White Mountain Apache Tribe

The White Mountain Apache Tribe (WMAT) is located in east central Arizona in portions of Navajo, Apache, and Gila Counties. It measures 75 miles long and 45 miles wide, comprising more than 1.6 million acres, 25 fishing lakes, and over 420 miles of rivers and streams. Topographic features include Baldy Peak (elevation 11,590 feet) in the north, evergreen-forested mountains, and the Salt River Canyon (elevation 2,700 feet) bisecting the Fort Apache and San Carlos Apache reservations in the south.

Whiteriver, the major population center of the reservation, is the capital of the WMAT. At an elevation of 5,280 feet, Whiteriver enjoys a moderate four-season climate. The nearest off-reservation towns are Pinetop/Lakeside and Show Low to the north. Residents of Show-Low and Pinetop contribute to the annual influx of tourists visiting the Reservation to take advantage of the hunting, fishing, hiking, and skiing opportunities. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Indian Health Service (IHS), public school and tribal employees who work on the reservation and live "up the hill" are bridging the gap between the communities. The economic interrelationships are also evidenced by the high percentage of tourist-related businesses and employment in Pinetop. Reservation attractions, such as Sunrise Park Ski Resort, fishing lakes, historical sites, are the prime tourist draw.

Census Profile

Arizona Department of Commerce, Community Profile

Industrial Park Sites

The White Mountain Apache Tribe has two industrial parks. For information regarding development opportunities and plans for development, contact Cibecue Commercial Center at (928) 332-2500, and the Whiteriver Commercial Center at (928) 338-4745, or the WMAT Planning & Development at (928) 338-4346.

Casino

On December 29, 1993, the Hon-Dah Casino, an 8,000 square foot facility, opened for business. Since its opening, the facility has been expanded to 42,000 square feet. The casino, located in Hon-Dah, offers guests nickel, quarter, one & five dollar slots, poker, keno, video poker, and blackjack. The casino also has a hotel, conference center, restaurant, retail shops, entertainment, and an RV park. Visit Hon-Dah Resort-Casino and Conference Center.

Tribal Enterprises

At the Hon-Dah Resort-Casino and Conference Center:

� Hon-Dah Convenience Store

� Hon-Dah Ski and Outdoor Sport

� Hon-Dah Gift Shop

Fort Apache Timber Company

Ponderosa pine, spruce, and fir.

Hon-Dah Home Center

Sells lumber and hardware. 928-369-2604

Sunrise Park Resort

�In the heart of Arizona's magnificent White Mountains, Sunrise Park Resort is a recreational paradise offering a wide range of fun and excitement. In winter, our three mountains offer some of the finest skiing in the Western United States. Our 65 runs promise adventure for skiers of any level. There is also a separate snowboarding area, cross country ski trails and a special children�s "ski-wee" area� (Sunrise Park Resort website).

The Resort has a lodge, an RV park and camping grounds. Visitors can go on horseback rides, sleigh rides, fish and boat on Sunrise Lake, snow tube down tubing hill, ski and cross country ski. There are also activities for children, and childcare is available. Call: (800) 772-7669 or email: sunriseparkresort@wmat.us

Sunrise Park Lodge

�The 100 room lodge located on Sunrise Lake is available for winter lodging. It offers comfortable rooms, a deluxe suite, 2 restaurants, lounge, gift shop, indoor pool, whirlpool, outdoor whirlpool, sauna, and game room. The lodge also offers complete meeting facilities for up to 200 guests for business or social functions. We can accommodate larger groups with additional unique facilities� (Sunrise Park Resort website). Call: (800) 772-7669 or email: sunriseparkresort@wmat.us

Wildlife & Outdoor Recreation Division
Issues fishing, hunting, camping, and boating permits. Offers river running guided trips and canyoneering guides. Cyclone and Hurricane Lakes are available to rent for events, with restrictions. Click on the interactive map for information and photographs of recreation areas. Call: (928) 338-4385 or email: gamefish@wmat.us

Official Addresses

PO Box 700

Whiteriver, AZ 85941

Phone: (928) 338-4346/4872

Fax: (928) 338-1514

Industrial Parks

Cibecue Commercial Center

(928) 332-2500

Whiteriver Commercial Center

(928) 338-4745

WMAT Planning and Development

The Tribal Planning and Development is involved in the planning of economic development, community development and natural resources and environmental protection activities on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation

WMAT Planning & Development

(928) 338-4346 ext. 213

Fax: (928) 338-5195.