Arizona
Karen & Jim's Guide to the Grand Canyon, Havasu Falls, and Sedona

The People of Supai - 2

I think that another factor is that the people of Supai are somewhat ambivalent about tourists. All of these strangers have "taken over" areas of this very special place, which may leave them feeling displaced in their own home. There is also an implicit expectation that as a tourist you'll stay on the main road/trail that leads through town and refrain from venturing into other parts of town which residents consider "private."
Havasu Creek
Early morning light reflected off the walls of Havasu Canyon

Havasu Creek
Havasu Creek

When I tried wandering the back roads of "town" I got the distinct impression that the locals I encountered thought that I was lost. I really just wanted to see what there was to see. I ran into some tribal policeman who were on patrol. They suggested that I might encounter people who would be less than friendly if they were to see me here off the main trail. Still wanting to see what was there I continued on until I encountered someone who identified themselves as being a member of the Tribal Council. He was on his way home from the village store. He was very polite, but he explained why I might want to get back to the main trail and leave the rest of the village to the people of Supai.

Having been asked to respect their peace I did just that and returned to the main trail as quickly as possible. By this time I had gotten a very distinct impression that I was not welcome here in this "private" part of Supai.

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