The Yavapai-Apache Nation, a federally recognized sovereign American Indian nation, is a very active part of the Verde Valley community. The tribe is comprised of descendants of the Wipukyipai (Yavapai) and Dil zhee (Tonto Apache) people.

Each tribe inhabited the Verde Valley and Prescott area for hundreds of years before their first European contact. The hills, valleys, and canyons hold many sacred places for the tribes and are the beginnings of their heritage and sustainers of their lives.

Following contact with Western civilization in mid-1800s, the two tribes had several skirmishes to protect their homeland from these invaders. Eventually, they were subdued by the U.S. Army and put on the Rio Verde reserve in 1871.

On February 25, 1875, they were forced on a 180-mile winter march to the San Carlos reservation. Many died en route. Held as prisoners of war for 25 years, they were released around 1900.

Since their return, they have acquired five parcels of land, a total of 665 areas, held in trust for all generations by the federal government. In 1995, the Nation opened Cliff Castle Casino in Camp Verde. The opening of the casino positively affected the Nation's people. The Yavapai-Apache Nation is currently the largest employer in the Verde Valley. The Nation currently has six businesses and more than 32 departments. For more information visit www.yavapai-apache.org.