Final answer:
Yes, the Tohono O'odham and the Akimel O'odham are closely related, united by their shared culture, language, and historical background despite their different environments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Tohono O'odham and the Akimel O'odham are indeed closely related. Both groups belong to the O'odham or Pima people, who are a group of indigenous peoples of the Sonoran Desert. Historically, they share a common culture, language, and lineage. The Tohono O'odham, also known as the Desert People, are traditionally from the Sonoran Desert in the United States and Mexico. The Akimel O'odham, known as the River People, live along the Gila and Salt rivers in Arizona. Although their environments have led to some differences in their ways of life, the cultural and linguistic ties between the two tribes illustrate their close relationship.