila River Casinos employ nearly 1,700 employees and all revenues generated from each facility are put back into the community for programs that benefit the Community.
Visitor Amenities
- Gila River Arts & Crafts Center and Restaurant
Special Tribal Events
- February – Mul-Chu-Tha (Annual Tribal Fair and Rodeo)
- February – Ira Hayes Memorial Day
- March – St. John’s Festival
- November – Pima Maricopa Arts Festival
Contact
Gila River Indian Community
P.O. Box 97
Sacaton, AZ 85147
Phone: (520) 562-9841
Fax: (520) 562-9849