SRPMIC General Plan - Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community

Sustainable SRPMIC . . . Planning for Generations
PREFACE
Executive Order of President Rutherford B. Hayes established the Salt River
Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) for the Pima and Maricopa people
on June 4, 1879. Originally the land area was extensive. The Community size
was dramatically reduced when non-Indian settlers objected to the Indians
having so much land.
The Community’s traditional way of life was changed through the years by
politics and lack of water. Despite agreements and court decisions, water was
diverted from tribal farms making farming nearly impossible. The Dawes Act of
1910 attempted to replace the centuries old system of family farms and individual
allotments of land. These allotments were divided into 10
acres below the Arizona Canal and 20 acres of
secondary land above the canal, with the 20-acre parcels
having no rights to irrigation water.
To regain some control over its land on June 15, 1940,
the SRPMIC adopted the Indian Reorganization Act.
Over the next approximately 60 years, it established a
sophisticated system of government, launched
successful enterprises, and began rebuilding the
Community.
The SRPMIC has a long history of conducting and
implementing planning efforts. It was discovered that
during the early period of the SRPMIC’s history various forms of “Community
Planning” existed. These ranged from water committees to social functions
undertaken by private organizations and religious groups. A more formal
approach was evidenced in the meetings held at the old Community Hall on
matters dealing with agriculture, law and order, and future use of Community
lands.
In the 1950s, the Community initiated a more formal approach to “Community
Planning” by utilizing private and public agencies in preparing a direction for
growth, economically and physically. With the assistance of a private consultant,
the Community Council adopted a General Development Plan in the late 1960s.
The 1970 SRPMIC General Development Plan documented the past efforts and
provided guidance for future growth around a central theme “Looking Ahead.”
The 1978 General Development Plan Update included a growth factor by
requiring periodic review and allowing for amendments to reflect the changing
times and priority of needs. The 1983 General Development Plan Update
indicated major changes occurring and focused on the general direction for
development of Community lands.
Major Community development changes occurring on SRPMIC between 1983
and 1988 prompted a plan update that was completed in December 1988. Some
of these changes included increased number of home sites, water rights
settlement, major roadway improvements, major enterprises established, and
regional shopping center developed. The 1988 Plan served as a “policy guide
and planning tool” to enhance decisions for future development.
Preface
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