As seen on the website of
Arizona Department of Tourism

Ak-Chin Native American Tribe – Him-Dak Eco Museum

The Ak-Chin Native American Tribe is located within the Santa Cruz Valley in central Arizona. The community is composed mainly of Pima and Tohono O’odham, as well as some Yoeme members. Ak-Chin is an O’odham word that means “place where the wash loses itself in the sand or ground.”

To ensure their history and culture are preserved for future generations, the Tribe established the Him-Dak Eco Museum to collect, analyze, preserve, protect, promote and teach various aspects of the Ak-Chin heritage, culture and communication between generations. Tribal crafts, exhibits and photographs of the Ak-Chin people are displayed. The museum is different from a traditional museum in that land and territory replace the museum building, and the residents of the area take on the roles of curator. The museum is a reflection of the Tribe and how they define their values and identities to share with visitors.

Him-Dak means “way of life” in the Ak-Chin language. This gem of a museum is housed in a contemporary native-style building in the heart of the small Ak-Chin Indian Community. In addition to an informative exhibit, art work by residents is showcased. Often referred to the “museum without walls,” the collection and even archaeological excavations have been created by community members. Community members have also catalogued the museum collection and transcribed the oral histories.

Location
4685 N. Eco-Museum Road
Maricopa 85239
Phone/Fax: (520) 568-9487
Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday by appointment.