Desert Speaks

Living Traditions Of The Tohono O'Odham

The Tohono O'Odham ("Desert People") live on the second-largest reservation in the United States, located southwest of Tucson, Arizona and share hundreds of miles with the Mexico border, across which some still live. Although many O'Odham live off the reservation and don't grow traditional crops, among the older members their language is still very much alive, as are many of the cultural traditions and beliefs. Learn how a concerned group of tribal members knowledgeable in these traditions are taking an active part in passing down practices of saguaro fruit harvesting and basket weaving to their children and grandchildren.