Arizona Federally Recognized Tribes Facts Worksheet — Social Studies & Geography for 14-Year-Olds (Middle School)

Instructions

Read through the information and complete the activities below. You may need to use the internet to research some of the answers. Take your time to think critically about the questions and explore the rich history and culture of Arizona's Native American tribes.

Part 1: Foundational Facts & Key Terms

Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized Native American tribes, more than most other states. These tribal nations have unique cultures, languages, and governments. Understanding a few key terms is essential to learning more about them.

Match the term to its correct definition by writing the letter in the blank.

1. Sovereignty _____
2. Federally Recognized _____
3. Reservation _____

Definitions:

• A. Land that belongs to a tribe and is under their control. The land was "reserved" by the federal government for a tribe's use.
• B. The inherent right of a tribe to govern itself, its people, and its lands. This means they can create their own laws, have their own police force, and run their own government.
• C. A status that formally acknowledges the U.S. government's trust relationship with a tribe and recognizes their status as a distinct political entity with its own government.

Part 2: Tribal Scavenger Hunt

Use online resources to find one interesting fact for each of the tribal nations listed below. Focus on something other than just their location, such as a unique cultural tradition, a famous historical leader, a significant economic contribution, or a specific art form they are known for.

1. Navajo Nation:

Fact: _________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

2. Hopi Tribe:

Fact: _________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

3. Tohono O'odham Nation:

Fact: _________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

4. Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community:

Fact: _________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

5. White Mountain Apache Tribe:

Fact: _________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Part 3: Geographic Challenge

The 22 tribal nations are located throughout Arizona. Based on the clues provided, identify the correct tribe from the word bank below. Some tribes may be used more than once.

Word Bank:
Navajo Nation   |   Hualapai Tribe   |   Pascua Yaqui Tribe   |   Tohono O'odham Nation   |   Hopi Tribe   |   San Carlos Apache Tribe

1. This tribe's reservation is located in northeastern Arizona and is geographically the largest in the United States, spanning three states.
   Answer: ___________________________________


2. This tribe's lands are in southern Arizona, near Tucson, and their name means "Desert People."
   Answer: ___________________________________


3. This tribe is famous for the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass bridge that extends over the canyon on their tribal lands in northwestern Arizona.
   Answer: ___________________________________


4. This tribe's reservation is completely surrounded by the lands of the largest reservation in the U.S.
   Answer: ___________________________________


5. This tribe's reservation is in southeastern Arizona, and its members include the famous Apache leader Geronimo.
   Answer: ___________________________________

Part 4: Critical Thinking

The Navajo Nation's official name in their own language is Naabeehó Bináhásdzo. The Tohono O'odham Nation's name means "Desert People." Why is it important for tribes to maintain and use their traditional languages and names for themselves, rather than only using names given to them by others?

Your thoughts (2-3 sentences):

ANSWER KEY

Part 1: Foundational Facts & Key Terms

1. Sovereignty: B
2. Federally Recognized: C
3. Reservation: A

Part 2: Tribal Scavenger Hunt

(Answers will vary. Below are some examples of acceptable facts.)

1. Navajo Nation: The Navajo Code Talkers created an unbreakable code using their language that was vital to success in World War II. They are also known for their beautiful rugs and silverwork.
2. Hopi Tribe: The Hopi are known for their intricate Kachina (or Katsina) dolls, which are carved representations of spiritual beings. Their village of Oraibi is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in North America.
3. Tohono O'odham Nation: The nation is known for harvesting saguaro cactus fruit, which is used for food, syrup, and in ceremonies. Their reservation is the second largest in Arizona.
4. Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community: This community has one of the most successful and diversified tribal economies in the nation, located right next to the city of Scottsdale. They are known for their intricate basket weaving.
5. White Mountain Apache Tribe: The tribe manages the popular Sunrise Park Resort for skiing and snowboarding. They are also known for their focus on wildlife conservation, particularly for the Apache trout.

Part 3: Geographic Challenge

1. Answer: Navajo Nation
2. Answer: Tohono O'odham Nation
3. Answer: Hualapai Tribe
4. Answer: Hopi Tribe
5. Answer: San Carlos Apache Tribe

Part 4: Critical Thinking

(Answers should include concepts similar to the following.)

Using traditional languages and names is a vital part of cultural identity and sovereignty. It connects tribal members to their history, ancestors, and unique worldview. It is an act of self-determination, pushing back against a history where names and identities were often imposed by outside groups. It ensures that their culture continues to thrive for future generations.