INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION The Ak-Chin Indian Community is nestled into the Santa Cruz Valley of Southern Arizona. Located at an elevation of approximately 1,186 feet, the Community lies 58 miles south of Phoenix in the northwestern part of Pinal County. In this extremely arid Sonoran Desert climate, no streams slice through the landscape and no mountains rise steeply from the desert floor. Two washes traverse the reservation from north to south. The Ak-Chin, who are comprised of the both Tohono O’odham and Pima people, own and operate a 109 acre industrial park which was constructed in 1971. Suitable for light industry and agricultural-related industries, the industrial park is located at the southeast corner of the reservation, adjacent to the Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway and the Southern Pacific Railroad.

42507 West Peters & Nall Rd Maricopa, Arizona 85239 (520) 568-2227 Phone (520) 568-4566 FAX

As the landscape and terrain are ideal for growing crops, land is primarily used for agriculture. Ak-Chin Farms Enterprises manages these activities. At present, 15,000 acres of Ak-Chin land are under irrigation. However, water is a limiting factor.

A water rights settlement approved by Congress in 1984, entitles the Ak-Chin Community to 75,000 acre-feet of Colorado River water. The Community is actively exploring demonstration projects and long-term investments to find alternative ways of conserving the life-giving water supply. Ak-Chin is also working diligently to upgrade the quality of residential water supplied as well as the efficiency of its sewer facilities so health standards and conditions may be improved for members.

In addition to agriculture, land is also being used as rangeland and for residential development.

Although the population of the Community is small, 575 members have a median age of just 22.9 years. Major employers are the Ak-Chin Farms, Vekol Commissary, AKCO Lumber and Supply, Walker Farms Fresh Meats, the Ak-Chin tribal government, and Harrah’s Casino.

The Ak-Chin Community was created in May 1912 by Executive Order of President Taft who initially signed for a 47,600 acre reservation. However, the following year he rescinded that order and reduced the Community to its current size of just under 22,000 acres.

GOVERNMENT AND COUNCIL MEMBERS LISTING:

• Delia M. Carlyle, Chairman
• Louis Manuel, Vice-Chairman
• Terry Enos, Council Member
• Leslie Carlyle-Burnett, Council Member
• Gabriel Lopez, Council Member

Attractions

The Him-Dak Museum displays tribal crafts and photographs of the AK-Chin people. Casa Grande Ruins Monument is located 43 miles northwest of AK-Chin This multi-storied structure, unique to Arizona, was constructed by the Hohokam Indians during the 13th century.

Gaming

The AK-Chin Indian Community entered into a management agreement with Promus/Harrah’s and opened the 72,000 square foot Harrah’s Phoenix AK-Chin Casino on December 28, 1994. The casino is open 24 hours a day and has 475 slot machines, 40 poker tables and 500 bingo seats. It features a buffet restaurant and gift shop on the premises.

Visitor Amenities

• Harrah’s Phoenix AK-Chin Casino
• Other services available in the adjacent community of Maricopa

• APRIL (2nd Sat.) - Him-Dak Anniversary Celebration
• JULY 4th - Picnic and Fireworks
• SEPTEMBER (last Sat.) - Indian Recognition Day
• OCTOBER - St. Francis Church Feast and Past Chairman’s Recognition Day