The Oʼodham, Upper Oʼodham, or Upper Pima (Spanish: Pima Alto or Piatos) are a group of Native American peoples including the Akimel Oʼodham, the Tohono Oʼodham, and the Hia C-eḍ Oʼodham. Their historical territory is in the Sonoran Desert in southern and central Arizona and northern Sonora, and they are united by a common heritage language, the Oʼodham language. Today, many Oʼodham live in the Tohono Oʼodham Nation, the San Xavier Indian Reservation, the Gila River Indian Community, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the Ak-Chin Indian Community or off-reservation in one of the cities or towns of Arizona.

History

Most archaeologists believe the Oʼodham to be descended from the Hohokam, although some argue that one group invaded the other's territory. As of the late 1600s, Oʼodham rancherías in the Santa Cruz River Valley included: • Arivaca • Ati • Babisi • Bacoancos • Baihcat • Basaraca • Bisani • Bucuacucan • Calabasas • Comacovitcam • Esquobag • Guevavi • Hasohuvaibca • Mamturss • Obtuavo • Piticai • Raum • Saacum • Sicurisuta • Sonoitac • Sopic • Sópori • Spibah • Stonssutag • Suamca • Supquituni • Taupari • Toacuquita • Toamuqui • Tubac • Tuhto • Tumacacori • Tumigai • Tupssi • Tutumac • Tutup • Uaham • Unbas • Vaicat • Gutzutaqui

Language

The Oʼodham language, variously called Oʼodham ñeʼokĭ, Oʼodham ñiʼokĭ or Oʼotham ñiok, is spoken by all Oʼodham groups. There are certain dialectal differences, but they are mutually intelligible and all Oʼodham groups can understand one another. Lexicographical differences have arisen among the different groups, especially in reference to newer technologies and innovations.

Oʼodham sub-groups

The Pima Alto or Upper Pima groups were subdivided by scholars on the basis of cultural, economic and linguistic differences into two main groupings: One was known commonly as the Pima or River Pima. Since the late 20th century, they have been called by their own name, or endonym: Akimel Oʼotham The other peoples are the Tohono Oʼodham or Desert Pima, enrolled in the Tohono Oʼodham Nation.