The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation is dropping its Radisson chain affiliation and rebranding as We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center, effective Sept. 30.

The We-Ko-Pa name, meaning “Four Peaks” in Yavapai, pays tribute to the tribe’s rich and diverse Yavapai heritage, officials said, while enabling the Fort McDowell Nation to manage one of its enterprises and provide employment opportunities to tribal members and to those living in neighboring areas.

“We-Ko-Pa resonates deeply within our community as these peaks have been spiritually a part of us since time immemorial. In fact, they are a prime feature in our tribal seal,” said Ruben Balderas, Tribal Council president.

“Moreover, by developing business enterprises that are grounded in Yavapai tradition and culture, we foster the good health, well-being and happiness of our nation’s people that, in turn, improves our business practices and success.”

Acting tribe General Manager Craig Benell said the decision to become an independent golf resort will allow the staff more flexibility “to fulfill and respond to our guests’ needs, as well as to implement new programs.”

The hotel and conference center earned AAA Four Diamond Award rating for eight years.

“We’ve always taken pride in delivering an exceptional guest experience,” said Benell.

Honored as one of the best golf facilities in the country by Golfweek and others, and featuring two award-winning 18-hole courses designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw (Saguaro) and Scott Miller (Cholla), We-Ko-Pa Golf Club also sees benefits in being more closely aligned with the resort.

“We’re excited about the rebranding and independence of the resort,” said We-Ko-Pa Golf Club General Manager Matt Barr.

“Resort guests will have easier access to our two golf courses, as well as the ability to save through a number of soon-to-be announced stay-and-play packages.”

The resort (www.wekoparesort.com.com) has 246 contemporary guestrooms and suites designed with Native American traditions, Southwestern cuisine at Ahnala Restaurant, spa treatments and salon services at the Amethyst Spa, and a heated outdoor pool with two whirlpools.