Tohono O'odham Reservation, Tohono O'odham Nation

The Tohono O’odham people occupy four reservations that make up the Tohono O’odham Nation. The Nation’s lands are located in the in south central Arizona at an average elevation of 2,674 feet. The four Tohono O’odham reservations: Tohono O’odham, Gila Bend, San Xavier, and Florence Village, cover a total of 2,854,881 acres.

The Nation’s headquarters are located in Sells, Arizona, on the main Tohono O’odham Reservation. This reservation, covering a large portion of Pima County extends south into Mexico. The Gila Bend Reservation is approximately six miles north of Gila Bend and covers 10,409 acres. The San Xavier Reservation is located east of the main reservation and south of Tucson. It covers 71,095 acres. Twenty-acre Florence Village is located two miles west of the city of Florence.

Vegetation is typical southern desert shrub. The foothills and mountains are home to perennial grama grasses and curly mesquite. Wildlife on the reservations include mountain sheep, desert mule deer, whitetail deer, javelina, antelope, jackrabbit, Gambel’s quail, dove, coyote, bobcat, fox, and mountain lions.

There are a variety of community facilities and conveniences located on the Tohono O’odham’s main reservation, including a laundromat, café, bank, arts and crafts stores, rodeo arena, post office, service stations, supermarket, shopping center, and recreational facilities. Tourists may wish to visit the crafts and cultural center located across from the San Xavier Del Bac Mission on the San Xavier Reservation outside of Tucson.

Census 2000 Profile
Arizona Department of Commerce, Community Profile

Industrial Park Sites

Within the Tohono O’odham Nation is a 120-acre industrial park, the San Xavier Business Park. Tribal members of the San Xavier District own the park. It is located south of Tucson, Arizona, along US Highway 89 and adjacent to the Southern Pacific Railroad and the Tucson International Airport. The industrial property contains a 23-acre Foreign Trade Zone and various small businesses including the Nation’s Desert Diamond Casino. Empire Machinery, a Caterpillar demonstration center, is a current tenant.

For more information regarding industrial park leasing opportunities or the foreign trade zone, contact the Operations Manager of the San Xavier Development Authority at (520) 746-3692 or email: sxbuspk@aol.com.

Casinos
Desert Diamond Casinos

Desert Diamond CasinoI-19: Located at I-19 and Pima Mine Road just minutes south of Tucson. “Our newest location is also the grandest -- a complete entertainment destination offering 500 slot machines, live blackjack and keno. The critically acclaimed Agave Restaurant serves exquisite gourmet for every palette. The casino also offers food on the go in its fast and fresh Diamond Grill. Southern Arizona's premier entertainment destination also hosts top national acts performing live at the 2,400-seat Diamond Center. The casino's Sports Bar also offers live local entertainment 7 days a week, and the facility provides versatile meeting and banquet space for business, organization and social events." (Desert Diamond website)

Desert Diamond Casino Nogales Highway: Located on Nogales Highway, 1 mile south of Valencia Road. “Opened in 1993, the original Desert Diamond Casino hosts over 800 fast-paced slot machines, live blackjack, poker, a large bingo center and keno. The Casino also offers a full-service bar, grille and a 24-hour snack bar for late night munchies." (Desert Diamond website)

Golden Ha:sañ Casino - Why, Arizona: Located 1.5 miles east of Why, Arizona on Highway 86. “Golden Ha:sañ Casino is a popular destination on the way to Organ Pipe National Park and Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco), Mexico. Operated by the Tohono O'odham Nation and the Hickiwan District, the casino offers slot machines, grille and a full-service gas station with convenience store." (Desert Diamond website)

Tribal Enterprises
Aside from the casinos, the Nation’s revenue-generating enterprises include leasing retail space in the Basha’s Shopping Center in Sells.

Official Addresses

Tohono O’odham Nation

PO Box 837

Sells, AZ 85634

Phone: (520) 383-2028

Fax: (520) 383-3379

Tohono O’odham Research and Planning Department

PO Box 837

Sells, AZ 85634

(520) 383-2028

San Xavier Development Authority

PO Box 11816
Tucson, AZ 85734

520-746-3692

E-mail: sxbuspk@aol.com

Commerce Committee

(520) 383-5260

Financial Resources

The Tohono O’odham Nation administers a revolving loan program that offers business loans and grants to eligible tribal members. For more information contact:

Credit & Finance Program

Tohono O’odham Nation

PO Box 837

Sells, AZ 85634

(520) 383-2028