Fort Mojave Indian Tribe
The Fort Mojave Indian Tribe continues to move forward, bringing new economic opportunities to the tri-state area with the creation of new businesses, new jobs, residential communities, casino gaming and superior customer service. The Tribe relies on its rich culture and history to help structure the future of its people in an ever-changing world.
Mojave Indians are Pipa Aha Macav—“The People By The River.” Mojave culture traces the earthly origins of its people to Spirit Mountain, the highest peak in the Newberry Mountains, located northwest of the present reservation inside the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The Tribe’s spirit mentor, Mutavilya, created the Colorado River, its plants and animals, and instructed the Pipa Aha Macav in the arts of civilization. They were prosperous farmers with well-established villages and trade networks that stretched as far as the Pacific Ocean.
With the ever-growing insurgence of non-Indian people to the region traditionally occupied by Pipa Aha Macav, a U.S. military outpost established in 1859 on the east bank of the Colorado River to give safe passage to American immigrants traveling from east to west. Initially, this outpost was called Camp Colorado, but soon was renamed Fort Mojave. After the military fort was closed in 1891, the buildings were transformed into a boarding school, which operated until 1930. Ruins of Fort Mojave still exist today as a reminder of the once-troubled historic relationship between Pipa Aha Macav and American civilization. The ruins are located on a bluff overlooking the Colorado River, just south of the boundary of present-day Bullhead City.
The Fort Mojave Indian Tribe is a federally recognized sovereign Indian nation with 32,000 acres of land in Arizona, Nevada and California. The Tribe’s upbeat economy provides job opportunities for thousands of people through casino gaming, a championship golf course, agriculture, a tribal power company and generating station, residential subdivisions and a new indoor multi-use arena, Mojave Crossing Event Center located in Arizona.
Recreation opportunities abound, whether it is gambling at one of the two tribal casinos on the reservation, boating or fishing along the Colorado River, staying at the Avi Resort & Casino’s full-service hotel, hitting the links at the Mojave Resort PGA Championship Golf Course or enjoying the comforts of home away from home in the RV parks, adjacent to either casino. An annual Pow Wow brings Native Americans from tribes across the U.S. to a celebration that includes dance and music competitions as well as displays of many aspects of tribal culture. For information on the tribe, its activities and attractions, call (760) 629-4591.