Sonoran O'odham

Monday, 23 November 2009 04:38

The Tohono O'odham Nation is the second largest reservation in the United States. Little do people know, the Nation was divided nearly in half when the U.S./Mexico border was created in 1853 by the signing of the Gadsden Purchase. The O'odham who reside in Mexico are known as Sonoran O'odham.

There are O'odham who were born north of the U.S./Mexico border and live in the north, O'odham who were born in the south and live in the south and O'odham born in the south but live in the north.

Sonoran O'odham are considered Mexican citizens and cannot be U.S. citizens or have dual citizenship. But they can be enrolled tribal members if they have the necessary documentation. However, some O'odham do not have the necessary documentation such as a birth certificate, leaving them unable to enroll as tribal members and unable to cross the border.

Today, in order for Sonoran O'odham to cross the U.S./Mexico border they must have passports, visas and tribal identification.

Click on the blue placemarks to read more about the Tohono O'odham Nation.

A book on Sonoran O'odham
"It is Not Our Fault," is a book of O'odham testimonies that was published in 2001 to show what O'odham are facing on both sides of the border. It was also published to show Congress that O'odham in Mexico should have U.S. Citizenship. Click here to listen and read about testimonies.

An O'odham master's student unraveling his heritage
Reuben Naranjo is an Tohono O'odham doctoral student at the University of Arizona who is writing his disseration on Sonoran O'odham. Click here to read more about Naranjo as well as what he has discovered in his research.

Slide Show of Naranjo's family

Click here to see photos of Naranjo's Sonoran O'odham relatives dating back to the early 1900's.

The Sonoran O'odham lieutenant governor continues to help after 16 years
Jose Garcia, the lieutenant governor of the Sonoran O'odham, has been helping O'odham in Mexico since he was elected in 1993. He has also started two organizations, the current one being "Gente de I'itoi," which translates to " People of I'itoi, the O'odham creator." Click here to read more about Garcia.

A story passed down from generation to generation
Lisa Palacios, a Tohono O'odham anthropology student at the University of Arizona, has relatives on both sides of the border. She shares her grandparents' story about how they met and how her family was established. Click here to read the story.

Written by Jacelle Ramon-Sauberan You are reading Sonoran O'odham articles