Tohono Oʼodham

Jose Lewis, Papago - NARA - 523813

Tohono Oʼodham are a Native American people of the Sonoran Desert in the United States and Mexico. The Tohono Oʼodham nation occupies portions of Arizona in the United States, as well as the Mexican states of Sonora. The Tohono Oʼodham are known for their basket weaving, pottery, and other crafts. They have a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional songs, dances, and ceremonies.

History

The Tohono Oʼodham have lived in the Sonoran Desert for thousands of years. Historically, they were known as the Papago, a name given to them by Spanish explorers. The term "Papago" was derived from a word in their language meaning "bean people," in reference to their cultivation of beans. The Tohono Oʼodham themselves, however, have always referred to their tribe as "Tohono Oʼodham," meaning "Desert People."

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Tohono Oʼodham faced significant challenges due to the establishment of the United States-Mexico border, which divided their traditional lands. This division impacted their ability to move freely across the desert for cultural and religious purposes, as well as for gathering food and other resources.

Culture

The Tohono Oʼodham culture is deeply connected to the Sonoran Desert. Their traditional knowledge includes an understanding of the desert's plants and animals, which they use for food, medicine, and materials for making tools and crafts. The saguaro cactus, in particular, holds significant cultural importance. The Tohono Oʼodham celebrate the saguaro fruit harvest with an annual ceremony that marks the beginning of their calendar year.

Basket weaving and pottery are important traditional crafts of the Tohono Oʼodham. These crafts are not only practical but also carry cultural and spiritual significance. The designs and patterns used in these crafts are often inspired by the natural world and Tohono Oʼodham cosmology.

Government

The Tohono Oʼodham Nation is a federally recognized tribe in the United States. It has its own government, which includes an elected tribal council and chairman. The Tohono Oʼodham Nation governs its land, which includes several non-contiguous segments across the Sonoran Desert. The nation works to protect its sovereignty, culture, and the well-being of its members.

Contemporary Issues

The Tohono Oʼodham face several contemporary issues, including border security measures that impact their ability to access traditional lands and resources. The construction of barriers along the United States-Mexico border has been a contentious issue, as it affects the movement of wildlife and the cultural practices of the Tohono Oʼodham.

Water rights and environmental conservation are also significant concerns for the Tohono Oʼodham. The Sonoran Desert is an arid region, and access to water is crucial for the tribe's survival and way of life. The Tohono Oʼodham are involved in efforts to manage and protect water resources, as well as to preserve the desert's ecological balance.

See Also

• Native American tribes in Arizona
• Sonoran Desert
• Indigenous peoples of the Americas