Cultural Competency
Cultural Competency within the Cenpatico Network is defined as, “A set of interpersonal skills that allow individuals to increase their understanding, appreciation, acceptance and respect for cultural differences and similarities within, among and between groups and the sensitivity to know how these differences influence relationships with participants.”
We are committed to the development, strengthening and sustaining of healthy provider/participant relationships.
Consumers and family members are entitled to dignified, appropriate and quality care. When health care services are delivered without regard for cultural differences, consumers and family members are at risk for poor quality care. Participants may be unable or unwilling to communicate their healthcare needs in an insensitive environment, reducing effectiveness of the entire health care process. Cenpatico, as part of its credentialing and site visit process, evaluates the cultural competency level of our provider network and provides access to training and tool-kits to assist our Network Providers in developing culturally competent and culturally proficient practices.
Cenpatico is proud to work with many different cultures. Here is some information about the 9 tribes whose reservations are located in or extend into our service areas.
Ak-Chin Indian Community
Location: 58 miles south of Phoenix on Highway 347 (adjacent to Maricopa, AZ)
Rez Population (2000 Census): 742
Enrolled Tribal Members: 645
Land Area: 34.1 square miles
The Ak-Chin Indian Community was created in May of 1912 by way of Executive Order from President William Taft. The community consists of both Tohono O’odham and Pima Indians, and can be found in the Sonoran Desert of south central Arizona. In 1984, a water rights settlement was approved by Congress, entitling the Ak-Chin Community to access 75,000 acre-feet of Colorado River water. Ak-Chin Farms, Harrah’s Casino, and the Ak-Chin Tribal Government are all major employers.
Cocopah Indian Tribe
Location: 13 miles south of Yuma on Highway 95
Rez Population (2000 Census): 1,025
Enrolled Tribal Members: 880
Land Area: 9.4 square miles
The Cocopah Indian Reservation was established by an Executive Order from President Woodrow Wilson in 1917. In 1985, the Cocopah Land Acquisition Bill extended the area of the Reservation, which is divided into three parcels (East, West, and North Cocopah). With its location adjacent to the Colorado River, agriculture plays an important factor in the community’s economy.
Colorado River Indian Tribes
Location: 189 miles west of Phoenix on Highway 95 (includes Parker, AZ)
Rez Population (2000 Census): 7,466
Enrolled Tribal Members: 3,389
Land Area (Arizona): 353 square miles
Land Area (California): 66.7 square miles
Established in March of 1865 for the “Indians of said river and its tributaries,” the Colorado River Indian Reservation straddles a part of the Arizona and California border, although over 80% of the Reservation is located within Arizona. The Reservation’s economy centers around agriculture, recreation, light industry and government. The Colorado River Indian Tribes has senior water rights to 117,000 acre-feet of the Colorado River, which represents nearly a third of the allotment for the state of Arizona.
Fort Yuma-Quechan Tribe
Location: 185 miles southwest of Phoenix, adjacent to Yuma
Rez Population (2000 Census): 36
Enrolled Tribal Members: 2,668 (in Arizona and California)
Land Area: 68.1 square miles
The Fort Yuma-Quechan Tribe is home to the Quechan Indians and is located on both sides of the Colorado River in Arizona and California. The Tribe is largely an agricultural community, but it also depends on tourism and a sand/gravel operation to help sustain its economy. The Tribe operates five trailer and RV parks, a small grocery and a museum to help meet tourist demand.
San Carlos Apache Reservation
Location: 115 miles east of Phoenix
Rez Population (2000 Census): 9,385
Enrolled Tribal Members: 10,834
Land Area: 2,853.1 square miles
The San Carlos Apaches are descendants of the Athabascan family, who migrated to the Southwest around the 10th Century. The San Carlos Apache Reservation was established in 1871 through an Executive Order by President Grant. Over one-third of San Carlos’ land is forested or wooded. A portion of the Reservation is contiguous with the largest stand of ponderosa pines in the world. Gaming, lumbering, tourism, cattle ranching and recreation are significant sources of economic activity for the San Carlos Apache. In addition, a new retail shopping complex has recently been completed.
Tohono O’odham Nation
Location: 58 miles west of Tucson
Rez Population (2000 Census): 10,787
Enrolled Tribal Members: 20,640
Land Area: 4,446.3 square miles
The Tohono O’odham Nation is the second largest Native American Nation in the United States. The Nation comprises of four non-contiguous segments, but the largest of the segments (the Tohono O’odham Reservation) represents over 90% of the land. The Tohono O’odham have been living in southwestern Arizona and northwestern Sonora for hundreds of years. The Nation share 63 miles of border with Mexico. Principal economic activities include tourism (most notable, the Mission San Xavier del Bac), an industrial park near Tucson and a casino.
Tonto Apache Tribe
Location: 93 miles northeast of Phoenix
Rez Population (2000 Census): 132
Enrolled Tribal Members: 111
Land Area: .13 square miles
Recognized by a Congressional Act in 1972, the Tonto Apache Tribe is home to the smallest land base Reservation in Arizona. The Reservation is located adjacent to Payson, and the casino represents one of the community’s largest employers. To enable the Tonto Apache to extend its land base, the Tribe is working with the Forest Service in a land purchase and exchange process.
Gila River Indian Community (Tribal RBHA)
Location: 40 miles south of Phoenix
Rez Population (2000 Census): 11,257
Enrolled Tribal Members: 19,266
Land Area: 581.1 square miles
The Gila River Indian Community traces its roots to the prehistoric Hohokam Indians, who lived and farmed the Gila River Basin. Today the community is composed of two two Tribes, the Pima and the Maricopas. Established in 1859 by Act of Congress, the Gila River Indian Community is now divided into seven districts that can be found in peripheral areas of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The community has a diverse economic base that includes Gila River farms, sand/gravel operations, a nationally acclaimed industrial park (Lone Butte), and two casino/resorts.
White Mountain Apache Tribe (Tribal RBHA)
Location: 194 miles northeast of Phoenix
Rez Population (2000 Census): 12,429
Enrolled Tribal Members: 12,634
Land Area: 2600.7 square miles
Established as the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in November, 1891 by Executive Order, the area is now known as the White Mountain Apache Reservation. The tribal members are direct descendants of the original tribes that lived in this area. The White Mountain Apache live in a region that has an abundance of natural resources and scenic beauty, and the tribe has earned a national reputation for its network of enterprises, which include a timber company, lumber hardware retail center, ski resort and casino.
