Yavapai–Apache Nation facts for kids
The Yavapai–Apache Nation is a special group of Native American people. They live in the Verde Valley of Arizona. This nation is "federally recognized." This means the United States government officially sees them as a self-governing tribe. Members of the nation have two different cultural backgrounds. They also speak two native languages. These are the Yavapai language and the Western Apache language. The Yavapai call themselves Wipuhk’a’bah. The Western Apache call themselves Dil’zhe’e.
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A Look Back: Yavapai–Apache History
The Yavapai–Apache people have lived in the American Southwest for a very long time. They have been there since at least 1100 C.E., which is over 900 years ago! They were skilled at living off the land. They survived by hunting animals and gathering plants. This way of life helped them thrive in their homeland.
Important Leaders of the Nation
Over the years, many brave leaders guided the Yavapai–Apache Nation. Some of the first important leaders included Chief YumaFrank and Chief Viola Jimulla. Another famous leader was Carlos Montezuma. These individuals helped shape the future of their people.
Moving to New Homes
Starting in 1865, the Yavapai people faced big changes. They were moved from their original lands. They went to several different reservations. These places included Colorado River, Fort McDowell, and Rio Verde. Other reservations were San Carlos, Camp Verde, Middle Verde, Clarkdale, and Prescott. These moves changed where and how the Yavapai people lived.
The Yavapai–Apache Nation Reservation
The Yavapai–Apache Nation Indian Reservation is their homeland today. It is located in eastern Yavapai County, Arizona. The reservation is not one single piece of land. Instead, it has five separate areas. These areas are spread across three different towns.
Where the Reservation Lands Are
The two biggest parts of the reservation are in the town of Camp Verde, Arizona. These two sections cover about 576 acres. This is almost 90 percent of the reservation's total land! In the Western Apache language, Camp Verde is called Gambúdih. In the Yavapai language, it is called ʼMatthi:wa.
Smaller parts of the reservation are in other places. About 60 acres are in the town of Clarkdale, Arizona. A very small part, about 5.8 acres, is in the community of Lake Montezuma, Arizona. In total, the reservation covers about 642 acres of land.
People Living on the Reservation
Many people call the Yavapai–Apache Nation Reservation home. In the year 2000, about 743 people lived there. By 2010, the population had grown to 1,615 people. Most of these residents, 512 people, lived in Camp Verde. Another 218 lived in Clarkdale. Only 13 people lived in the Lake Montezuma area.
Communities of the Nation
The Yavapai–Apache Nation has strong ties to several local communities:
- Camp Verde, Arizona (Yavapai: ʼMatthi:wa; Western Apache: Gambúdih)
- Clarkdale, Arizona (Yavapai: Saupkasuiva)
- Lake Montezuma, Arizona (also known as Rimrock)
Fun Things to Do: Attractions
The Yavapai–Apache Nation runs a popular place called the Cliff Castle Casino. This casino is a big attraction in the Verde Valley. It offers games, fun activities, places to eat, and lodging. It's a great spot for entertainment and recreation.
Learning and Education
Children living on the reservation attend schools in the area. The Camp Verde Unified School District serves the reservation. This district provides education for the young people of the Yavapai–Apache Nation.
