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Southwest
Akimel O'odham (Gila River)
~23,000Akimel O'odham, EnglishSince 300 CE
About the Akimel People
The Akimel O'odham, River People of the Gila, engineered canals and farming systems that sustained desert life, later forming the Gila River Indian Community with Maricopa neighbors.
Cultural Traditions
Canal Irrigation
Basketry
Desert Farming
Himdag (Way of Life)
Historical Timeline
1853
Gadsden Purchase shifts borders across O'odham lands
1859
Gila River Reserve established by U.S. authorities
1939
Gila River Indian Community constitution adopted