The Tohono O'odham or Desert People were until the 1980s known as the Papago Indians. However, they decided to abandon this name - it means "Bean Eaters" - and return to the name they have always called themselves. The Tohono O'odham live on the second largest reservation in the United States, which stretches for over 60 miles along the Mexico/Arizona border and extends far into southern Arizona. Traditionally, they followed a unique agricultural system designed to take advantage of heavy flooding that follows summer thundershowers in this desert country. Few contemporary O'odham continue to grow their traditional crops and most live in permanent villages or in cities surrounding their reservation.
The O'odham language is still very much alive, as are many of the traditional beliefs and attitudes that the early missionaries encountered. Most O'odham have moved north across the border into the United States, although a small remnant population still lives in Sonora.
Other Links:
Tohono O'odham Utility Authority