Native American fitness community flourishes, inspires via social

“ S e r v i n g a l l s eve n d i s t r i c t s o f t h e
G i l a R ive r I n d i a n C o m m u n i t y ”
B l a c k wa t e r
-
H a s h e n
Ke h k
-
G u
U
K i
october 18, 2013
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S a n t a n
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C a s a
B l a n c a
Ko m a t ke
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M a r i c o p a
www.gilariver.org/news
By Joshua Jovanelly
Gila River Indian News
my hands back until I’m standing
upright; rise, repeat), Pahona does
more than cheer me on. He is right
next to me, demonstrating the correct form with ease, dutifully doing
each rep and each set that he asks
me to do. In other words, Pahona is
doing what he’s done best of late:
He’s leading by example.
-Pahona is the man behind
“Healthy Active Natives!!!,” a
Facebook group page that encour-
ages Native Americans to swap
stories and dish out motivation for
exercising and living healthy lifestyles. The online forum has caught
on like wildfire and is growing exponentially. This week, it reached
over 8,000 members, more than
double what it had two months ago.
The description on the Facebook page reads: “Please join me as
we work to get more of our Native
People healthy and active in our
communities. I created this group
Vol. 16, No. 16
for Natives to share and encourage
one another…we are considered alcoholics and lazy but we are NOT
LAZY!!!”
The page, which is diligently
policed by Pahona and his friends
Eddie Ayala and Eric Hardy, bans
negative comments and solicitation
of diet pills. Pahona envisions it as
a space where Natives welcome
people of all fitness levels and use
positive reinforcement to pick one
another up when that road to the
gym seems impossible to traverse.
Typical posts include people
telling other members about the
workouts they finished — “6.2
miles three days in a row…got it
done!” — or posting photos of their
toned bodies on “Flex Fridays.”
What started as a small group between Pahona and a handful of
friends has become a budding
global community, spanning at
least 27 U.S. states and three countries, with followers checking in
from places as disparate as Breme
D’or, France; Okinawa, Japan; and
Saskatchewan, Canada.
Typical stories on HANs (as it
is commonly known among members) are tales of transformation.
The majority of members I spoke
with had made huge health strides
in the last few years, often drop-
Presorted
Standard
U.S. Postage
PAID
Sacaton, AZ
Permit No. 25
Joshua Jovanelly/GRIN
Waylon Pahona encourages thousands of people to live a healthy
lifestyle with his popular Facebook group page.
C o l o ny
Gila River Indian News
P.O. Box 459
Sacaton, AZ 85147
Change Service Requested
Native American fitness community
flourishes, inspires via social media
It’s less than five minutes into
my workout with Waylon Pahona
and my lungs are already heaving.
We haven’t even touched any gym
equipment at the District 6 fitness
center yet — the only evidence of
our activity is a growing puddle of
sweat on the rubber floors and the
ever-rising numbers on the heart
rate-monitoring watches Pahona
put on each of our wrists.
Pahona wears black shorts
streaked with lightning red on the
sides and a black tank top to match
his long jet-black hair, which is tied
up behind his head. He has a spiky
goatee, wears small ring earrings
and sports tattoos of his Hopi tribal
clan (a spider) and of his children’s
hands on his solidly built upper
body.
There is an authority in his
voice, the steady encouraging patter
of a personal trainer — “Good job!”
“Two more!” — that provides a constant soundtrack to the workout. As
I struggle through the warm-up exercises (walking out with my hands
into a plank position, then walking
-
ping scores of pounds and replacing
them with loads of self-esteem.
The 34-year-old Pahona (who
is half Hopi and whose mother is
from Gila River Indian Community District 7) is one of these success stories. In 2008, he would get
a gigantic breakfast burrito every
day before work at his former job at
GRIC’s Workforce Investment Act
(WIA) office. His weight had ballooned to 260 and he wasn’t exercising much.
Continued on Page 8
Pink is in for cancer awareness GR Farms
By Roberto A. Jackson
Gila River Indian News
In October we are used to the
leaves turning brown for autumn,
and during this month we’ve come
to expect another color change.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, pink ribbons and
t-shirts flourish to raise concern
about a disease that, according to
the National Breast Cancer Foundation, will be diagnosed in one
in eight women. The National
Breast Cancer Foundation also
estimates that 220,000 women
die each year in the United States
from breast cancer.
The grim facts about breast
cancer can be avoided with early
detection.
The fight against breast cancer came to Gila River as Gila
River Health Care hosted the
“National Breast Cancer Awareness Celebration” at the Komatke
Health Center in District 6. The
Oct. 11 event was followed up by
another breast cancer awareness
event in Sacaton on Oct. 18.
Folks gathered in Komatke
to participate in the Fun Run/
Walk at 7 a.m. The other event
activities started at 9 a.m., which
was led in a prayer by Tim Terry
Jr.
Several booths and informa-
Continued on Page 5
Roberto A. Jackson/GRIN
Cancer Case Manager Ditas Fallis, RN, wears a pink ribbon t-shirt
to promote breast cancer awareness on Oct. 11.
IN the GRIN
Health & Wellness......Page 7
Letters & Opinions......Page 3 Education.....................Page 8
Community Updates..Page 5 Action Sheets..............Page 9
Culture & History........Page 6 Announcements/Notices..Page10
shoots for
more growth
By Mikhail Sundust
Gila River Indian News
The O’odham people put the
culture in agriculture.
When European colonists,
gold seekers and new Americans
Mikhail Sundust/GRIN
passed westward through the Gila
River valley in the arid Sonoran A Gila River Farms worker uses an automated GPS tractor to form
desert they were astonished to find borders for what will be a field of barley in District 4.
a thriving society of farmers who GRIC land. The four main crops more.
had formed a relationship with the they produce are alfalfa (hay), cot“We’re looking at a few vegseemingly uncompromising land ton, corn and barley (wheat) and in etable options,” Garner said in rethat allowed them to mold it to their 2012 fiscal year they brought gards to expanding their crop optheir will and produce more crops in a profit of just under $2 million. tions, like sweet corn, pumpkins,
of corn, squash, melons, grains and
The Farms receives no finan- squash and maybe even broccoli.
beans than they had need for. And cial support from the tribe despite He also hopes to increase the acrethe “Indians” shared the surplus being owned by the tribe. “We’re age Farms manages.
with the rugged travelers.
a standalone financial enterprise of
As the days shorten, autumn
Today, Gila River Farms is the the Community,” said Comptroller falls like a feather on the Gila River
business entity of the Gila River In- Tiffany Turner, and “we anticipate fields and the men who work the
dian Community that carries on the increased profits moving forward.” land start wearing jackets in the
tradition of plowing, planting and
Just half way through its 2014 early morning chill. The cotton
producing great crops.
fiscal year, which began in April to bowls have all broken open, re“Our main goal is to make accommodate the cotton season, vealing their fresh, white locks of
a satisfactory profit for the Com- the Farms has already matched fibrous treasure. Next week, Gila
munity and to offer employment their FY12 total profit and is look- River Farms will begin picking and
opportunities for Community ing at a potential of more than $3 ginning.
members,” said Farms’ Human million by next March.
Farming is a year round proResources Administrator Kim EchGila River Farms General cess. As the cotton fields near the
everria in an email.
Manager Jerry Garner said that end of their crop cycle, the Farms
Gila River Farms, established while the business is on a fairly will soon begin planting barley for
in 1968, employs 126 people and steady rebound, leadership is seek- harvesting next spring.
works more than 13,000 acres of ing to grow its enterprise even
Little Dragons
in LA, Page 3
GRIC Youth wins
NCAI award in
Tulsa, Page 4
Halloween GRIN
KIDS, Page 7
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The Tohono O’odham Nation's proposed Glen
ndalle casino threatens Trribal
gaming throughout Arizona.
Iff built, Tohono O’odham's off-reservation casin
no willl enc
croa
ach on th
he
aboriginal lands of the Akimel O'odham and put at risk
k every
y Trribes
s'
exclusive right to operate casinos in the Sttate
e.
Because Tohono O’odham's propose
ed cas
sin
no threatens all Trib
bal gam
ming it
will severely damage our and everry other Trribes' ec
con
nomies, leadin
ng to
reduced members services and job opportunitie
es.
That’s why we need H.R. 1410. That’s
s why we need your help
p.
H.R. 14
410, The Keep The Promise Act, wiill hold every Tribe to the promise
of lim
mited gaming as approved by Tribes and Arrizona
a voters in 2002. This
meas
sure will re
estrict casinos to tra
aditional trib
bal lan
nds and keep the
pro
omis
se of no
o additional casinos in the Phoenix area.
On Octo
oberr 31s
st, stop by the H.R. 1410 Education Tab
ble
e in
n th
he Gov
vern
nance
Cente
er. Learn
n more about how you can contact th
he U.S
S. Sen
nate and
deman
nd a fairr he
earing for H.R. 1410. Our Education table willl have all th
he
tools
s you
u need to take action.
You CAN make the diffe
ere
enc
ce. You can help protec
ct Triba
al Gamin
ng not only
for our Community
y, but for all of Arizona!
October 18, 2013
Page 3
Letters & Opinions
other tribal members were unable
to make the trip. However, all of
the students competed well and
for the team’s efforts, the Little
Dragon Martial Arts Program was
presented with a “Top Ten” team
award.
There were over forty teams
represented at this festival with
thousands in attendance throughout the day. Along with the team
award, Sifu John Fullen received a
gold medal from Abbot Shi Yong
Xin for winning First Place in the
Long Weapons Adult Division.
Sifu John’s First Place earned him
a trip to China to train at the Shaolin Temple for two weeks. Sifu’s
son Gaston Fullen also fared well
by receiving a third place medal
Photo Courtesy of the Little Dragon Martial Arts Program
for his Open Hand Self Defense
Front row left to right: Mercedes Lane, Steven Lane Jr., Jayden
Fahnholz. Middle row left to right: Lyndsey Wyrybkowski, Alec Form.
Little Dragon Martial Arts
Borden, Megan Fahnholz, Jenny Stoner. Back Row: Sifu John Fulhas
been involved in the Comlen, Nicholas Peters, Gaston Fullen, Donald Fahnholz, Steve Lane
munity
for over six years and is
Sr.
working
with several departments
The Little Dragon Martial from Arizona were given this
to
bring
martial arts to as many
Arts Program that has served the special invitation. The other team
members
as possible. The theme
children and adult students in the was from Tucson.
of
Little
Dragon
Martial Arts is
Gila River Indian Community
The Little Dragon Martial
to
develop
the
spirit
of “justice,
for the past six years was given a Arts Program carried a twelve
harmony,
and
peace.”
Classes are
special invitation to participate in member team that included sevforming
now
so
look
for flyers
the first North American Shaolin eral community members: Donwith
times
and
location.
Kung Fu Tournament in Los An- ald, Megan and Jayden Fahnholz.
geles, California. Only two teams Due to scheduling conflicts, five
Little Dragons compete in Kung
Fu tournament in Los Angeles
Governor
Gregory Mendoza
Lt. Governor
Stephen Roe Lewis
Community Council
Representatives
District #1
Arzie Hogg
Cynthia Antone
District #2
Carol Schurz
District #3
Dale G. Enos
Carolyn Williams
District #4
Barney B. Enos, Jr.
Jennifer Allison
Norman Wellington
Monica Antone
District #5
Robert Stone
Franklin Pablo, Sr.
Annette J. Stewart
Janice Stewart
District #6
Anthony Villareal, Sr.
Albert Pablo
Terrance B. Evans
District #7
Devin Redbird
Robert Keller, Tribal Treasurer
Jacqueline Thomas,
Community Council Secretary
Gila River Indian News
Zuzette Kisto
zuzette.kisto@gric.nsn.us
CPAO Director
(520) 562-9851
Roberto A. Jackson
roberto.jackson@gric.nsn.us
Managing Editor
(520) 562-9719
Gina Goodman
gina.goodman@gric.nsn.us
GRIN Secretary II
(520) 562-9715
Mikhail Sundust
mikhail.sundust@gric.nsn.us
Community Newsperson
(520) 562-9717
Joshua Jovanelly
joshua.jovanelly@gric.nsn.us
Community Newsperson
(520) 562-9718
Write to:
Editor, GRIN
P.O. Box 459
Sacaton, AZ 85147
Published letters or columns do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the
Editor or
Gila River Indian Community.
LETTERS POLICY: GRIN welcomes
letters and columns from readers. Letters should be limited to 200 words and
be in good taste. Material that could be
libelous or slanderous is not acceptable.
All letters or columns should be signed
with the writer’s true name, address and
telephone number in the event GRIN
may need to contact the writer. Only
the name of the writer will be printed in
the paper. Letters or columns without
a complete signature, name, address or
phone number will not be acceptable to
GRIN for publication. GRIN reserves
the right to edit submitted materials for
grammar, spelling and content.
Gila River Indian Community
P.O. Box 459
Sacaton, AZ 85147
(520)562-9715
www.gilariver.org/index.php/news
Material published in the Gila River Indian
News may not be reproduced in any form
without consent from the Gila River Indian
Community
Congratulations
Congratulations to Alexine
Morales for her graduation from
Pima Medical Institute. Alexine
received her certification as a Veterinary Assistant on September
27, 2013. We know you worked
hard and we are so proud of you!
Grandma Rita Burnett and
mother, Alexandria Cisneros
Thank you
I recently lost my son Ronald
Joseph Apkaw on July 17, 2013.
My daughter, Cynthia Apkaw,
and myself (Patsy Johns) have
been incarcerated with the Arizona Department of CorrectionsPerryville.
Unfortunately, we could not
be there with our family to help
lay our precious Ronald to rest.
Therefore, we would like to thank
both sides of the family for being there to make arrangements.
Thank you “Lou Lou,” Rodney,
Rosie, Brenda, Tricia and Robert
“Mon” in your part. As well as
the Apkaw and Lewis families.
I’d also like to thank the
grave diggers, District 3 Service
Center, District 5 Service Center, Upper San Tan Presbyterian Church, all choirs and drum
groups.
Thank you to all who gave
my family support, it is still very
hard for us, considering our situations, but I understand Ronald
wasn’t only my child, he is God’s
as well. He’s gone on to be with
his dad, Dale Apkaw, and grandpa (my dad), Patrick S. Johns Sr.,
as well as his grandma, Amanda
Ramon.
Thank you all once again,
Sincerely,
Patsy Johns & Cynthia Apkaw
Public Notification
JUVENILE PROCEEDINGS:
1. GAIL BROWN
Review Hearing
Case#: J-10-0121/0122
Court Date: November 27, 2012 at 9:00
a.m. in Courtroom #4, 2ND FLOOR.
LOCATION OF COURT:
SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY COURT
10,005 E. Osborn Road Bldg. 23
Scottsdale, Arizona 85256
Elderly Nutrition Program
The Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP) serves a hot meal Monday—Friday
to eligible participants that meet the recommended daily allowance
(RDA), and special diet needs. The goal is to increase or maintain the
diet of elder individuals to ensure that 1/3 of their dietary needs are
met.
The program serves District 1-7 within the Gila River Indian Community.
Eligibility Requirements
• Meals provided to any person 55 and over and/or to a spouse under
age 55 living in the same household.
• Meals provided to handicapped or disabled program participants
under are 60 who live in congregate housing facilities occupied
primarily by the elderly.
• Meals provided at home to persons who have demonstrated a need
to be home bound.
Meal Referral:
Referrals can be made by a family member, family friend or health care
professional. Referrals are submitted to ENP where it is reviewed for
approval or disapproval.
CORRECTIONS
In an Oct. 11 submission by Mr. Billy Allen, The GRIN erroneously
included a book listing that was not intended to be in the final print.
The GRIN encourages comments and suggestions about content
that warrants correction or clarification. To report an error call
(520)562-9719 or email GRIN@gric.nsn.us
170 W. Pima Street
P.O. Box 956
Sacaton, AZ 85147
Phone: 520-562-9696
Fax: 520-562-9697
E-mail:: Elaine.Patrick@gric.nsn.us
Page 4
Gila River Indian News
October 18, 2013
Heard Museum screens unique
version of ‘Star Wars: Episode IV’
Mikhail Sundust/GRIN
Sci-fi fandom was on full display at the Heard Museum’s showing
of the Diné translated version of Star Wars.
By Mikhail Sundust
Gila River Indian News
A COUPLE WEEKS AGO
IN A CITY NOT SO FAR, FAR
AWAY – Over two hundred patrons filed into the Heard Museum Steele Auditorium in Phoenix
Oct. 6 to watch the 1977 seminal
space saga, “Star Wars: Episode
IV – A New Hope,” in the Diné
language.
The free screening was the
first museum showing in the
Arizona Valley, according to
Heard Museum Communications
Manager Debra Krol after the
presentation. “It not only fits in
with our mission of showcasing
arts and life ways of indigenous
peoples but it’s also a way for us
to engage new audiences.” That’s
exactly what the project was intended to do.
The Star Wars franchise has
long been a pop culture icon and
the new translation, the first major motion picture to be translated into Navajo, promotes the
Navajo language through a fun
and accessible medium.
“We needed a way to preserve our culture,” Manuelito
Wheeler, director of the Navajo
Nation Museum and the man
whose cultural zeal was the
force that got the project off the
ground, told National Public Radio’s Robert Siegel June 5.
“Language is at the core of
a culture,” Wheeler said. “And I
felt we needed a more contemporary way to reach not just young
people but the population in general. And so, that’s when the idea
of translating a major movie into
the Navajo language came up.”
Wheeler chose Star Wars for
its universal appeal. The translation aims to bring a timeless language to a young, new audience
and a classic film to a generation
of Diné elders who speak nothing but their traditional language.
“I think Native languages in
general are in the same predicament,” said Wheeler back at the
Heard while the Star Wars theme
played over running credits behind him. “We’re at a tipping
point where we’re either going
to continue our languages or lose
them.”
The idea for the project began several years ago but the
translating, recording and dubbing all took place earlier this
year, beginning in April. A team
of five fluent Navajo speakers
spent 36 hours over three days
translating the film. The Navajo Nation Museum worked
with Lucasfilm Limited, LLC to
make the translation possible.
One hundred fifteen Navajos auditioned for the main characters
in May and the film premiered at
the Navajo Nation Fair in Window Rock, Ariz., during the July
4 weekend.
Wheeler said some of the obstacles in creating the new translation included finding funding
and navigating the film industry
but added that once he made contact with Lucasfilm, they were
very helpful.
The greatest challenge, however, was “coming up with similar lines if they don’t translate
word for word” from English to
Navajo, said Wheeler. “Something in English might be shorter
or it might be longer when you
translate it into Navajo.”
For example, Wheeler’s
wife Jennifer, one of the adaptation’s translators, explained
to NPR: “‘R2-D2’ would be the
short metal thing that’s alive.”
Robot might be “a machine that
thinks for itself,” said Wheeler in
a separate interview.
Back at the Heard this
month, the small auditorium
erupted in hollers and applause
when the famous opening script
began scrolling up, up and away
toward the stars – all in Navajo,
of course. The energy emanating
from the mostly Navajo crowd
must have been as strong as what
the Jedis felt in the Force, that
which gives a Jedi his power,
the “energy field created by all
things” which “surrounds us and
penetrates us” and “binds the
galaxy together,” as Obi Wan
Kenobi explained.
The crowd, which also included several die-hard Star Wars
fans who could not understand
a word of Navajo but showed
up wearing alien costumes and
X-wing pilot suits, laughed and
cheered at such famous lines as
“May the Force be with you,” or,
“Ats’áhoníyéé’ nił hólǫ́ǫ doo.”
Several of the voice actors
showed up at the Heard Museum
screening.
“It’s just been a great experience portraying the actor’s voice
for the movie and I’m glad that I
was a part of this project,” Terry
Teller, who provided the voice
for Luke Skywalker, told Channel 12 News in his Jedi Knight
garb.
Geri
Hongeva-Camarillo,
the voice of C-3PO, showed up
in a shiny golden dress with a
Navajo bent in the woolen patterned top and a large circular
belt resembling her on-screen al-
ter ego’s midsection.
“Everyone was encouraged
to dress their character but I knew
I couldn’t squeeze into that metallic body,” she said with a laugh.
She designed the dress herself,
she said, and it was assembled
by local Flagstaff clothier Sharon
Hongeva.
Hongeva-Camarillo
auditioned for the voice of C-3PO
partially because “Princess Leia
was the only female character
… so there were a lot of people
auditioning for [her]” but also
because the obliviously hilarious
android is “my personal favorite
character of the movie, which I
felt like I could relate to.”
“He’s always trying to supervise people and … in a way he’s
always kind of the mother figure
to R2D2,” Hongeva-Camarillo
said.
The Navajo Nation Museum
dusted off its land speeder and
is now on a tour across the U.S.
to promote its project. Upcoming screenings of the translation
include one at Haskell Indian
Nations University in Lawrence,
Kan., on Oct. 25 and another at
the University of Oklahoma/Sam
Noble Museum in Norman, Okla.,
on Oct. 27.
For a more complete list of
upcoming venues visit the Navajo Nation Museum’s Facebook
page at: https://www.facebook.
com/NavajoNationMuseum.
It
remains to be seen if and when
the translation will be available
on DVD.
Joshua Jovanelly/GRIN
GRIC youth wins big award at
NCAI annual convention in Tulsa
TULSA, Okla. — Akimel O’odham/Pee Posh Youth Council President-elect Tyler Owens celebrates receiving the 2013 NCAI Youth
Leadership Award on Oct. 15 at the National Congress of American
Indians annual convention. From left, Owens is joined by Councilman Frank Pablo Sr. (D5), Youth Council Coordinator Michael Preston, Councilwoman Carol Schurz (D2), Youth Council member Ashley Pasqual, Gov. Gregory Mendoza, Councilman Devin Redbird
(D7) and Youth Council members Learall Jackson and Alex Pablo.
Councilmembers Robert Stone (D5), Anthony Villareal Sr. (D6) and
Carolyn Williams (D3) — not pictured — joined GRIC leaders at
the conference, which addressed national issues affecting Indian
Country, such as implementing new tribal legislation like VAWA
and TLOA, an upcoming Supreme Court case that could affect offreservation gaming and a controversial WWII monument planned
for Washington D.C.
October 18, 2013
Gila River Indian News
Community Updates
by
GRIN STAFF
Page 5
Here are some regular updates on
the on-going issues pertaining to
the Gila River Indian Community.
Deal reached to end partial shutdown through Jan. 2014
Earlier this week, Pres.
Barack Obama signed a bill into
law that ended the government
shutdown, provided a federal
budget and raised the federal debt
ceiling.
The U.S. Senate drafted and
passed the bill 81-18 Wednesday and within hours it passed
through the House of Representative and was on the president’s
desk.
The bill provides a budget
to federally funded programs
that rely on federal funding like
Women Infant and Children and
Head Start. It will reopen national
parks and put furloughed government employees back to work.
It also incorporates back pay for
furloughed federal workers.
But the new law only funds
the government through Jan. 15,
2014 and raised the debt ceiling
through Feb. 7 leaving the questions: Will we see a similar situation in only three months? And
if there is another shutdown, how
will federally funded programs
react or plan ahead differently?
When the democratic process of debate and compromise
stalled in the nation’s capitol
Oct.1, members of both parties
grinded their padded feet and
hooves into the dirt and painted
their conflicting fiscal priorities
firmly in the ink of newspapers
across the country without signs
of retreat.
The resulting partial government shutdown lasted 15 days
and, as time bore on, began to
increase the burdens on state and
local governments whom volunteered to sustain federally funded
operations and programs such
as health care and public safety
services as well as education and
public assistance programs.
Gov. Gregory Mendoza of
the Gila River Indian Community released a statement Oct. 1
saying, “at this time the Community will continue funding federal programs with Community
funds, to the extent there are no
federal funds, until there is a federal appropriation bill/Continuing Resolution, especially essential services like health care, law
enforcement, elderly services,
emergency services, housing and
education.”
The Community, like many
other state and local governments, did this at the risk of zero
compensation from the federal
government. The state of Arizona,
for example, dished out $93,000
a day this past week to re-open
the Grand Canyon National Park.
It is uncertain whether or not the
state will be reimbursed.
The silver lining is that such
efforts, combined with prudent
financial planning and stashes of
contingency funds, mitigated the
impact felt on most Americans,
which could be a good takeaway lesson in case the government nears another shutdown on
another budget debate in future
months.
Mary Tatum is the community nutrition program manager
of Gila River’s Nutrition Assis-
tance program – which oversees
the Community’s Women, Infant
and Children’s program, its Food
Distribution Program on Indian
Reservations program (commonly known as Commodity Foods)
and a couple other community
service programs.
She said that while the prospect of a sustained stalemate in
Washington D.C. did hold the
potential to freeze up her department’s operations down the line,
her team was ready to weather
the early winter for at least a few
more weeks.
“We’re federally funded
but the tribe also supplements,”
Tatum said about GRIC WIC, a
program that serves over 1,200
clients throughout Gila River.
“When I heard that we didn’t
have a budget (from the federal
funds), there was concern but I
wasn’t as concerned because I
knew that we had the tribal budget that we could work off of for
right now,” Tatum said. Not all
WIC offices around the country
are so lucky. Various tribal- and
state-run WIC programs in states
throughout the union saw their
programs begin to falter. The
North Carolina program shut
down completely for three days.
The tribe furnishes approximately half of what it costs to
operate WIC in Gila River but
it’s important to note that none
of the tribal funds go directly to
supplying the clientele with food
credits. Tatum explained, “The
tribal money goes just for office support here, it goes to staff
salaries, supplies that we need.
So it doesn’t go to the bank” and
it doesn’t help WIC clients cash
their vouchers.
GRIC WIC works with the
Inter Tribal Council of Arizona to
pass food credits to clients. WIC
gives the clients the vouchers and
when the clients use them at the
grocery store, ITCA backs the
checks with the WIC dollars it
receives from the federal government.
That cash stopped flowing
as soon as the budget deadline
passed Oct. 1 but ITCA had its
own cache of money that it was
able to use to meet demands
through early November.
Tatum’s department also operates Gila River’s FDPIR program, which provides food from
a vendor directly to needy families. The money to purchase that
food has already stopped rolling
in but Tatum pointed out that “as
good practice, we’re supposed to
have at least a month and a half
worth of food,” which they did.
Because of its forward thinking, FDPIR could have operated
through mid-November.
The Tribal Education Department, which manages nearly
a dozen schools on the Gila River
Indian Reservation and also relies on federal funding for some
of the programs and services it
offers, also planned ahead.
They didn’t have too many
problems when the government
shut down because they operate
a “forward funded” budget system, which promises the schools
money ahead of time.
“More than likely [the government] would have dispersed it
to us already,” said TED Director
Mario Molina. A lot of the time,
schools receive their money for
the school year on a 50/50 split
at the beginning of each semester.
He called the budget issue
more of an annoyance than any-
thing but he added that if the federal debt limit is not raised, that
could affect the department’s operations. But it’s hard to tell how
until it happens.
“We continue to plan ahead,”
said Molina. We always try and
look, not just at the road, but at
the curves in the road.”
This time, the impacts of the
congressional quarrel on most
Americans were cushioned by
contingency funds and small
government involvement but it
became clear that the longer the
shutdown was dragged out, the
thinner emergency money grew
and the more strained public services became.
Meanwhile, two northern
Arizona tribes capitalized on
a golden lining about the dark
cloud that was the federal shutdown. The Antelope Canyon
and Grand Canyon West tourist
destinations – owned by the Na-
vajo Nation and Hualapai Tribe
respectively – saw a giant boost
in their rates of visitors when the
Grand Canyon closed earlier this
month.
Grand Canyon West features
the popular horseshoe-shaped allPlexiglas structure that enables
guests to walk out over the edge
of the Grand Canyon and marvel
at its beauty in all encompassing
vistas.
“Tourism is the backbone
of the tribe,” Havasupai Vice
Chairman Matthew Putesoy told
KJZZ’s Fronteras Desk Oct. 9.
“We really don’t have any other
economic development.”
Antelope Canyon is known
for its high, color-burst flowing
sandstone walls, narrow passageways and transcendent beams of
sunshine that illuminate the canyon corridors and make for fantastic photographic opportunities.
Breast cancer awareness
Continued from Page 1
tional exhibits like the West End
Cancer Support Group and other
health related programs lined the
interior of the health center for
guests to visit.
Just outside the entrance,
chairs were set up for speakers,
raffles and singers. “We’re trying to open up as many portals as
we can to provide education and
self breast exams,” said Dr. Noel
Habib, Women’s Health Medical
Director for GRHC.
Visitors could get exams on
site and learn more about ways to
detect breast cancer.
“The best thing that we can
do especially for women is come
in for an annual mammogram,”
said Ditas Fallis, RN, Canter
Case Manager for GRHC.
Governor’s Employees of the
Month for Aug. and Sept.
Mikhail Sundust/GRIN
Governor Gregory Mendoza
with Damon Sanderson
August Employee of the
Month Damon Sanderson has
been a member of the Fire Department since October of 2006.
He came to the Fire Department a
veteran of the United States Marine Corp. and an experienced mechanic.
In April of 2012 Damon was
promoted from Fire Mechanic to
Senior Fire Mechanic. Since that
time Damon has carried the responsibility of keeping the fleet in
a ready state single handedly. Damon has made himself available
24-7-365 to diagnose and repair
mechanical problems, pre-inspect
trucks for deployments or address
any other fleet related emergency
in order to keep our vehicles in a
safe and ready condition.
Damon is unassuming, quiet
and a little shy about recognition
but having worked with Damon
for the past 6 years and witnessing
his integrity and commitment to
keeping all of us safe, Community
and responders alike, nominating
Damon Sanderson for Employee
of the month is very easy.
Mikhail Sundust/GRIN
Governor Gregory
with Sonia Duarte
Mendoza
September Employee of the
Month Sonia Duarte has worked
at her position with the Residential
Programs for Youth for 11 years.
RPY has faced many obstacles, but
through it all Sonia has remained
hard working, dedicated, and has
outperformed the majority in her
field.
One example of Sonia’s generosity is that she uses her free time
to volunteer away from her family.
She gives so much to the youth
that she will always be considered
a part of RPY family.
She has excelled in all areas of
her job. She started from the “bottom” and now is the Lead Youth
Development Specialist II.
As a Gila River Indian Community member, she has been a
positive example to our youth. She
has encouraged them to excel in
diverse circumstances, and overcome what most people would say
is too much. RPY commends Sonia for her passion, and hopes that
they can continue to receive many
more employees with the same
drive and dedication.
Page 6
October 18, 2013
Octoboer 2013
Culture & History
Chu:chkud Ha Thash Word Match
6PDUW3DUHQWV6PDUW%DELHV.
Toddlers!
Prior to 1990, electronic
waste was virtually non-existent.
Today, it is currently the fastest- growing waste stream in the
world. In one way or another, it is
a central part of everything we do
and own: TVs in our homes, cell
phones and MP3 players in our
ears, video games in our hands,
and computers in our laps and on
our desks. The electronic industry generates nearly $2 billion a
year, and Americans own nearly
3 billion electronic
products.
For each new
product that comes
along, one or more
becomes outdated
or obsolete. Consequently,
we’re
storing or discarding older electronic
products faster than
ever. In 2005, used,
unwanted or obsolete electronics
amounted to over 2 million tons.
Of that, approximately 1.5 mil-
Resources:
2.
3.
4.
5.
Heidi Bruder
Teen Parent Case Manager
Active Play!
D.Craft & C.
Toddler 411
D. Fields & A. Brown
Be consistent. Have the same
consequence for undesirable
behaviors.
Act immediately. Your child
won’t remember what they
did 5 minutes later.
Don’t yell, but change your
voice. It’s not the volume but
the tone that gets your point
across.
Catch your child being good.
Praise the good behavior.
Remind your child that you
love her!
Paper Plate Scooters
Paper plates make great pretend scooters in this easy activity. Children love pushing
the plates all over. Older, taller children may find this activity harder than it is for
their younger, shorter playmates.
Contact BabySmarts
Materials: Sturdy paper plates, one per child.
Objects – popsicle sticks, small stuffed animals, small toys, small balls.
Home Visiting Coach
Catherine Thomas
Instructions: Choose a carpeted area large enough for children to freely scoot
around safely. Let each child select a paper plate to push. Have children place both
hands on their plates and begin pushing. Tell them to keep their knees off the floor.
(520)562-3321
Ext. 7137
Heidi Bruder
Give this activity a purpose. Have kids place small objects on their plate and have
them carry the object on their plates from one side of the room to the other. Try
carrying small toys to a toy basket or carry socks to their room. Giving your child a
“job” will make them feel important and helpful around the house. The result, a
well-behaved and happy kiddo! Give it a try!
Teen Parent Case Manager
(520)562-3287
lion tons were disposed of in landfills. Electronics placed in landfills can potentially release toxic
chemicals and harmful
metals, therefore it is
important that these materials be removed from
the waste stream for the
protection of our natural
resources and human
health!
In response to the
growing problem of
electronic waste, and in
honor of National Recycling Day, the GRIC
Department of Environmental Quality is coordinating with the GRIC
Department of Public
Works to host a free
electronic waste disposal event to be held at the
DEQ office (see map
In honor of America Recycles Day,
the Department of Environmental Quality & the Department of Public Works
for directions). We will
will be hosting an electronic waste collection event.
also provide general inElectronic waste includes:
formation on recycling
Computer Equipment (including printers)
as well as waste reducTelephones/cellphones
tion strategies for the
Fax machines
Community.
TV’s, DVD’s & other audio equipment
Please join us for
Small Kitchen Appliances
this important event,
and help protect the
- NO MICROWAVES - NO AIR CONDITIONERS
natural resources in our
Refreshments and GREAT door prizes will be available!
Community!
For any further questions or information call
GRIC/DEQ 520.562.2234
Toddler Tips:
1.
Author,
Electronic Waste – A National Dilemma
Submitted by Department of
Environmental Quality
What to do with those terrible twos??
Toddlers are busy and full of energy! Toddlers need a variety of opportunities to run off their energy.
The more active and involved your
child is, the less of those “terrible
two” behaviors you will see. Below
is an active play game that you can
do with your 1-5 year old child.
Simply gather up some paper
plates and small toys or objects
and you will have all you need for
this fun activity!
Volume 1, Issue 4
Chu:chkud
Word Ha
Match
S-he:pijig Mashath translates
to Ha Thash
Chu:chkud
Thash Word Match
the “cold month” and notes the arrival
ge'e soa:m ha:l
of cooler weather and windy days.
soa:m ha:l
This ge'emonth,
the ge'eko:ko’i
soa:m ha:l
(rattlesnakes) retreat to their dens for
thok’thod
. ki:
the winter sleep. This is the time of
ki:
year whenthok’thod
they . are
very dangerous,
thok’thod. ki:
and may strike without sounding
their rattles. In winter Ko:ko’i ha ki:
chu:chkud
. ha-ki:
(Rattlesnake
House)
chu:chkud
. ha-ki:is a dangerous
place and when we were young
we
chu:chkud
. ha-ki:
were told to stay away from this place
nanak’mel
lest the rattlesnakes
find our tracks
nanak’mel
and come to our home next spring.
nanak’mel
This month, we will experience
ho’ok hithodakud
.
ho’ok hithodakud
colder weather
and . during school
days our parents would remind
us that
ho’ok hithodakud
.
“S-he:pith ‘o ch ‘ep heved jek’ked,
va:pkiñ heg
e’ va:p’thalik!”
(It’s cold
s-chuk
mithol
s-chuk mithol
and windy outside, put your coat/
s-chukready
mithol
jacket on!) As we would get
us’kuanakud
.
for school mom would
remind us “Pi
us’kuanakud
.
gamo shai va:pkiñ heg e’ ka’akvodk
shashliv, hegi
mo che’echev us’kuanakud
kak’kiyo.
chukud
.
chukud
shashliv am thabo va:p!” (Don’t wear
.
Solutions on Page 9
your shorts, wear your long pants!)
chukud
After breakfast we would all .head breakfast would always be a treat
out the door to the bus stop and mom for us before heading to school.
would remind us “Piamo’o vash’shol
In the fun of Chu:chkud Ha Thash
heg e’ va:pthalik, vamtho shoshmai!” (Halloween) we have a spooky word
(Keep you coats/jackets on, or you match to get you ready for those
will catch a cold!) Hot chocolate at trick-or-treaters coming to your door.
What’s New at the Office of Emergency Management? Gila River Office of Emergency Management (OEM) understands that being prepared is key when it comes to your safety. OEM has implemented a mass notification system that allows you to be notified of emergency situations due to flash floods, wild fires or other hazards almost immediately. The notification system will call your home phone and deliver a recorded message telling you of the situation and what you can do to keep safe or provide needed information. When you get a call please listen to the entire message or it will continue to call you. Everyone with a listed phone number on the GRTI system will automatically be included in the messaging Wellness
TribalwRecreation
Program
system. If you do not have service with GRTI or wish Center
to be n&otified ith an additional number or want your P.O. Box 324
unlisted number included, please call 520-­‐562-­‐7198 to make the request. In addition, if you wish to be taken Sacaton, Arizona 85147
off the notification list, contact 520-­‐562-­‐7198. 520.562.2025/2026 office
520.562.3320 fax
Be prepared to provide your name, phone Wellness
number, Center
and the &DTribal
istrict Recreation
you reside Program
in to add additional numbers or P.O. Box 324
be taken off the list. Thank you and be safe.
Wellness Center
& Tribal
Recreation
Sacaton,
Arizona
85147 Program
P.O. Box 324 office
520.562.2025/2026
Wellness
Center
&up
Tribal
Recreation
Program Sacaton!!! They
It’s that time again!! The weather is cooler and
the undead
rise
to take
a run in downtown
Sacaton,
Arizona
85147
520.562.3320
fax
P.O.
Boxnot
324just
don’t run without purpose though; the annual Trail of Doom
happens
for fun but to raise awareness of
520.562.2025/2026
office
Sacaton,
Arizona
85147
520.562.3320
Diabetes prevention. Join the Wellness Center and Tribal Recreation
stafffax
for the annual:
520.562.2025/2026 office
520.562.3320 fax
It’s that time again!! The weather is cooler and the undead rise up to take a run in downtown Sacaton!!! They
don’t run without purpose though; the annual Trail of Doom happens not just for fun but to raise awareness of
Diabetes
prevention.
Joinweather
the Wellness
Center
andundead
Tribal Recreation
staffafor
It’s that time
again!! The
is cooler
and the
rise up to take
runthe
in annual:
downtown Sacaton!!! They
don’t run without purpose though; the annual Trail of Doom happens not just for fun but to raise awareness of
It’s that time again!! The weather is cooler and the undead rise up to take a run in downtown Sacaton!!! They
Diabetes prevention. Join the Wellness Center and Tribal Recreation staff for the annual:
don’t run without purpose though; the annual Trail of Doom happens not just for fun but to raise awareness of
Diabetes prevention. Join the Wellness Center and Tribal Recreation staff for the annual:
2013 TRAIL OF DOOM
Thursday October 24, 2013
Sacaton Wellness Center
2013 TRAIL
OF DOOM
featuring
Thursday
October
24, 2013
2013 TRAIL
OF
DOOM
Sacaton
Wellness
Center
2-mile October
Zombie
Walk
2013 Thursday
TRAIL
OF
DOOM
featuring24, 2013
Zombies on the
Run 5K
(pre-registration
Sacaton
Wellness
Center
Thursday
October
24,
2013 required)
1-mile
Senior
Zombie
Walk
Sacaton
Wellness
Center
featuring
2-mile
Zombie Walk
featuring
Zombies on the Run5K5K
(pre-registration
required)
starts
at 5:45pm
2-mile
Zombie
Walk
1-mile
Senior
Zombie
Walk
starts
at
5:45pm
1-mile
Senior
Zombie
Walk
2-mile
Zombie
Walk
startsWalk
at 7:00pm
2-mile
Zombies on the
Run
5KZombie
(pre-registration
required)
5K starts at 5:45pm
Zombies onpicked
the
Run
5K
(pre-registration
required)
1-mile
Senior
Zombie
Walk
Registrations for 5K can be 1-mile
up Senior
at the Sacaton
Wellness
Center,
or
call
the
Wellness
Center
at 520.562.2025/2026 to
Zombie Walk starts at 5:45pm
have
a registration
emailedat
to you.
2-mile Zombie
Walk
starts
7:00pm
1-mile
Senior
Zombie
Walk
5K starts at 5:45pm
2-mile Zombie Walk & 1-mile Senior Zombie Walk sign up on site.
Zombie
Walk
starts
Registrations for 5K can be 1-mile
picked up Senior
at the Sacaton
Wellness
Center,
or callat
the5:45pm
Wellness Center at 520.562.2025/2026 to
5K starts
at 5:45pm
2-mileAWARDS
Zombie
Walk
starts
at
7:00pm
have a registration
emailedCOSTUME
to you.
FOR
BEST ZOMBIE
1-mile Senior Zombie Walk starts at 5:45pm
2-mile
Walk
starts
atWalk
7:00pm
2-mile
ZombieZombie
Walk &D.J.
1-mile
Senior
Zombie
sign up on site.
music
provided
by
Registrations for 5K can be picked up at the Sacaton
Wellness
Center, or
call the Wellness Center at 520.562.2025/2026 to
Russell Blackwater
have a registration
emailedCOSTUME
to you.
AWARDS
FOR BEST ZOMBIE
Registrations for 5K can be picked up at the Sacaton Wellness Center, or call the Wellness Center at 520.562.2025/2026 to
have &
aD.J.
registration
emailed
you. sign up on site.
music
provided
bytoWalk
2-mile Zombie Walk
1-mile
Senior
Zombie
Russell Blackwater
2-mile Zombie
Walk & 1-mile
Senior
Zombie
Walk sign up on site.
AWARDS
FOR BEST
ZOMBIE
COSTUME
AWARDSD.J.
FOR
BESTprovided
ZOMBIE by
COSTUME
music
Russell Blackwater
D.J. music provided by
Russell Blackwater
October 18, 2013
Health & Wellness
First Annual Survivors
of Suicide Conference to
be Held in Gila River
participants can connect with fellow survivors, gain support in dealing with survivor
grief, and explore opportunities for growth
and healing.
The theme of this year’s conference is
“Healing Your Heart” – a day of healing for
By Sandra McNally
those who have lost a loved one to suicide.
Prevention Manager, EMPACT-SPC
Conference highlights include the following:
Suicide is ranked as the eighth leading
●Survivor Panel Discussion: exploring
cause of death for American Indians/Alaska answers to questions about coping with surNatives of all ages. Suicide is ranked as the vivor grief.
second leading cause of death for American
● “The Art of Finding Hope” workIndian/Alaska Natives for those from age shop: using art to deal with survivor grief
10-34. The suicide rate for American Indi- and pain.
ans/Alaska Natives is 10 times higher than
● “Find Your Vision” workshop: creatthe overall US rate.
ing your own vision board as a way of generMany people in Native communities are ating hope and healing.
uncomfortable talking about death, and their
Sponsored by the Gila River Prevention
discomfort is magnified when the death is a Coalition, this year’s conference is being
suicide. The result is that survivors of Gila
sui-River
562-5150from
office
held
onCare
Saturday, November 2,5202013
Health
520 371-0132 cell
cide have little support from friendsFamily
or the
8amMobile
– 3pm
at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel and
Planning
Medical
community. They often experience a sense Clinic
Casino.
of isolation, shock, anger, guilt, depression, (Title X Funded)
Although the conference is free for the
and alienation due to the stigma OCTOBER
attached community
2013 (individuals 18 years of age or
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursdaymust pre-register
Friday to atto suicide.
In addition, survivors
of suicide
older), participants
4
1
2
3
are at risk for engaging
in
suicidal
behavior
tend. For CENTRAL
more information
about
registerVHM HIGH SCHOOL
NO CLINIC
ARIZONA
NO CLINIC
TEEN CLINIC
COLLEGE
themselves.
ing
for
this
conference
please
contact
Sandra
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
FAMILY PLANNING
The Survivors of 8:30-2:00
SuicidePM(SOS) Day McNally at Sandra.McNally@empact-spc.
CLINIC
7 is a one-day workshop
8
10
11
Conference
where 9 com
GRHC
(WEST SIDE OF
HOSPITAL)
INSIDE MOBILE UNIT
8:00-2:30 PM
AK-CHIN (MARICOPA)
CLINIC
INSIDE MOBILE UNIT
8:30-2:00 PM
GRHC
(WEST SIDE OF
HOSPITAL)
INSIDE MOBILE UNIT
MondayPM
8:00-2:30
NO CLINIC
GRHC
(WEST SIDE OF
HOSPITAL)
INSIDE MOBILE UNIT
8:00-2:30
7 PM
GRHC
28
(WEST SIDE OF
NO CLINIC
HOSPITAL)
INSIDE MOBILE UNIT
8:00-2:30 PM
VHMIRA
HIGH
SCHOOL
HAYES
TEEN SCHOOL
CLINIC
HIGH
BY APPOINTMENT
TEEN CLINICONLY
8:30-2:00 PMONLY
BY APPOINTMENT
14
21
14
GRHC
(WEST SIDE OF
HOSPITAL)
08/28/2013 CG
INSIDE MOBILE UNIT
8:00-2:30 PM
21
GRHC
(WEST SIDE OF
HOSPITAL)
INSIDE MOBILE UNIT
8:00-2:30 PM
28
NO CLINIC
08/28/2013 CG
15
Tuesday
1
22
15
22
NO CLINIC
NO CLINIC
NO CLINIC
Thursday
3
24
Friday
4
25
D1 (BLACKWATER)
(Title X Funded)
NEW HOUSING
8:30-12:00 PM
D2 HOUSING
Wednesday
12:30-2:30pm
OCTOBER 2013
2
23
CLINIC
D4NO
(SAN
TAN)
SERVICE CENTER
8:30-2:30 PM
9
D5 (BAPCHULE)
30
BY HEADSTART
D3
(SACATON)
8:30-11:30
PM
BY BOY’S
& GIRL’S
PEDRO
SITE CLUB
8:30-2:30 PM
12:00-2:30PM
18
NO CLINIC
CLINIC
NO
D6 (KOMATKE)
31
BY KOMATKE HEALTH
NO CLINIC
CENTER
9:00-2:00 PM
NO
CLINIC
CALL
AND
SCHEDULE YOUR
FAMILY PLANNING
APPOINTMENT TODAY
J
16
D7 (Maricopa Colony)
SERVICE CENTER
9:00-2:00 PM
520 562-5150 office
520 371-0132 cell
CENTRAL
ARIZONA
SACATON
COLLEGE OF
DEPARTMENT
FAMILY
PLANNING
REHABILITATION
CLINIC
SERVICES
D1 (BLACKWATER)
NEW HOUSING
http://www.grhc.org/getpage.php?name=famplan&sub=Services
8:30-12:00 PM
D2 HOUSING
12:30-2:30pm
IRA HAYES
HIGH SCHOOL
TEEN CLINIC
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
8:30-2:00 PM
29
D6 (KOMATKE)
BY KOMATKE HEALTH
CENTER
9:00-2:00 PM
Gila River Health Care
Family Planning Mobile Medical
16Clinic
17
8:30-2:00
8 PM
AK-CHIN (MARICOPA)
29
CLINIC
D7
(Maricopa
Colony)
INSIDE
MOBILE
UNIT
SERVICE
CENTER
8:30-2:00
PM
9:00-2:00 PM
NO CLINIC
D5 (BAPCHULE)
BY HEADSTART
8:30-11:30 PM
PEDRO SITE
12:00-2:30PM
23
D4 (SAN TAN)
SERVICE CENTER
8:30-2:30 PM
30
D3 (SACATON)
BY BOY’S & GIRL’S CLUB
8:30-2:30 PM
http://www.grhc.org/getpage.php?name=famplan&sub=Services
10
17
NO CLINIC
24
11
18
NO CLINIC
25
SACATON
DEPARTMENT OF
REHABILITATION
SERVICES
NO CLINIC
31
CALL AND
SCHEDULE YOUR
FAMILY PLANNING
APPOINTMENT TODAY
J
NO CLINIC
Page 7
Page 8
Tribal Education Department
“Maschahamdud a Jeniktha”
October 18, 2013
Healthy Active Natives
Continued from Page 1
A doctor informed him that he had arthritis in his spine, while a physical therapist told him flat out, “there’s no way you can run.” Having people
telling him he couldn’t do something, basically implying he should give
up, lit a fire in Pahona. He decided on the spot to run a half marathon, and
dropped about 40 pounds by the time he completed the 13.1 miles of the
P.F. Chang’s race in Phoenix.
Now a lead peer fitness coordinator for Gila River Health Care, Pahona sat in his Komatke clinic office after our hour-long workout. He is
now a muscular 174 pounds. He smiled as he unfurled laminated beforeand-after photos of himself running at his heavier weight. The fuller-faced
and wider man in the picture bears little resemblance to the fitness guru
Pahona has become.
“I’m just like everybody else, I used to be big,” Pahona said. “I’ve
struggled with my weight.”
After his own fitness makeover, Waylon found his calling as a personal trainer and enjoys his day job working with anyone from elders looking
to stay active to the physically fit seeking a challenging new routine. But he
wanted to share this newfound passion with other Native Americans, who
he often saw represented as unhealthy and inactive.
One night in March 2012, he was googling search terms like “healthy
Native Americans” or “Native Americans working out” and hardly found
anything besides a few videos on YouTube. That is when he decided to
start the HANs Facebook group and invite about 50 close friends.
“I just thought, you know what, I’m going to find people who share
the same passion I do with exercise and for motivation,” Pahona said.
Membership hovered at around 700 for most of 2012. Then at the
beginning of this year, things just started to “blow up.” People were asking
to be accepted at a breakneck pace and by the summer HANs was adding
about 1,000 people to its membership every few weeks. (Pahona, Ayala
and Hardy vet every person who requests access to the group, making sure
they are not posting pictures of alcohol or drugs, soliciting things or saying
inappropriate things.)
Today, Pahona spends about three hours a night curating the posts
on HANs, on top of his full-time responsibilities at work and at home. He
lives in Tempe with his wife Janis (also a regular runner) and their two
boys, Jayden, 13, and Kaiyou, 8.
Pahona has done more than found a popular online forum that many
members visit incessantly throughout the day. He’s created a palpable energy that Native Americans can harness, enhance and distribute.
-Shortly after I posted on the HANs page asking for people who wanted
to speak with the GRIN about their experiences, I received this message:
“hello..my name is Joshua Longhat..im 33 and i live in Zuni NM..im
a T5-6 paraplegic in a chair with wheels..ive had my injury for two years..i
workout at least three times a week..i joined the HANs page to motivate
and get motivated..to inspire and to be inspired..it helps a lot when i dont
feel like working out to read the posts..then i want to post and be read about
my workout…”
Longhat had been rock climbing on a July 2010 afternoon that changed
his life. It had just rained and the rocks were slick. Longhat slipped, fell
nearly 20 feet and landed on his back, paralyzing him from the waist down.
He had always been active before his injury and that wasn’t about to
change. He took the initiative to learn to do things in new ways. He learned
to drive his car with the pole of a Swiffer mop and an extendable claw
grabber. He played golf, a game he excelled at in college, swooshing his
swing from a sitting position in his chair.
But the place where Longhat found solace was at his local wellness
center. He toned his upper body, pumping up his biceps, triceps and shoulders. He heard about HANs through a friend and posted a picture showing
off his ripped arms on a “Flex Friday.”
Longhat’s photo got more Facebook “likes” than anything he had ever
written before. “I’ve been active my whole life,” Longhat said in a phone
interview. “And I wasn’t going to let me being in a wheelchair or having
my injury stop me from doing whatever I used to do.”
Charlene Fountain, 40, of the Karuk and Pit River tribes, had similar success against life-threatening obstacles. She survived ITP (immune
thrombocytopenia), a blood disorder, and steroid-induced diabetes, which
left her hospitalized for long periods of time. She couldn’t walk for very
long without a lot of pain. She began to walk a block or ride a stationary
bike for just 10 minutes at a time.
“There were times I felt alone and wished I had support but was determined to do it no matter what,” Fountain wrote. “After 6 months I lost 35
pounds, got off half of my meds and in a little over a year was taken off all
meds and cleared of all medical issues.”
When she spoke on the phone from her current home in Cameron,
N.C., Fountain was emphatic when I asked her how she pulled herself out
of her debilitating health difficulties.
“To me there’s no other option,” she said. “When you’re so far down
the only way to go is back up. When everything is taken away from you,
you want that back. You see how precious everything is.”
Fountain joined HANs in May and started slowly shared her backstory with fellow members. She has committed to run a half marathon in
late November, something which “I never thought in my life I would do.”
Continued on Page 9
October 18, 2013
Gila River Indian News
Page 9
Community Council Action Sheets Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013
ACTION SHEET
Community Council; PO Box 2138; Sacaton, Arizona 85147;
Phone (520) 562-9720; Fax (520) 562-9729
CALL TO ORDER
The First Regular Monthly Meeting of the Community
Council held Wednesday October 2, 2013, in the Community Council Chambers at the Governance Center in
Sacaton, Arizona was called to order by Governor Gregory
Mendoza at 9:07 a.m.
INVOCATION
Provided by Councilman Norman Wellington, Sr.
ROLL CALL
Sign-In Sheet Circulated
10 Council Members Present
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
APPROVED AS AMENDED
REPORTS
1. Update Re: Lone Butte Departmental Relocation
Presenters: David White, Kimberly Dutcher
DISPENSED AT APPROVAL OF AGENDA
2. Gila Crossing Community School Final A/C Project
Report
Presenters: Dr. Jeff Williamson and Board of Trustees
REPORT HEARD
3. 2012/2013 Head Start Program Information Report
Presenter: Patricia Valenzuela
REPORT HEARD
4. St. Peter Indian Mission School Tribal Allocation 4th
Quarter Report
Presenter: S. Martha Mary Carpenter
REPORT HEARD
5. St. Peter Indian Mission School Tribal Allocation Annual
Report 2012-2013
Presenter: S. Martha Mary Carpenter REPORT HEARD
6. Sacaton Elementary Tribal Allocation Annual Report
SY2012-2013
Presenter: Leslie Rychel
REPORT HEARD
7. Sacaton Middle School Annual Report SY2012-2013
Presenter: Philip Bonds
REPORT HEARD
8. Gila Crossing Community School Tribal Allocation
Annual Report SY2012-2013
Presenters: Jeff Williamson Board of Trustees
REPORT HEARD
9. Gila Crossing Community School Board of Trustees 120
Day Review
Presenters: Jeff Williamson and Board of Trustees
REPORT HEARD
10. Blackwater Community School Tribal Allocation Annual
Report SY2012-2013
Presenter: Jacquelyn Power
[Governor Gregory Mendoza called for a 10 minute break
Reconvened at 11:13pm]
11. Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority – Fiscal
Year 2013 Quarter 3 (April 1, 2013 – June 30, 2013)
Presenters: John Lewis and Leonard Gold
REPORT HEARD
12. Tribal Social Services Assessment Action Plan
Presenter: Gary Quinn
TABLED
13. Follow-up on Crime Victim Services - On Call
Presenter: Nada Celaya
REPORT HEARD
14. Review of Community’s Indian Child Welfare Act Program In Light of Supreme Court Ruling
Presenter: Claude Jackson
REPORT HEARD
15. Gila River Gaming Commission – Report of August
2013 (Executive Session)
Presenters: Courtney Moyah and Serena Joaquin
MOTION MADE AND SECOND TO ACCEPT
[Governor Gregory Mendoza called for a 1-hour lunch
break Reconvened at 2:00pm]
RESOLUTIONS
1. A Resolution Approving A One-Time Exemption To The
Employee Policies And Procedures Reference Guide
Permitting Annual Leave Carry-Over For Members Of The
Enterprises Resources Planning Program Implementation
Team (G&MSC forwards to Council with recommendation
for approval)
Presenter: Treasurer Robert G. Keller
APPROVED
2. A Resolution Authorizing The Gila River Indian Fire Department To Submit A Grant Application To The Department
Of Homeland Security FEMA Staffing For Adequate Fire
and Emergency Response Grant
(G&MSC forwards to Council with recommendation for
approval)
Presenter: Chief Thomas Knapp
APPROVED
3. A Resolution Approving and Authorizing An Agreement
Between The Gila River Indian Community and Towers
Watson Delaware, Inc. For Fiscal Year 2014 (G&MSC
forwards to Council with recommendation for approval)
Presenters: Sharon Harvier-Lewis and Treasurer Robert G.
Keller
APPROVED
4. A Resolution Rescinding Resolution GR-168-01
Which Approved A Fifty (50) Year Homesite Assignment
Agreement, And Approving An Amended Fifty (50) Year
Homesite Assignment Agreement For Monica Domingo,
More Healthy Active Natives
Continued from Page 8
But she stated in front of her fellow
8,000 members that she’s going to
do it because “I believe you have
to speak it [and] believe it to do it.”
I asked her to visualize the
moment she crosses the finish line
in November, then asked how soon
she will post a picture on HANs.
“How soon? Within the first
minute!” she said through giggles.
-Getting healthy takes equal
parts will power and resolve. Some
HANs members have honed these
tools into their health and fitness
regiments, helping them overcome
past problems with substance abuse
and alcoholism.
Leo Jim Jr. used to drink a
lot when he lived on the Navajo
Nation near Page, Ariz. “I had no
interest in exercising or nothing, I
was diabetic and I [had] high blood
pressure,” Jim said over the phone.
“And my marriage wasn’t working.”
The day Jim got divorced in
October 2010, he got drunk. He
woke up the next morning with
the pounding hangover that had
become all too familiar for him.
That morning, instead of grabbing
another drink, he grabbed a pair of
old tennis shoes and started running. He hasn’t had a drink since.
Jim, 40, now lives in Portland,
Ore., and raises three sons (his
two daughters live in Navajo Nation with his ex-wife). At the L.A.
Fitness gym he attends, he rarely
sees any other Natives. About six
months ago, he came across the
HANs page and finally found a
place where he could share his success stories with those that could
understand.
“I wasn’t happy inside before,
that’s why I didn’t really care about
anything,” Jim said. “Now…I feel
great inside. People can see me,
who I really am. This is who I am.
So that’s the reason why I enjoy
HANs because there’s some of the
people on there that I can relate to.”
Jim has dropped about 40
pounds and is focusing everyday
on being a good example for his
kids.
Sam Taylor, a 32-year-old
Hopi man, was in the Residential
Treatment Center in Gila River just
a few months ago. He checked in
there because he was “tired of being sick and tired.” He was fed up
with being miserable and wanted
to change. “Everything — the drug
use, the drinking, everything —
was just getting old,” Taylor said in
a phone interview.
He met Pahona when the rehab
center sent him and other residents
to a workout at the Komatke clinic.
There, Pahona “jumpstarted me on
my fitness,” Taylor said, prompting
him to drop from 326 pounds all
the way down to 252. He found the
HANs group and discovered that it
served as instant inspiration.
“I get all my motivation and
support from that site,” Taylor said.
“When I’m feeling lazy, I don’t
want to go out, I just go on the site
and hearing everybody’s stories
motivates me.”
Taylor currently works for
Native American Connections in
Phoenix as a recovery coach for
adolescents.
-In less than an hour, Pahona
has proven his point to me: you
don’t need a gym or an unreasonable amount of time to get fit.
Located In District Six Of The Gila River Indian Reservation And Designated As Drawing No. 30613-0448 (NRSC
forwards to Council with recommendation for approval)
Presenter: Pamela Pasqual
APPROVED
ORDINANCES
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
1. Declarations of Vacancies (2) - Gila River Health Care
Board ofCouncil Secretary Directors Jacqueline Thomas
VACANCY DECLARED
2. Appointment of Appeals Court Judges
Thomas Murphy
(LSC forwards to Council for action)
MOTION MADE AND SECOND TO APPROVE THESE
RECOMMENDATIONS
3. Special Council Meeting Request – For Review/Presentation
Health & Social Standing Of the Affordable Health Care Act
Committee
TABLED AT APPROVAL OF AGENDA
4. HR Assessment (Executive Session)
Janice H. Moore
(G&MSC forwards to Council in Executive Session)
MOTION MADE AND SECOND TO DISCUSS AT THE
WORK SESSION
5. Request for Direction Regarding Treatment of GRPD
Michael Carter
Landowner’s Investigation (Executive Session)
(LSC forwards to Council for discussion)
MOTION MADE AND SECOND TO ENTER EXECUTIVE
SESSION
MOTION MADE AND SECOND COMMUNITY COUNCIL DIRECT THE LAW OFFICE AND LEGISLATIVE
STANDING COMMITTEE TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF
PROPOSED LANGUAGE STRENGTHENING OUR ELECTIONS CODE AND ORDINANCE
MOTION MADE AND SECOND COMMUNITY COUNCIL
DIRECTS GOVERNMENT & MANAGEMENT STANDING
COMMITTEE AND TREASURER ROBERT KELLER TO
BEGIN THE PROCESS FOR REVOCATION OF PANGEA’S COMMUNITY BUSINESS LICENSE
6. Sovereign Immunity Issues (Executive Session)
Office of General Counsel
DISPENSED AT APPROVAL OF AGENDA (To be added to
the Work Session)
MINUTES
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 2:32PM
Over the course of 45 minutes, while using hardly any gym
equipment other than a few medicine balls, some small dumbbells
and a pull-up bar, our workout is
complete. We hit the major muscle
groups (chest, back and legs) while
reaching about 85 percent of my
target hear rate.
As we sit and talk later about
HANs, Pahona says he has been
“overwhelmed” by all the support
from the group members.
“I’m really excited about it.
I’m humbled by that whole experience, seeing things like that and
helping people,” Pahona said. “It’s
my purpose and that’s why I’m
here, to help people.”
Torri Benally, 29, a Navajo
living in Silver City, N.M., made a
video a few weeks ago compiling
a series of pictures various HANs
members have posted of their
proud, healthy bodies. Set to Katy
Perry’s “Roar,” the video is meant
to debunk stereotypes of Native
Americans.
“We have such a stereotype of
Natives that we’re lazy and we’re
alcoholics and addicted to drugs
and we’d rather stay home and stay
in bed not doing anything,” Bena-
lly said, “and so of course there’s
a stereotype that I didn’t like being
associated with. So I’m very proud
to be a part of this group and of this
movement.”
The video ends with a photo of
Pahona, his thumbs touching and
his palms up in the shape of an “H,”
his hands a symbol for HANs. He
is the leader of the pack, ringmaster
of the movement that grows more
powerful with each shared story of
perseverance and each heartening
message of hope.
Chu:chkud Ha Thash Word Match
Page 10
Announcements & Notices
October 18, 2013
Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority
What’s New
at GRICUA:
Customer
Survey Winners
Thank you to
all of our customers that participated in our customer service survey. The survey will provide us
with valuable information on how
we can continue to meet our customers’ expectations and improve
our services. We selected from our
participants five winners of a $50
VISA gift card. Pictured below are
four of our winners. Not pictured is
Denise Garay.
Top to bottom: Jaina Allen
(GRICUA Customer Service Rep)
with Winner- Wilbert Jackson
Winner- Verona Williams
Winner-Everett
Allen
with
GRICUA Finance Director Arnold
Mejia
Winner – Cyrus Johnson
GRICUA System Improvement
Activities
The Casa Blanca circuit upgrade
project will be completed by the end
of September. GRICUA continues
to propose and design circuit upgrade projects that will improve reliability in all Community Districts.
The proposed projects are subject to
SCIP approval and funding as well
as the ability to obtain easements
for these upgrade projects.
GRICUA’s Restoration Process
Please visit GRICUA’s Outage
Center at http://www.gricua.net/
outage-center.html for safety tips
and steps to take during an outage.
You can also see our restoration
process at http://www.gricua.net/
restoration-process.html. To report
an outage – please call (520) 7960600, 24 hours a day.
Conservation Tips-How to Read
an Energy Guide Label
1. Key Features of the appliance are
listed here, for easy comparison between models.
2. Appliance information like make,
model, and size are listed to give
basic information about the appliance.
3. The estimated cost to run the
appliance is based on electricity
use and national electricity prices.
Compare the estimated energy cost
as you would features of the appliance.
4. The cost range chart compares
how much this appliance can potentially cost annually versus other
similar models.
5. The annual estimated energy use
based on average use. Simply multiply this number by the rate on your
electricity bill and you will find the
operating cost.
6. The Energy Star logo is visible
when the appliance is Energy star
rated.
Know What to Look For
It’s hard to tell from the outside how
efficient an appliance is. The things
that make it more efficient are on
the inside-in the motors, compressors, pumps, valves, gaskets, seals
or electronic sensors. Two appliances can look exactly the same on
the outside but be very different on
the inside.
There are two things to look for
when buying a new appliance: the
Energy Guide label that tells you
how much energy the machine will
use, and the Energy Star symbol
that tells you it is highly efficient.
Always choose appliances rated by
Energy Star. These meet energy efficiency standards far more strict
than the minimums required by law.
That increased efficiency is what
leads to increased savings.
Before you go to the store, find out
if Energy Star certifies the type of
appliance you need. Energy Star
rates many appliances, including
clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, room air conditioners, and dehumidifiers.
You can tell how much energy an
appliance will use, by looking for
the yellow Energy Guide label. All
appliances must have this label, except stove ranges and ovens. It will
show you an estimate of how much
energy the appliance uses, how
much it will cost to operate, and
how efficient it is compared with
similar appliances.
Call GRICUA at 520-796-0600 to
report downed power lines or other
outage-related problem.
Reminders
GRICUA District Days 2013
GRICUA will be at the Public
Health Resource Center (433 W
Seed Farm Rd in Sacaton) on the
following days to accept payments
from 10 AM to 3 PM. November 7
December 5
CALL BEFORE YOU DIG
GRICUA is a member of Arizona
Blue Stake. Please call 1-800-7825348 to request an underground line
locate of both GRICUA and SCIP
on reservation facilities.
GRICUA welcomes your comments. You can email comments to
gricuacomments@gricua.net. You
can also visit our website at www.
gricua.net.
GRICUA JOB OPENINGS
GRICUA JOB OPENINGS
CUSTOMER SERVICE REP – full-time position at the Gila River Indian
Community Utility Authority. Candidates should have HS or GED, 2 yrs.
relevant experience; good computer skills; knowledge of billing / bookkeeping;
accurate alpha-numeric data entry.
GIS ANALYST – full-time position at the Gila River Indian Community
Utility Authority. Responsible for performing a variety of analysis utilizing GIS
technology to ensure the data is up-to-date and accurate; collecting, validating
and testing geographic data with the appropriate database; perform mapping,
editing, data conversion, geocoding, and error reconciliation within established
timelines; create and maintain GIS data layers for applications using GIS
software and associated databases; interface with users to develop and
gather system or project requirements ensuring they are transferred into
design specifications and/or requirement documents to obtain, enhance, and
develop GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software and specific
applications, as assigned; implement feedback from users on GIS processes
to aid improvement; prepare maps and presentation material; participate in
the activities associated with a variety of departmental projects including
preparing reports, material, documentation, and coordinating tasks. Master’s degree from an accredited university with major course work in geography or
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and prior electric utility experience is
preferred.
JOURNEYMAN LINE WORKER – full-time position at the Gila River
Indian Community Utility Authority. Qualifications: Journeyman Lineman
certificate required. Must have a thorough knowledge and familiarity with
principles and practices of underground and overhead electric distribution
construction, transmission construction, and system and substation
maintenance. Able to make informed immediate decisions in emergency or
highly stressful situations. A valid Arizona Class A CDL required. Must be
able to successfully pass a skills and climbing test.
Full job descriptions & applications are available at www.gricua.net. Please
submit GRICUA application by fax (480-452-1429), email gricuahr@gricua.net
or hand deliver no later than 11/01/13 at 4:00 PM.
PLEASE NOTE: Resumes will not be considered without an official GRICUA
application.
Preference is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the
Indian Preference Act. GRICUA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The New Kids on the Block in HR, GRHC
By Le Trozzo
Recruitment Specialist
Isabel Gomez, Recruitment Specialist, 2013
“Izzie” Gomez, (GRIC) from District 5, just recently joined our recruitment
team in early August. She brings with her
years of experience from a private medical practice. Her education comes from
Apollo College and has been attending
Central Arizona College and will be completing her degree in the near future. Izzie
is excited to be working with her community and getting to know all the members
within the hospital. She brings pure enthusiasm and energy to the department. In her
spare time, she is out supporting and transporting her children to sporting events and
finds time to take a hike every now and
then. She can be reached at 602-528-1408
and can be reached Mon-Fri. from 8am5pm. We welcome her to the team!
Thom Hauer, MBA, HR Director, 2013
Thom Hauer, “The New HR Guy” as
he likes to refer to himself just came onboard to lead the HR team in early July.
Thom comes to us from Yakima, WA and
has been serving in a Human Resource
role for 20 years. Thom has a vision and a
platform of education, education and more
education: reach out to the youth, and educate them in a way that starts early on and
then bring them into the fold. His attitude
and belief is that if they are shown the
way and educated to meet the needs of the
community in the health fields; that they
will come. They will take their leadership
roles and lead the next generation of Gila
River members into the hospital and all the
health fields.
Look for his upcoming monthly agendas to meet the community in various
events, such as Open Houses, Career Fairs,
Meet n Greets!
Community Services Department
Community Notice
The following changes have been made to the District Assistant Programs administered at the
District Service Centers in the Gila River Indian Community.
Effective October 1, 2013
• The percentage increased from 200% to 250% above the Federal Poverty Income Guideline
(FPIG) to be eligible for assistance which may provide eligibility to more members. (FPIG matrix
available at the service centers)
• Increase of emergency minor home repair amount from $100 - $300 - work order request must
be made, labor and supplies will be taken care of via service center budget. (Determination of
eligible “emergency repairs” will be made after completion of assessment by District Service
Center staff)
• Utility bills under $25.00 will not be paid under Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
*Past due amounts still need to be paid by the member to avoid service interruption.
Effective January 1, 2014
• No Income test required for all elderly and disabled members for assistance under Home
Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Home Repair Program (HRP) – See your District center
for more information on this benefit.
Per legal review of tax liability to our members, all other assistance programs will require income
verification. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we make the transition. For
questions or concerns, contact your local District Service Center Coordinator.
D1 Alan Blackwater(520) 215-2110
D4 Ramsey Moffett(520) 418-3661
D5 Laurie Thomas (520) 315-3441
D2 Jeanne Gomez (520) 562-3450
D3 D. Ann Manuel (520) 562-3334
D6 Gilbert Sabori (520) 550-3805
D7 Richard Kruszynski (520) 430-4780
Pamela Thompson, Director 520.562.9691
“Putting the Unity in Community”
October 18, 2013
Gila River Indian News
Gila River Telecommunications, Inc.
“Proudly serving the Gila River Indian Community since 1988”
Box 5015, 7065 West Allison Road, Chandler, Arizona 85226-5135
(520) 796-3333 • www.gilanet.net • fax (520)796-7534
A simple and convenient way to pay your bill online.
Did you know using eBill is the simplest way of paying your phone bill? Once eBill registration is
complete you will be able to pay your bill, review past payments, check your call history, even see
GRTI’S current newsletter, as well as other features. All from the comfort of your own home!
For step by step directions on using eBill use the link below or call
GRTI Customer Service for questions at (520) 796-3333.
bit.ly/19aWmG9
Have you renwed your Enhanced Lifeline and/or Elder Concession benefits? Enhanced Lifeline and Elder
Concession customers must renew every year to continue receiving benefits.
Renewing For Elder Concession
If you are renewing for the Elder Concession we already have your ID on file. If for whatever reason we
do not, our Elder Concession Specialist will contact you.
Renewing For Enhanced Lifeline
When renewing, simply fill out and return a new Enhanced Lifeline form. Because Enhanced Lifeline is a
federal program, some documentation is required for the initial sign-up.
If you have any questions regarding the programs you can contact our Enhanced Lifeline/Elder
Concession Specialist, Mistydawn Miguel at (520) 796-8816.
Enhanced Lifeline and Elder Concession credits will discontinue on January 1, 2014.
“ C e l e b r a t i n g 2 5 Ye a r s o f s e r v i n g t h e G i l a R i v e r I n d i a n C o m m u n i t y ”
Page 11
N AT I O N A L
BREAST CANCER
AWARE NESS MONTH
If you haven’t already, find your “I CAN” and join the promise to battle and not quit.
Create A Early Detection Plan
•Breastcanceristhesecondmostcommoncanceramongwomen.
•Earlydetectionisyourbestdefense.Learnwhereyoucangetfreescreening.
•Knowwhatelseyoucandotodecreaseyourrisk?
Thebestwaytofightbreastcanceristohaveaplanthathelpsyoudetectthediseaseinitsearlystages.
•KnowtheSymptomsandSigns
•PerformaSelf-Exam
•HaveaClinicalExampreformed
Everypersonshouldknowthesymptomsandsignsofbreastcancer,andanytimean
abnormalityisdiscovered,itshouldbeinvestigatedbyahealthcareprofessional.
for more information - www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month
WinGilaRiver.com
800-WIN-GILA
Owned and operated by the Gila River Indian Community