The Yaquis of Scottsdale, Arizona: Family, Indomitable Spirit, Generosity

Summary

This book is a glimpse at the visual and narrative history of the Yaqui Indians, who came to Scottsdale to work for the Salt River Valley Water Users Association (SRVWUA) in the early 1900s. It is the stories of their descendants who chose to remain in Scottsdale as an independent Yaqui community when the Salt River Project closed its company labor camps. It begins with a real life example of the Yaquis' escape from Mexico as refugees, which spanned the period 1886 to 1927. It tells of their settlement in the Salt River Calley and the vital role they played for over five decades in the Salt River Valley's demographic and economic growth. It illustrates the rich community life the Yaquis made for themselves in the Water Users camps despite poverty and hardship. When it was time to leave the Water Users' camps, it describes the Yaquis' transition from labor camp to independent community living. It revels how again the Yaquis played a major role in Scottsdale's community development. This time their actions ensured that today, every Scottsdale citizen in need is embraced by the generosity of others at Vista del Camino Community Center.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Salt River Project Digital Library

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contributor(s): Enedina Flores; Inez Martinez Garcia; Jose Garcia; Mary Gonzales; Gabriel Martinez; Luisa Matuz Martinez; Mario Martinez; Nellie Piña Muñoz; Annette Reynolds; Octaviana Trujillo; Jose Valencia; Daul Fresn Valenzuela

Translator(s): M. Gabriella Gardner; Maria G. Velarde; Gloria Soza Matuz

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