The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) is a sovereign tribe deeply rooted in history, culture, and tradition. Located in the heart of the metropolitan Phoenix area, the Community is home to the Onk Akimel O’odham (Salt River People), also known as Pima and the Xalychidom Piipaash (Upriver People), and more commonly known as Maricopa — two distinct but interconnected Native American tribes.

The current boundaries of SRPMIC were established by Executive Order on June 14, 1879. Since then, SRPMIC has grown into a thriving, self-governed nation that honors its rich heritage while embracing progress. Spanning 52,600 acres in Maricopa County, the Community is surrounded by the cities of Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, and Fountain Hills, with 19,000 acres preserved as natural land.

The SRPMIC Council, comprised of a president, vice president and seven elected Council members, provides governance and leadership, ensuring the prosperity and well-being of its people. Today, the Community has more than 11,000 enrolled tribal members (link to the people).

The Salt River Indian Community is not only rich in cultural history but also in economic opportunity. The Community maintains approximately 12,000 acres of farmland, producing cotton, melons, potatoes, onions, broccoli, and carrots. In addition, commercial development along the western boundary fosters business growth while preserving cultural traditions.

A defining landmark of the Salt River Indian Community is the majestic Red Mountain, located on the eastern boundary. Visible throughout the Community, it serves as a powerful symbol of the O’odham and Piipaash people’s deep connection to the land and signifies home.

Quick Facts

Federal Reservation Information

Location
Adjacent to the cities of Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe and the town of Fountain Hills, in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Size
52,600 acres
19,000 in natural preserve

Population
Over 10,800 enrolled members (as of September 2021)

Taxes
1.75% sales tax (as of September 2021)

Utilities
Electric: Salt River Project
Telephone: Saddleback Communication
Gas: Southwest Gas Corporation
Water: Central Arizona Project, Salt River Project

Geographic Features
Red Mountain
Saddleback Mountain
Salt and Verde Rivers
Natural Preserve
Wetlands

Local Educational Institutions
Scottsdale Community College – 101 and Chaparral, SRPMIC
Arizona State University – Main Campus – Tempe, 7 miles SW of SRPMIC

Transportation Information

The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) is located in the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area and is well-connected by road, rail, and air. Whether you’re heading to spring training, exploring local attractions, or commuting to school or work, travel is easy and efficient with a variety of public and private options.

Public Transportation

Salt River Transit: Operated by the Salt River Department of Transportation, Salt River Transit provides free public transportation within the Community and to nearby cities, including Scottsdale, Mesa, and Tempe. This service is available to SRPMIC members and Community residents.

Valley Metro Bus: Valley Metro provides bus service throughout the Phoenix metro, including direct routes to Scottsdale Community College and key connection points in surrounding cities.

Valley Metro Light Rail: With service between Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa, the Valley Metro Rail is a convenient option for travelers heading into or out of the Community.

Spring Training Trolley: A seasonal trolley operates during March and April, providing free rides to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick for spring training games. It’s a great way to avoid traffic and enjoy game day.

Taxi & Ride Share: Taxi services and popular ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout the Phoenix area, including within SRPMIC.

Airports Near SRPMIC

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) – 15 minutes
Scottsdale Municipal Airport (SDL) – 15 minutes
Falcon Field Airport (FFZ), Mesa – 20 minutes

Highway Access

Loop 101 – Pima Freeway: Runs north-south for nine miles along the Community’s western boundary, providing direct access to Scottsdale and connecting to other key metro areas.

Loop 202 – Red Mountain Freeway: Lines the southern boundary and connects SRPMIC to Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert.

Shea Boulevard: Borders the north end of the Community, offering access to Fountain Hills and Tonto National Forest.

Arizona State Route 87 – Beeline Highway: Cuts diagonally through the Community from McDowell Road to Shea Boulevard, serving as a major route to the Mazatzal Mountains and Rim Country.

The SRPMIC Great Seal

“Elder Brother lived in the maze … and the reason why he lived in the maze was because … I think how I’m gonna say this … magician or — oh, medicine man that can disappear, and that can do things, heal people and things like that … that was Elder Brother … ‘Seh huh’ … they called him … he lived in there … but he had a lot of enemies, so he made that, and to live in there people would go in there but they couldn’t find him … they would turn around and go back.

“But in real life … when you look at the maze you start from the top and go into the maze … you go down and then you reach a place where you have to turn around … maybe in your own life, you fall; something happens in your home; you are sad; you pick yourself up and you go on through the maze … you go on and on and on … so many places in there you might … maybe your child died … or maybe somebody died, or you stop, you fall and you feel bad … you get up, turn around, and go again … when you reach that middle of the maze … that’s when you see the Sun God and the Sun God blesses you and says you have made it … that’s where you die.

“The maze is a symbol of life … happiness, sadness … and you reach your goal … there’s a dream there, and you reach that dream when you get to the middle of the maze … that’s how I was told; my grandparents told me that’s how the maze is.”