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Tohono O'odham
The Tohono O'odham--"Desert People"--are a peaceful, patient people having a strong sense of personal and cultural dignity. For centuries the Sonoran Desert has been their homeland. Tohono O'odham society is based in the family, traditionally consisting of the parents, their children, and their sons' families. The individual has never been a focus--cooperation and consensus have always ruled. Even today, proposed tribal legislation is often referred back to local councils and villages for decision making--consistent with traditional ways.
The Tohono O'odham are closely linked to the land. Mother Earth--a spiritual entity and provider of all that is necessary. Baboquivari Peak is inhabited by I'toi, The Creator, and is central to much of the intriguing Tohono O'odham lore and oral tradition. First sustained contact with Europeans was in 1698 with Father Kino's missionary effort. Dealings with the "White Man" began in the 1850's, and with the Gadsden Purchase in 1853, most of the homeland became part of the United States. The traditional Tohono O'odham view of wellness revolves around maintaining spiritual harmony among the individual, the family, the community, and the land. . . all being interconnected. Illness is thought to be the result of spiritual disharmony. When this occurs, the medicine men and women, or Mak'ai, are sought out. They are regarded as having special powers and remain central to the health of the community and the overall scope of this complex health system. |
