Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe

When it was established in 1935, the Yavapai Prescott Indian Reservation occupied only 75 acres of the former Fort Whipple Military Reserve in central Arizona. The first reservation established solely for the Yavapai, it continued to grow with the 1956 addition of 1,320 acres. The Tribe’s reservation encompasses 1,395 acres of gentle, rolling hills adjacent to Prescott, and offers residents and visitors alike a generous selection of activities and commercial enterprises and services.

The tribe’s rich history dates back centuries, when the women wove intricate baskets and the men were largely hunters and gathers. The tribe’s first chief was Sam Jimulla, succeeded by his wife Viola. She was the first woman chieftess among North American Indians.

There are three primary groups of Yavapai existing today – they are located at Fort McDowell, Camp Verde and Prescott.

Our Tribe and our ancestors have lived in central and western Arizona for centuries. Today, the Tribe consists of 159 members and occupies a reservation of less than 1,500 acres. Roaming the deserts of the southwest, the Yavapai people are known for their exceptional baskets. Our flag features a unique and historic basket design.

The modern Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe preserves the ancient culture of its ancestors and works diligently to achieve economic independence through numerous tribal enterprises. One of the area’s largest employers, the Tribe is home to a 162-room resort, two casinos, a business park and shopping center.