Historically, the Maricopa tribes were small bands that lived along the lower Gila and Colorado rivers. In the early 1800's they migrated toward Pima villages. The Pima, known as a friendly tribe, established a relationship with the Maricopa. Both tribes provided protection against the Yuman and Apache tribes.
The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community is comprised of two Native American tribes: the Maricopa and Pima. Both the Pima and Maricopa reside in the east Phoenix, Arizona metro area with their headquarters located in Scottsdale. On the Gila River Indian Community, they reside in District 7 (Maricopa Colony), located in the southwestern most part of the reservation at the base of the Estrella Mountains.
According to the Ethnologue, the language is classified as "shifting" at Maricopa Colony, meaning “The child-bearing generation can use the language among themselves, but it is not being transmitted to children.” At Salt River, it is considered to be closer to "Nearly Extinct", meaning "The only remaining users of the language are members of the grandparent generation or older who have little opportunity to use the language." There are about 100 speakers in total out of their total population. Salt River's cultural resources department estimates that there are around 15 fluent native speakers remaining in the Salt River community. There are many more with varying degrees of fluency, including many who can understand but not speak Maricopa.
An evangelical presence exists among Maricopa. However, many adhere to traditional beliefs and practices often mixed with Christian elements.
Prayer Points
Pray that evangelical Maricopa will be light among darkness in their daily life.
Pray Christians will minister to both the physical and spiritual needs of the Maricopa people.
Pray God will call out evangelical Maricopa to share the Word of God with their people.
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Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ - 500
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