Introductory Information
Havasuw `Baaja, the people of the blue green waters, are the traditional guardians of the Grand Canyon. Related to the Yuman, the Havasupai have from the beginning, inhabited the Grand Canyon and its environs.
By 1919 with the establishment of the Grand Canyon National Park, the Tribe was restricted to 518 acres, 5 miles wide and 12 miles long in a side canyon. The Tribe has since had returned to them 188,077 acres of their former homelands which makes up their reservation today.
The Havasupai Reservation is located in Coconino County, at the southwest corner of the Grand Canyon National Park. The nearest community to the Reservation is Peach Springs, 64 miles southwest from Hualapai Hilltop.
The Havasupai Reservation consists of plateau country, dissected with deep, scenic canyons characteristic of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River. Notable geographic features include “The Great Thumb,” Long Mesa, and Tenderfoot Mesa, which converge on the Coconino Plateau at the south end of the reservation.
Havasu (Cataract) Canyon, now the permanent home of the Havasupai Indian Tribe, is internationally known for its blue water and spectacular water falls adorned with travertine columns, shelves and skirts. Topography of the plateau areas varies from rolling, gentle slopes, to escarpments of outcrops of the Kaibab Limestone.
The population for the Havasupai Tribe is 639 with a median age of 24.8 years. The largest employer of the tribal members on the reservation is the Tribe. The main occupation of individual members is packing and working for tribal enterprises (tourism).
The Havasuw `Baaja, draw their strength from the land, which is sacred. Visitors are asked to preserve the magnificence of the Havasupai homeland and respect their natural resources which contribute to their spiritual direction. All visitors are asked to leave their liquor, drugs, weapons and pets at home and to take their trash out of the canyon.
The best way to reach Havasupai is from Highway 66, six miles east of Peach Springs, onto Indian Route 18, a 64 mile road to Hualapai Hilltop. From the Hilltop parking lot there is an eight mile trail to Supai Village. This trail may be traveled either by foot or horse.
Government And Council Members Listing
- Thomas Siyuja, Sr., Chairman
- Edmon Tilousi,Vice Chairman
- Stuart Chavez,Council Member
- Sybil Hanna, Council Member
- Armando Marshall,Council Member
- Carrie Sinyella,Council Member
- Felicia Siyuja, Council Member
Public Relations
Attractions
There are four waterfalls (Navajo, Havasu, Mooney, Beaver) from 1.8 miles to 5 miles from the village. Their turquoise blue waters offer swimmers a refreshing and relaxing experience.
Visitor Amenities
In Supai, there is a cafe, post office (mail is still delivered by mule train) and a store. A campground site is available near the gorgeous waterfalls two miles north of Supai village. Camping else-where is prohibited. Havasupai Lodge offers first-class accommodations in its 24-unit lodge. The Havasupai Tribal Museum offers tribal crafts and displays photographs.
Special Tribal Events
- January – Land Day
- August (2nd weekend) – Peach Festival
Other Internet Links
E-Mail: info@havasupai.nsn-gov
Website: https://www.theofficialhavasupaitribe.com/
Contact
Havasupai Tribe
PO Box 10
Supai, AZ 86435
Phone: (928) 433-8130
Fax: (928) 433-8119
I'm not claiming to be a Havasuw `Baaja expert, but I do know a thing or two about the Grand Canyon and its indigenous peoples. The Havasupai Tribe, also known as the "people of the blue-green waters," have a rich history tied to the Grand Canyon. The evidence? Well, let's dive into the details.
By 1919, with the establishment of the Grand Canyon National Park, the Havasupai Tribe found themselves restricted to 518 acres within the canyon. Over the years, they've regained 188,077 acres of their former homelands, forming their current reservation in Coconino County. The reservation is a stunning plateau country, adorned with deep canyons characteristic of the Grand Canyon.
The heart of Havasupai life is in Havasu (Cataract) Canyon, renowned for its blue water and spectacular waterfalls like Navajo, Havasu, Mooney, and Beaver Falls. The topography varies from rolling slopes to outcrops of the Kaibab Limestone.
With a population of 639 and a median age of 24.8 years, the Havasupai Tribe relies on tribal enterprises, particularly tourism, as the main occupation. The land is sacred to them, drawing strength and spirituality. Visitors are urged to respect the homeland, leaving behind liquor, drugs, weapons, and pets while carrying out their trash.
Now, let's talk governance. The Havasupai Tribe is led by Chairman Thomas Siyuja, Sr., Vice Chairman Edmon Tilousi, and Council Members Stuart Chavez, Sybil Hanna, Armando Marshall, Carrie Sinyella, and Felicia Siyuja. They work to maintain the balance between tradition and progress.
For those planning a visit, the journey to Havasupai starts from Highway 66, taking Indian Route 18 to Hualapai Hilltop, followed by an eight-mile trail to Supai Village.
And of course, there are attractions. Four waterfalls within 1.8 to 5 miles from the village offer turquoise blue waters for swimmers. The village itself boasts a cafe, post office (mail delivered by mule train), and a store. Camping is available near the waterfalls, and the Havasupai Lodge offers accommodations.
Notable events include Land Day in January and the Peach Festival in August. For more information, you can check out their official website at or contact them via email at info@havasupai.nsn-gov or phone at (928) 433-8130.
There you have it—a crash course on the Havasupai Tribe and their stunning connection to the Grand Canyon.
