The Hualapai People of the Tall Pines

Legend of the Hualapai “According to the legend of origin, there were two gods named Hamatavilla and

Tudjupa. Hamatavilla was the older god and Tudjupa, the younger. It is said that

these two gods emerged from the bottom of the mountain, Wikame. While

they were sitting at the top of the mountain, they both decided that

Tudjupa would rule the world.

Eventually, Tudjupa created various

Native-American tribes from the pieces of a cane. The tribe created from the

second longest strip was the Hualapai. These tribes live close to the mountain,

Wikame.” - Hualapai Legends, Northern Arizona

University

An Overview

The Hualapai Native Americans or the “People of the Tall Pines” have traditionally lived along the 108 mile stretch of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River. Since 600 A.D., the tribe has inhabited this mountainous area and are one of the many tribes in the Yuman language family.

Ethnically the same as the Havasupai , they were once “one people” before being separated by the U.S. government. Today, they are a vibrant community who continues to grow and reclaim their identity through their unique relationship with the Grand Canyon.

The Hualapai share a unique relationship with the

Grand Canyon. An important part of their origin

stories, the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon

provided the tribe ample hunting, shelter and

agriculture for hundreds of years.

Today, the Hualapai Reservation consists of nearly

1 million acres of the Grand Canyon, bounded by

the Colorado River.

Relationship with the Grand

Canyon

Family Structure Historically the Hualapai were divided into tribes, subtribes, sub-bands, camps and families. Within each family, both husband and wife were expected to farm their gardens.

Men did most of the hunting, while women were primarily responsible for child care and cooking. Both men and women took part in art, medicine and story telling.

While children were expected to do daily chores, they also enjoyed playing with toys and games, as well as fishing and swimming in the Colorado River.

Shelter Traditionally, most Hualapai Indians

built wickiups as semi-permanent

shelters. Wickiups are small, cone

shaped houses made from brushes

and dirt.

Due to the warm climate of the

Grand Canyon and Northwestern

Arizona, wickiups were generally

used only for sleeping. When the

Hualapai socialized or performed

any other activity, they went

outside.

Food The Colorado River and Grand Canyon provided food and medicine for the

Hualapai. Primarily hunters and gatherers, the Hualapai trapped elk,

antelope, and sheep during hunting season. They also gathered wild plants,

nuts and fruit like cactus pear and acorns. They often preserved these items

for the winter. The Hualapai also kept small gardens where they grew corn,

squash, pumpkins and other crops. Using the Colorado River, they built small

dams to irrigate these gardens.

Arts and Religion Like many Yuman groups, the Hualapai have a spiritual association with their landscape. Both male and female shamans were often used to contact these spirits when help was needed.

Early evidence showed that the ancient Hualapai participated in ceramic art, though that knowledge has since been lost. In general, Hualapai women are known for their basket weaving, trays and water bottles.

The Hualapai also made intricate clothing, moccasins, stone knives, bows and arrows, war clubs and other tools.

Clothing & Fashion The Hualapai wore cloth headbands and not headdresses like the Plains Indians. Men often wore deerskin pants, long sleeved shirts or loincloths. Women wore long dresses. Both men and women wore moccasins or sandals made from yucca fiber.

The Hualapai wore their hair long with bangs.

Women often had their faces tattooed and both

genders applied face and body paint during

special occasions. Jewelry like earrings,

necklaces and belts were very popular.

Hualapai Indians Today Today, the Hualapai Reservation is overseen by the Hualapai Tribal Council. Their community includes a Tribal Court and Appellate Court who upholds the Hualapai Law and Order Code and Hualapai Constitution.

The Hualapai economy is primarily based on tourism. Business affairs are guided by an independent committee of both tribal members and non-members, called the Hualapai Enterprise Board.

As of 2010, the Reservation has a population of 1,965, with 2,300 enrolled members.

Tourism In 1988, the leaders of the

Hualapai Nation decided to

open up their territory to

visitors. The move led to the

creation of Grand Canyon

West, which includes the Grand

Canyon Skywalk, white water

rafting and overnight lodging.

As a result of tourism, the Hualapai has seen major economic growth within

the last few years. This has led to recent housing developments, the building

of a Boy and Girls Club and other community improvements.

About Us The world’s oldest air tour company, since 1927, Grand Canyon Airlines provides once in a lifetime adventures for visitors around the world. To learn more about Grand Canyon Airlines, please visit us at:

www.grandcanyonairlines.com

Or call us at: 1(866) 235-9422.