Background
Viola Jimulla was born in 1878 on the San Carlos Apache Reservation.
Viola Jimulla was born in 1878 on the San Carlos Apache Reservation.
She remained Chief until her death. In 1900 she went to live with her family in the vicinity of Prescott. Viola added in her own energy and action to her husband’s quiet leadership.
Her ability to care for and work with both the Indian and Anglo cultures would have a long lasting benefit for her tribe and for the greater Prescott area.
In 1935, the Jimullas worked with local and national officials to set aside 75 acres (300,000 m2) of land for the Prescott-Yavapai Indian Reservation. In the 1950s, the reservation was enlarged to 1,327 acres (537 km2).
That same year Sam was appointed chief of the Prescott Yavapais by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs and was officially elected chief by the tribe. After Sam’s accidental death in 1940, Viola became Chieftess of the Prescott Yavapai Native American tribe.
Foreign twenty-six years, until her death on December 7, 1966, Viola guided her tribe with wisdom and kindness.
Jimulla"s personal strengths and skills helped her people adapt and grow with the surrounding Anglo community. Although Jimulla formed a bridge between the two cultures, Anglo and Indian, she still honored the traditions of her tribe. Not only was Jimulla a great leader for her tribe, she was also influential in religious matters.
Jimulla served the mission as an elder, a Sunday School superintendent, and an interpreter.
Under Jimulla’s leadership, The Prescott Yavapai Tribal Council was formed to better ensure the people"s voice in their own governing. Jimulla"s descendents continued to guide her people.
In 1986, Viola was elected to the Arizona Women's Hall of Fame. A statue of Viola teaching basketry to a young Yavapai is in the lobby of the Prescott Resort and Conference Center.