Papago

Choctaw Traditions

The Papago tribe prophesied the return of their Messiah, Moctezuma, who would rescue them from suffering, a belief echoed in their open-door custom. The Choctaws shared unique traditions surrounding eclipses, believing them caused by a mischievous black squirrel. During eclipses, they would create loud disturbances to scare it away. Their historical mound, Nunih Waiyah, is venerated as a significant ancestral symbol, reflecting their migration story, while the Choctaws consistently asserted their origins as stemming from a distant land to the west.

Mr. John Lolorias, a Papagos Indian Speaks

In his speech, Mr. John Lolorias, a Papago Indian student, reflects on the challenges faced by his people in Arizona, emphasizing their struggle for land ownership and the lack of government support. He shares a personal narrative about his early education and the influence of white culture, while questioning the value of abandoning their own traditions. Lolorias advocates for understanding and integrating Indian perspectives into education, urging that it is vital for teachers to connect deeply with the thoughts and values of older generations.

Papago Indians

The Papago Indians, meaning “bean people,” belong to the Piman branch of the Uto-Aztecan language family, closely related to the Pima. They inhabit regions south and southeast of the Gila River, extending into Sonora, Mexico. Historically, they were first encountered by Father Eusebio Kino in 1694. Their population fluctuated over the centuries, with estimates ranging from about 6,000 in 1680 to over 6,300 by 1937. Their history has been similar to the Pima, though they faced less direct contact with European settlers.

Papago Tribe

The Papago Tribe, also known as the O’odham or ‘bean people,’ is a Piman group related to the Pima, originally inhabiting areas in southern Arizona and northern Sonora, Mexico. Primarily agricultural, they cultivated crops like maize and beans using irrigation, while also relying on desert plants such as mesquite and saguaro for food. Known for their frugality and peaceable nature, the Papago faced challenges from Apache raids. Their traditional dwellings were dome-shaped huts, and by 1906, their population was recorded at nearly 5,000 in the United States.

Papago Reservation in 1890

Map of Papago Indian Towns

In 1890, the Papago Reservation consisted of various land types, but only limited farming occurred due to water shortages. The tribe relied heavily on timber and wood sales for income, raising cattle and horses, and cultivating small amounts of crops. Although some Papagos attended school, education was sporadic. Their dwellings were simple adobe structures, and community morals were generally viewed positively. The Papagos, living both on and off the reservation, maintained a self-sustaining lifestyle while adapting to external influences, including their nominal Catholicism.

Pima Agency

Two Maricopa Men (Sitting) And Mojave Man In Full Aboriginal Dress

Special Agent Stephen Whited’s reports from 1890 detail the conditions and demographics of Indian tribes, specifically the Pima, Maricopa, and Papago, across various reservations in Arizona. The Gila River, Salt River, and Papago reservations are mentioned, with a total Indian population of 9,942, highlighting agricultural practices, housing, and cultural customs. The Pimas have shown significant progress in farming and adopting new methods, while issues like disease and social vices persist. Education efforts are underway, with a newly built school accommodating an increasing number of students.

Miss Frances Sparhawk and The Indian Industries League

At the fourth session on October 17, Miss Frances Sparhawk addressed the Indian Industries League, which aims to create self-supporting industries for Native Americans. The league promotes regular work habits by enhancing traditional native industries, collaborating with various stakeholders to identify systematic job opportunities. Notable initiatives include supporting beadwork and moccasin production, establishing an industrial room for Navahos, and providing educational resources for aspiring Indian teachers. The league’s efforts emphasize uplifting Indian communities through structured labor, ultimately seeking to eliminate the notion of reservations.