Sedona is a Native Land

Prior to the arrival of the Europeans, numerous other tribes inhabited Sedona and the surrounding region. Many can still be found here today, including the Yavapai and the Tonto Apaches, as well as the Hopi and Navajo. Some researchers believe that the Hopi and Yavapai are descendants of the Sinagua. 

The arrival of Europeans had a devastating effect on the native populations in Arizona, just as in the rest of the Americas. Warfare and disease decimated their populations by as much as 90%. Fortunately, those who survived this tragic chapter of history have made great efforts to keep their culture alive. This Native American culture and legacy is a strong thread in the fabric that makes up Sedona today. If you visit some of Sedona’s galleries, you will see that influence clearly. Navajo weavings are especially popular. An iconic rock formation in the area, Spider Rock, is the setting of a Navajo legend in which the spirit Spider Woman descends to Earth to teach the Navajo to weave.