Walapai

Walapai Tribe

The Walapai, or Xawálapáya, are a Yuman tribe historically situated along the middle Colorado River, to the east of the Mohave. Known for their bravery and resourcefulness, they primarily survived through hunting and gathering. Their population declined from 728 in 1889 to 498 in 1910. Today, they reside on a 730,880-acre reservation in northwestern Arizona, under a school superintendent’s administration. Limited agricultural activity was noted in 1904, despite their ownership of 2,000 horses. The Spaniards referred to one of their settlements as Santa Margarita.

Walapai Indians

The Walapai Indians, also known as the pine-tree folk, are a Native American tribe from the Yuman branch of the Hokan linguistic stock. They lived along the middle Colorado River and were closely related to the Havasupai and Yavapai tribes. Historically, their population has varied significantly due to external pressures, first encountered by European explorers in the 16th and 18th centuries. The tribe consists of several geographic divisions, characterized by numerous distinct villages, reflecting their complex social structure and regional adaptations.