The History of the Ak-Chin Indian Community

Cowboy Lifestyle Network is proud to present a brief background timeline of the people of the Ak-Chin Indian Community. From the rich history to the present day, we introduce you to what makes the Ak-Chin Indian Community so great.
According to the Ak-Chin Him Dak EcoMuseum & Archives, the Ak-Chin Indian Community’s name is derived from the “place where the wash loses itself in the sand” or “mouth of the wash.”  The Community, which the people of Ak-Chin prefer rather than “tribe,” was established by the U.S. Government in 1859.
In 1934, the Ak-Chin Community Council was established under the federal Articles of Association. Now known as the Ak-Chin Tribal Council, these Community-elected members serve as the governing body of the Community. The Ak-Chin Tribal Council consists of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman and three Tribal Council Members. All are elected by the Community and appointed to their position from within the Council at the start of each year.  The five members of the Ak-Chin Tribal Council are Chairman Louis J. Manuel, Jr., Vice-Chairman William J. Antone, and Council members Terry Enos, Delia M. Carlyle and Robert Miguel.
The Ak-Chin Indian Community is proud of its growth over the past 100 years.   Below you will see some of the major milestones:  
 
Ak-Chin Farms
The Ak-Chin Indian Community Farms Enterprise began in 1962 and is a major source of income for the Ak-Chin Indian Community. Cotton is the principle crop with barley, potatoes, alfalfa and corn also grown among the 16,000 acres cultivated by Ak-Chin Indian Community Farms. The Ak-Chin Indian Community has always depended on farming for survival of its people.
Santa Cruz Commerce Center
In 1971, the Industrial Park was constructed within the 109 acres of the Ak-Chin Indian Community Industrial Park, which was conveniently available for light and the agriculture-related industry.  The Industrial Park has undergone a variety of renovations including upgrading water lines, utilities, road improvements, street lights, and landscaping. These renovations were completed in 2007.
In 2006, the Ak-Chin Indian Community purchased the Phoenix Regional Airport, which was later renamed Ak-Chin Regional Airport. Located near the Santa Cruz Commerce Center, the 170-acre Ak-Chin Regional Airport consists of an airport building with a 5,000 ft. runway.
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
Celebrating 20 years in Maricopa, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino opened on December 28, 1994.  Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is Arizona’s first and only tribal casino to have an international management partner. Harrah’s Ak-Chin is the only casino in Arizona that allows guests, through its Total Rewards program, to unlock benefits and other prizes that can be used worldwide at the entire Caesars’ family of casinos.  Casino guests can also enjoy live entertainment in the newly remodeled Lounge and a variety of dining options including the Copper Cactus Grill, Agave’s Restaurant, The Range Steakhouse, The Buffet and Dunkin Donuts®.  Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino features 300 luxurious resort and tower guestrooms and an outdoor swimming pool with swim-up bar.
Ak-Chin Library and Education Center
In 2009, O’ohon Neokculid c Mascama Vemdada Ki (Ak-Chin Indian Community Library and Education Center) was opened to the public. The Ak-Chin Indian Community Library and Education Center is filled with up-to-date computers, books/magazines, teen/youth areas, meeting rooms, education specialist offices and training/tutoring centers.  The Ak-Chin Library was recently announced as the recipient of the 2013 Guardians of Culture and Lifeways Library Institutional Excellence Award.  The award was given in recognition of the “outstanding and visionary work it has provided, not only to the Ak-Chin Indian Community, but to all tribal libraries in Arizona.
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club
On July 1, 2010, the Ak-Chin Indian Community purchased the Royal Dunes golf course and renamed it the Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club. The course was originally designed and built in 2002 by Fred Couples and Schmidt Curley. Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club has been named the “Golfweek’s Best Top Casino Courses, Resort Courses and Courses You Can Play.”
Ak-Chin Fire Department
In May 2011, the Ak-Chin Fire Department’s new station, Nada Cusdam Ki, officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the the Ak-Chin Tribal Council and Community in attendance. Fire Station 561 accommodates up to 12 firefighters per shift, with modern facilities and housing for fire equipment and trucks. The fire station also includes a designated space for youth and explorer awareness.
Vekol Market
The Ak-Chin Indian Community opened its new Vekol Market in April 2012. The Vekol Market includes a deli, a wide selection of groceries, culturally indigenous foods, a café, a patio with outside seating, and space for a farmer’s market.
UltraStar Multi-Tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle
On November 14, 2012, Ak-Chin Indian Community rolled out the VIP red carpet for the grand opening of the UltraStar Multi-Tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle.  The center features a state-of-the-art movie theatre, arcade games, bowling, laser tag and multiple dining options.
 
Learn more about the Ak-Chin Indian Community from past to present through Cowboy Lifestyle Network’s interactive timeline!