If you recently booked a Grand Canyon tour for the first time, you are visiting an area sacred to many Native American tribes. A significant portion of the land outside the national park is Native American territory. These reservations have been home to various tribes for centuries. Learn more about Native American reservations in this guide, including which tribes reside in this special part of the country.

What Is a Native American Reservation? 

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Europeans began claiming land in North and South America as their own. There were anywhere between 10 and 90 million Native Americans living in the Americas at the time, many of whom showed Europeans how to navigate the “new world." Without help from these tribes, it is doubtful the first settlers would have survived.

Sadly, over time, settlers used violent means to obtain new lands, relocating the Native Americans. The colonists also brought diseases unknown to these parts, including cholera, smallpox, measles, and yellow fever, which wreaked havoc on local populations.

In January of 1876, Native Americans were forced to live on reservations— federally chosen areas of land throughout the country. They fall under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and the tribes on each reservation are sovereign and aren't subject to most federal laws.

Which Tribes Reside Around the Grand Canyon? 

Native Americans have protected their culture and continue to honor traditions sacred to their nations. There are many tribes surrounding the Grand Canyon, including those who live on reservations in Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and New Mexico. Among the prominent nations in Arizona are the Hopi, Navajo, and Havasupai tribes. The Las Vegas Band of Paiute Indians and the Moapa Band of Paiute Indians reside in Nevada, while Utah is home to the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah. New Mexico-based Native American nations include The Pueblo of Zuni. 

The Navajo Nation is one of the largest tribes and reservations on the continent and is found in New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. It surrounds the Hopi Tribe, who are descended from the ancient Puebloan tribes. This group is known for its cliff-dwelling construction throughout the American Southwest, including homes built in Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park.

On many reservations, one of the main sources of revenue is tourism. When you book a Grand Canyon tour, you will likely see Native Americans selling jewelry and other beautiful wares. Stop and purchase original pieces, or learn more about Native Americans while in the Grand Canyon. There are numerous events throughout the year celebrating the culture of American Indians, including night sky programs and demonstrator series.

If you want a memorable Grand Canyon tour while visiting this beautiful part of the country, turn to Laughlin Tours. This tour company serves the Laughlin, NV, area, providing sightseeing experiences from knowledgeable guides. They offer tours of the Hoover Dam, Route 66, and Oatman, as well. Call (702) 420-5345 to schedule a Grand Canyon tour, or learn more about your options online.