Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Indigenous reservation in Maricopa County, Arizona.
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation is a tribal reservation northeast of Phoenix, Arizona, with desert land, tree-lined waterways, and rolling hills. The land includes a casino, golf course, and hotel that serve as the main economic base for the tribe.
The Yavapai were forcibly moved to the San Carlos reservation in 1875, following conflicts in the years before. Decades later, they were able to return to this land and rebuild their community here.
The Yavapai people hold ceremonies on the reservation land where traditional dances, songs, and clothing can be seen. These gatherings are a visible part of daily life on the land today.
The reservation sits northeast of Phoenix and is easy to reach by car. The desert heat can be intense, so outdoor time is best planned for early morning or late afternoon.
Carlos Montezuma, a doctor and advocate for Native American rights, was born on this land and taken away as a child. He spent his life working for his people despite growing up far from this place.
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