Havasupai

people

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June 29, 2026

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The Havasupai are a Native American people who traditionally inhabited Cataract Canyon, a tributary of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. They are one of the upland Yuman groups, distinct from the river Yumans who lived along the lower Colorado River.12

Unlike many other Yuman groups who relied on hunting and gathering, the Havasupai were able to engage in extensive farming due to the presence of a creek flowing through Cataract Canyon, which allowed for irrigation. This was partly due to their location and also influenced by their contact with the Hopi people. The Havasupai are noted for being a peaceful group. They speak a Yuman language.21

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Indigenous peoples of the American Southwest
Language
The Upland Yuman, including the Havasupai, Hualapai, and Yavapai, lived on secondary and ephemeral streams in the western basins and ranges.
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The Upland Yuman, including the Havasupai, Hualapai, and Yavapai, lived on secondary and ephemeral streams in the western basins and ranges.
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Native American dance
The Great Basin, the Plateau, and California
…Basin Indians, such as the Havasupai of the Grand Canyon and the related Yumans, developed agricultural dances. The Yuman Mojave (Mohave) stress cremation processions and ceremonies, but, like the Navajo, they also have curative and animal dances with long song cycles. In this area the vision quest ceremony is at…
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…Basin Indians, such as the Havasupai of the Grand Canyon and the related Yumans, developed agricultural dances. The Yuman Mojave (Mohave) stress cremation processions and ceremonies, but, like the Navajo, they also have curative and animal dances with long song cycles. In this area the vision quest ceremony is at…
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Yuman
…groups included the Hualapai (Walapai), Havasupai, and Yavapai. Two other groups of Yuman-speaking people, the Diegueño and the Kamia (now known as the Tipai and Ipai), lived in what are now southern California and northern Baja California. The Kiliwa and Paipai still live in northern Baja California.
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…groups included the Hualapai (Walapai), Havasupai, and Yavapai. Two other groups of Yuman-speaking people, the Diegueño and the Kamia (now known as the Tipai and Ipai), lived in what are now southern California and northern Baja California. The Kiliwa and Paipai still live in northern Baja California.
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