text: Millions travel to witness the spectacular Grand Canyon every year, but few know that this Arizona landscape is home to a secret tribe, hidden away in its depths. More than 600 people are part of the Havasupai tribe, which is the smallest Indian nation in America. Visitors can reach the mysterious tribe on foot or by helicopter or mule, and experience life in the village of Supai, which has a cafe, general stores, a lodge, post office, school, LDS chapel, and a small Christian church. Scroll down for video . In addition to a church the village of Supai has a cafe, general stores, a lodge, post office and school . The Havasupai tribe are the smallest Indian nation in America, with just over 600 village inhabitants . Being eight miles from the nearest road, the village is accessible only via a hike through rugged terrain or by helicopter or mule . Positioned eight miles from the nearest road, the Indian village of Supai is concealed at the bottom of Havasu Canyon, in the heart of the Havasupai Nation reservation. The picturesque plot was claimed by the Havasupai tribe from the National Park rangers in 1975, after many court battles. Since then tourism has formed the majority of their income, with about 20,000 visitors flocking to discover more about the inhabitants. The tribe also grow food and weave as a source of livelihood, although being situated at the base of the canyon, near to the Cataract Creek, has left them vulnerable to flooding. In 1911 tragedy struck  as rain and overflowing of the creek ruined an entire crop field. The Indian village of Supai is concealed at the bottom of Havasu Canyon, in the heart of the Havasupai Nation reservation . The Havasu Falls, located within Havasupai tribal lands, consists of cascading waters down the 100-ft vertical cliff into a large pool . A decorative Havasupai medicine man (left). The settlement was claimed by the Havasupai Tribe from the National Park rangers in 1975 . The general store sells products for visitors journeying into the canyon settlement for their overnight stay . Day hiking in and out of the settlement is not allowed, with visitors being required to book into a home stay or brave camping. However the additional time enables tourists to full experience the beauty of the Havasu Falls. In addition to these are the Mooney Falls (located just half a mile from the tribe settlement) and Beaver Falls (about three miles away). The country's last mule mail-train makes its daily 16-mile round-trip through the Grand Canyon to the Native American village of Supai . Canyon retreat: The settlement relies on tourism for the majority of its income, selling items and woven products . Young mums and children gather in the Havasupai village in the Grand Canyon National Park . The median age of the tribe is 24.8 years and its inhabitants draw their strength from the land, which they deem sacred . Located nearly 250 miles north of Phoenix, Supai is the only community in the US where mail is delivered by mule . Play time! Havasupai children playing in their village in the Grand Canyon National Park . Day hiking in and out of the settlement is not allowed, with visitors being required to book into a home stay or camp . Concealed in the heart of the canyon, the village provides simple shelter for those wishing to witness the stunning landscape . Some visitors opt to arrive by helicopter to see the stunning Havasu Falls and learn about the tribe . Packages arrive for the Havasupai Tribe on the backs of mules who have journeyed down the canyon . The tribe call the Grand Canyon National Park their permanent home and see it as their duty to protect it .
target: The Havasupai tribe are the smallest Indian nation in America, with just over 600 village inhabitants .
  They live in the village of Supai which can be visited by helicopter or mule, as it is eight miles from the nearest road .
  Visitors can stay overnight with the tribe and experience the incredible Havasu Falls .