The Gila River Indian Community: 5 Major Developments Reshaping Arizona's Economic And Political Landscape
The Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) is currently at the forefront of major economic, political, and environmental developments in Arizona, solidifying its role as a powerful sovereign nation adjacent to the Phoenix metropolitan area. As of December 19, 2025, the Community is navigating landmark water infrastructure projects, a booming casino economy, and significant internal discussions on governance and law enforcement.
The convergence of massive federal funding for water security, the expansion of the Gila River Resorts & Casinos brand, and a historic proposed ordinance regarding tribal membership has placed the GRIC under an intense spotlight. These recent activities demonstrate the Community's commitment to securing its future while honoring the legacy of its ancestors, the Akimel O'odham (Pima) and Pee Posh (Maricopa) people.
Biography: Governor Stephen Roe Lewis—A Leader of Four Terms
Governor Stephen Roe Lewis is the current and highly influential leader of the Gila River Indian Community, serving in his fourth term as Governor.
- Place of Origin: Raised in Sacaton, known locally as "Gu-u-Ki," within the Gila River Indian Community.
- Education: Governor Lewis is a distinguished alumnus of Arizona State University (ASU), holding a Bachelor's degree.
- Family: His parents are Rodney Lewis and Willardene Lewis.
- Political Career: Prior to his multiple terms as Governor, he served the Community as Lieutenant Governor.
- Recent Recognition: He has received national recognition for his leadership in energy policy and conservation efforts.
His leadership has been instrumental in securing critical water rights and driving the Community’s significant economic expansion over the last decade.
Massive Federal Funding Secures Water Security and Future Infrastructure
Water rights and infrastructure represent one of the most vital and immediate concerns for the Gila River Indian Community, a matter rooted deeply in the history of the Huhugam people.
In a major victory for the Community's long-term sustainability, the GRIC received approximately $107 million in federal funds from the Bureau of Reclamation to support three separate water infrastructure projects.
The $83 Million Reclaimed Water Pipeline Project
A significant portion of this investment, $83 million, has been specifically dedicated to the Reclaimed Water Pipeline Project. This critical project aims to expand water reuse capabilities across the reservation, thereby increasing the Community's overall water supply and resilience.
The GRIC's water portfolio is complex, drawing from sources like the Central Arizona Project (CAP), the Gila River, the Salt River, and groundwater, all managed under the terms of the Gila River Indian Community Water Rights Settlement. By focusing on water conservation plans and infrastructure upgrades, the Community is actively mitigating the effects of regional drought and securing water for its seven districts, which include major communities like Sacaton, Komatke, Santan, and Blackwater.
The Economic Engine: The Opening of Santan Mountain Casino and Gaming Expansion
The Gila River Indian Community's economic success is largely powered by its gaming enterprises, Gila River Resorts & Casinos, which operate as the primary economic engine for the reservation and a major economic contributor to the state of Arizona.
The most recent and significant development in this sector is the opening of the fourth tribal casino, Santan Mountain Casino, located near Chandler. The construction of this new facility, which was approved by the Community Council, marks a major expansion of the Community’s gaming footprint, adding to its existing properties like Wild Horse Pass, Vee Quiva, and Lone Butte Casino.
Indian gaming not only generates revenue for tribal services but also creates thousands of employment opportunities, making the casino operations and related businesses, such as those in the Lone Butte Industrial Park, a top employer alongside the Indian Health Service (IHS).
New Governance and Law: Weighing a Historic Banishment Ordinance
In a move that has drawn significant attention, the Gila River Indian Community is currently considering a new ordinance that would allow for the banishment and disenrollment of tribal members who are convicted of violent crimes.
This proposed law represents a major step in reinforcing tribal sovereignty and community safety. While the Community Council works to balance traditional values with modern legal frameworks, the discussion highlights the GRIC’s authority to determine its own membership and maintain internal order.
The Community is governed by its own laws and a structured government, with administrative offices located in Sacaton. The reservation itself is geographically divided into seven distinct districts (District 1 through District 7), each with its own local governance structure, such as District 4 (Santan) and District 6 (Komatke).
Cultural Preservation and Future Outlook
Despite rapid economic and structural modernization, the Gila River Indian Community remains deeply committed to preserving the ancestral, historic, and current cultures of the Akimel O'odham and Pee Posh. The Huhugam Heritage Center serves as a vital institution dedicated to highlighting this rich cultural legacy.
The combination of securing long-term water resources through the Central Arizona Project and massive federal grants, the successful expansion of the Gila River Resorts & Casinos brand with the new Santan Mountain location, and the proactive steps in self-governance demonstrate a strong and forward-looking sovereign nation. The GRIC continues to assert its influence, ensuring that its future is built on a foundation of economic stability, water security, and cultural strength.
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