Havasupai Reservation
Welcome to the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

PEOPLE
We are Havasu Baaja. Currently, our tribe is comprised of about 650 enrolled tribal members.  Approximately 450 people live here in Supai. Our native language, Havasupai, is the preferred way to communicate. It has been a written language for about 20 years. We are very resourceful people and proud of our beautiful land.

HISTORY
Our people have lived in the area for many hundreds of years. Prior to the early 1900’s when the Grand Canyon area was made into a national park, our people roamed a vast area on the upper plateau. During the fall and winter months, we would move our families up to the plateau regions subsisting by hunting and gathering what the earth provided. During the spring and summer months, we moved back to the canyon and planted gardens. When the reservation was created in 1882, the federal government confined us to the 518 acres at the bottom of the canyon and we lost almost 90% of our aboriginal land. This loss of the economic base had a major influence on our culture, forcing us to rely more on farming and seeking wage labor outside of the canyon. Eventually the Tribe began to rely on tourism, as tourists found their way to our beautiful homeland. In 1975, Congress finally reallocated 185,000 acres of our original hunting grounds back to the Tribe.

COMMUNITY
Tourism provides the main economic base providing jobs in the various tribal-run enterprises such as the Lodge, the Tourist Office and Cafe. Federal programs run by the Tribe provide most of the available jobs. Many people support their families by packing supplies. Most of us purchase our supplies out-of-the-canyon and bring them in on horseback or on the helicopter; in fact, everything must come into the village this way. We are governed by a seven member Tribal Council which is elected to office by the people. The Bureau of Indian Affairs provides law enforcement services to the village. Possession of alcohol or firearms is illegal. Our people do not receive any government stipends and we pay income taxes just like all Americans. A small Christian church offers services on Sunday. The Indian Health Service clinic and resident physician provide out-patient and emergency services.

ENVIRONMENT
Havasu creek springs from the rocks and runs on top of the ground until it flows into the Colorado River, which is 10 miles beyond the village. The beautiful blue-green water cascades over three major waterfalls, Navajo (1½ miles from village), Havasu (another ½ mile) and Mooney Falls (3 miles from the village). The water temperature of about seventy degrees remains relatively constant throughout the year. Its high mineral content and carbonate precipitate account for the pools and natural dams which are vulnerable to floods. The floods that occurred several years ago destroyed many of the pools, but year-by-year the natural formations will reform in unique arrangements and character of the waterfalls will change.

WEATHER
The average annual precipitation is 2.1 inches. The average daily temperature ranges from a high of 99.7/low 66.6 in July to a high of 53.6/low 27.7 in December. It rarely snows and although the summer months are warm, we boast a long growing season which, along with an abundant water supply, are conducive to bountiful farming. The elevation at Hualapai Hilltop is 5,200 feet. The elevation at the village is 3,205 feet above sea level.

SCHOOLS
The Havasupai Elementary School provides academic instruction to an average of 90 students - Kindergarten through 8th grade. After 8th grade, our children must leave the reservation to attend an Indian boarding school far away from home. The Head Start program serves approximately 20- 30 children. We ask that you do not take pictures of individuals, especially our children, without permission. Please pay your entrance fees and pack out your trash. Camping and hiking are allowed only in the campground and on the main trails. Almost 20,000 people visit our village each year and we find it difficult to always greet each of you as we value our privacy. Please be careful, enjoy your stay and come visit us again!

S. Tilousi, 1996

( Helicopter flyer )

AIRWEST HELICOPTER
HELICOPTER INFORMATION
Please read the following information pertaining to the AIRWEST Helicopter Services.   COST The rate for all passengers is $55.00 per person (One-way fare) This rate includes yourself and one medium backpack. There may be extra costs for additional baggage or excess weight. Please inquire with AIRWEST pilot or assistant when they come in!!   METHOD OF PAYMENT Payment can be made in the form of VISA/MASTERCHARGE OR CASH. NO PERSONAL CHECKS. Our office does not receive any payment for HELICOPTER services. They will collect the money when they come in Jill ORDER OF BOARDING Tribal members, Tribal Consultants and Tribal employees have first priority boarding on the Helicopter. No reservations are required as they work on a first come-first served basis. Please wait your turn and stand behind the fence until approached by one of the Helicopter coordinators.

HELICOPTER LANDING AREA
The landing area is the big field between our office and the cafe. Please wait in front of the old Tourist Office bldg. (red building with the "Tourist Enterprise" sign.   If you should have any additional questions please direct them to the AIRWEST by calling them at (602) 516-2790 or meeting with them when they are in the area on their flight day. Thank you.  Air West Helicopter is an independent company offering a service to Tribal members and tourists. AirWest is not affiliated with the Havasupai Tribe, nor does the Tribe exercise any control over their operations.  This information and the proposed schedule are based on information provided by Air West Helicopter. Please contact them directly with any questions and to confirm the schedule.

AIR WEST HELICOPTER PHOENIX, ARIZONA (602) 516—2790