Mapping Arizona’s Indigenous Nations: Understanding Tribal Lands Across the State

Arizona’s history cannot be understood without recognizing the Indigenous nations that have called this region home for generations.

In this special edition of “What Happened in AZ?,” we take a closer look at a map that identifies the names and geographic boundaries of Indigenous tribal nations across Arizona. Using this visual guide, we explore where tribal lands are located throughout the state and discuss the significance of these communities in Arizona’s past, present and future.

Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribal nations, representing diverse cultures, languages, traditions and histories. From the northern plateaus and deserts to the southern valleys and mountains, tribal nations have deep and enduring connections to the lands that make up Arizona today.

This episode provides viewers with an opportunity to better understand the geography of tribal lands, the unique identities of Arizona’s Indigenous communities and the important role they continue to play throughout the state. By examining the map, we highlight the presence of tribal nations that are often overlooked in discussions about Arizona’s landscape and history.

Education and awareness are important steps toward understanding the rich cultural heritage that exists throughout our state. This program encourages viewers to learn more about the Indigenous nations of Arizona and the contributions they have made, and continue to make, to our communities.

Join us as we explore the map, learn about Arizona’s tribal nations and gain a deeper appreciation for the Indigenous peoples whose histories remain an essential part of Arizona’s story.

Each Friday we’ll be sharing a peek into the past that shows what life was like here, in what’s now Arizona, at the time of the American Revolution ahead of the semiquincentennial or 250th anniversary of the United States.

Stay tuned to learn more about “What Happened in AZ?” each week.

_{^{Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting}}.