The Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) comprises two distinct Native American tribes—the Pima (O'odham language: Onk Akimel O'odham, meaning "Salt River People") and the Maricopa (Maricopa language: Xalychidom Piipaash, meaning "people who live toward the water")—many of whom were originally part of the Halchidhoma (Xalchidom) tribe.

The Great Seal of the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community is a representation of I'itoi, commonly referred to as the Man in the Maze.

The O'odham (Pima) and Pipaash (Maricopa) peoples lived in villages along the Gila River when settlers began to arrive.

Conflicts over resources and hostility between the settlers and O'odham resulted in the government establishing the reservation "as a temporary measure to protect Indian rights.

[citation needed] In February 2011, the community opened the first Major League Baseball spring training facility on Indian land, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.

Extreme poverty, school dropout, drug use, and border issues have also claimed attention within the tribe, hindering progress of language revitalization.

Current council members include Archie Kashoya; Cheryl Doka; Diane Enos; Thomas Largo, Sr.; Deanna Scabby; Michael Dallas, Sr.; and Wi-Bwa Grey.

[8] Central to the beliefs of the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community is the story of the Man in the Maze, or I'itoi ki:k, which is the symbol seen on the great seal.

The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian community is home to the oldest continuous Native American congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Papago ward).

[20] The newly renovated LDS Mesa Temple Visitors' Center includes a display of the history of the origins of the Salt River community.