Tohono

Tohono is a term from the O'odham language meaning desert. It is most often encountered in the ethnonym Tohono O'odham, usually translated as "Desert People," and it is associated with the people and language of the Tohono O'odham Nation. The name reflects the community’s historical residence in the Sonoran Desert of southwestern Arizona and parts of northern Sonora, Mexico.

Geography and governance: The Tohono O'odham Nation Reservation covers a large portion of the southwestern Arizona landscape and extends toward the U.S.–Mexico border. It is one of the largest Native American reservations in the United States by land area. The Nation has its own government, led by a Tribal Council, and provides services such as education, health, and public safety to enrolled members.

Language and culture: The people speak the O'odham language, part of the Uto-Aztecan language family, with two major varieties: Tohono O'odham and Akimel O'odham. Culturally, the Tohono O'odham have a long tradition of desert agriculture, crafts, and ceremonial practices that adapt to arid environments and seasonal cycles. English and Spanish are also used in daily life and governance, reflecting cross-border interactions.

Contemporary issues: Being located near the U.S.–Mexico border, the Nation navigates issues related to sovereignty, land and water rights, and cross-border movement. Economic development, education, healthcare, and cultural preservation remain central to community planning and self-determination.

Notable aspect: The Tohono O'odham Nation exemplifies Indigenous resilience in the Southwest, maintaining cultural identity while engaging with broader regional economies and governance.