Ak-Chin Indian Community
The Ak Chin Indian Community of the Maricopa (Ak-Chin) Indian Reservation (O'odham language: ʼAkĭ Ciñ O'odham) is a federally recognized tribe and Native American community located in the Santa Cruz Valley in Pinal County, Arizona, 37 miles south of Phoenix and near the city of Maricopa. The Community is composed mainly of Akimel Oʼodham and Tohono Oʼodham, as well as some ethnic Hia-Ced Oʼodham members. According to the 2020 United States Census, the reservation has 1,070 residents. The Community comprises over 1,100 members that live on and off the reservation.
Ak-Chin Indian Community
ʼAkĭ Ciñ O'odham (O'odham) | |
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Flag | |
Ak-Chin Indian Community Location in Arizona | |
| Coordinates: 33°0′10.08″N 112°1′22.44″W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Pinal |
| Established | 1912 |
| Government | |
| • Chair | Robert Miguel |
| • Vice Chair | Lemuel Vincent |
| • Tribal Council | Council Members
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| Area | |
| • Total | 22,000 acres (9,000 ha) |
| • Rural | 15,000 acres (6,000 ha) |
| Elevation | 1,186 ft (361 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 1,070 |
| • Density | 31/sq mi (12/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−7 (Mountain Time Zone) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−6 (Mountain Daylight Time) |
| Area code | 520 |
| FIPS code | 04-04021 |
| GNIS feature ID | 542 |
| Website | https://www.ak-chin.nsn.us |
The Maricopa Reservation was established by the federal government in 1912, under President William Howard Taft; within a few months his administration reduced it by more than half, due to opposition from non-Native farmers in the area. Gaining federal recognition in 1961, the tribe has established a large agricultural operation, aided by gaining water rights to the Colorado River in a 1984 federal settlement. This settlement enabled it to continue using irrigation to support its agriculture and other needs.
The Community opened a gaming casino in 1994, Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino, with related hotel facilities. In 2011 the casino and resort was the major contributor to the economy of Pinal County. In July 2011, the casino underwent a $20 million expansion, with addition of a new 152-room hotel tower that doubled its capacity. The resort now has 300 rooms, and an outdoor swimming pool, completed in 2012.
In 2006, the Ak-Chin Indian Community purchased the Phoenix Regional Airport, which was later renamed Ak-Chin Regional Airport. Located near the Santa Cruz Commerce Center, the 170-acre Ak-Chin Regional Airport consists of an airport building with a 5,000 ft. runway.
On July 1, 2010, the Ak-Chin Indian Community purchased the Royal Dunes golf course and renamed it as the Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club.