Education is top priority at the Governor`s Scholar Awards Banquet

Transcription

June 2010
www.gilariver.org/news
Vol 13, No. 6
Serving all seven districts of the Gila River Indian Community
Gila River Indian News
P.O. Box 459
Sacaton, AZ 85147
Change Service Requested
TCRP schedule changes
but election is coming
Submitted by the TCRP Task Force
2010. Although this is a
significant change to the
TCRP schedule the delay is
widely considered to be a
necessity in that any
change to the GRIC Constitution is essential and
critical to the on-going success and prosperity of the
GRIC.
In addition to conducting research on the
Veto Power issue the TCRP
Task Force has also partnered
with
Reuben
Ringlero
&
Rodrigo
Castillo of Edit Box Productions (GRIC Employ-
PRESORTED STANDARD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Sacaton, AZ
Permit No. 25
On April 14, 2010, the Legislative Standing Committee and Government &
Management
Standing
Committees motioned to
have TCRP and the Law
Office report back to the
joint committee with an
“Advisory Memorandum”
on how the proposed Veto
Power would impact government operation. As a result of this directive it is
likely a BIA Secretarial
Election could occur as late
as November 2010 or some
time in calendar year 2011.
A second joint meeting is
scheduled for June 10,
See TCRP on Page 5
GRIN/ Mihio Manus
Miss Gila River 2010, Tia Benally receives her plaque for being a Governorʼs
Scholar from GRIC Govenor William R. Rhodes.
Ve chig O’Otham celebrates youth agriculture Education is top priority at the Governor’s Scholar
program at Gila Crossing Awards Banquet
By Mihio Manus, GRIN Managing Editor
By Roberto A. Jackson, GRIN Reporter
GRIN/Roberto A. Jackson
A regular at the 4th grade banquet, Lt. Gov. Manuel praises
the school and the students for their commitment to GRIC’s
agricultural roots and for their generosity to the Community.
LAVEEN-Gila Crossing
Community
School’s
gymnasium was bustling
with guests during the 8th
annual 4th grade banquet
on May 14, 2010. Invitations were extended to
family members and
tribal leaders who came
in support of the school’s
progressive agricultural
and cultural program.
The high-spirited atmosphere was accurately
summarized by Lt. Gov.
Joseph Manuel, “There
is a good feeling in the
air here in the westend.”
Thanks to the 4th
grade class, the agriculture and culture departments and staff, the
Community enjoyed an
abundant feast with
foods that incorporated
indigenous ingredients
from the school garden.
The name of the garden is Ve chij O’Otham
ees, translation: young
people planting. The
garden has provided
learning opportunities for
students in key areas.
Students are introduced
to traditional fare while
See Agriculture on Page 10
WILD HORSE PASS-“Education is the number one priority for Gila River,” said Gila River Indian Community Governor, William R. Rhodes in his keynote address at the 2010
Governor’s Scholar Awards Banquet. “That’s because all
these children are future leaders not only of Gila River but
with our involvement in the outside world.”
GRIC’s Tribal Education Department along with the
Education Standing Committee and the Executive Office
coordinated and sponsored the Governor’s Scholar Awards
Banquet on Sat, May 22 at the Sheraton at Wild Horse Pass
Resort. The event hosted over one hundred students from
the Community along with their parents and relatives who
were all treated to an elegant buffet style dinner complete
with a dessert station.
GRIC Lt. Governor Joseph Manuel was also on hand to
deliver a message of congratulations to the students while
encouraging them to pursue their education beyond high
school.
“We all know that education is the key to success in
today’s society. We’ve always encouraged our children to
go to school and get good grades,” Manuel said. “Everyone
has that opportunity in GRIC to pursue education beyond
high school. In certain cases, we (the Community) are funding it 100 percent if outside scholarships are not available.
If the balance is there, we will take care of it.”
Notably, Lt. Governor Manuel’s son, Joseph Manuel Jr.
was recently accepted into Stanford University in Palo Alto,
Calif. Manuel Jr., will enter the university as a freshman
this coming fall.
Recently crowned Miss Gila River 2010, Tia Benally
was also one of the Governor’s Scholars recognized at the
See Governorʼs Scholars on Page 10
Army 1st Air Calvary Paratrooper Glenn Hayes at
Skydive Arizona
By Roberto Jackson and Jeri Thomas
ELOY. During the early morning of May 27, as many
as 50 friends and family members rallied around Glenn
Hayes, of D5, at the World’s largest skydiving resort,
Skydive Arizona. Hayes is an Army Veteran with the
1st Air Calvary who valiantly served during the Korean
War conflict, 1950-1953.
Hayes celebrated his 77th birthday on May 1. Janice Hayes, daughter, asked her father if there was
something more he would like to accomplish. Hayes
broke the news that he wanted to jump out of a plane
before he dies. “I just like to jump,” he said.
Janice asked long-time family friend known only
as “’Action Jackson” to jump with the elder Hayes. “It’s
a great honor,” said Jackson, and “He’s ready to rockn-roll.” Preparations were set in motion for two tandem dives to occur at the ‘mega drop zone’ in Eloy.
See Skydive on Page 10
Jeri Thomas/GRIN
Glenn Hayes with daughter Janice at Skydive Arizona
check-in window
Page 2
February 2009
June 2010
Page 3
Letters
Gila River Indian
News
MIHIO MANUS
mihio.manus@gric.nsn.us
GRIN Managing Editor
(520)562-9718
JERI THOMAS
jeri.thomas@gric.nsn.us
GRIN Office Manager
(520)562-9717
GINA GOODMAN
gina.goodman@gric.nsn.us
Receptionist
(520)562-9715
ROBERTO A. JACKSON
roberto.jackson@gric.nsn.us
Reporter
(520)562-9719
Fax: (520)562-9712
Email: grin@gric.nsn.us
www.gilariver.org/index.php/news
Gila River News
Material published in the Gila River
Indian News may not be reproduced in
any form without consent from the
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 writerʼs 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.
Write to:
Editor, GRIN
P.O. Box 459
Sacaton, AZ 85247
Published letters or columns do not necessarily
reflect the opinion of the editor or Gila River Indian Community.
Gila River Indian Community
P.O. Box 97
Sacaton, AZ 85247
520.562.9500
www.gilariver.org
William R. Rhodes, Governor
Joseph Manuel, Lt. Governor
District #1: Arzie Hogg
Augustine Enas
District #2: Jewell Whitman
District #3: Rodney Jackson
Myron Schurz
District #4: Barney B. Enos Jr.
Rebecca Rowe
Christopher Mendoza
John Antone
District #5: Brenda Robertson
Brian Davis
Frank Pablo, Sr.
Delane Enos
District #6: Anthony Villareal
Albert Pablo
Terrance B Evans
District #7: Currently Vacant
Arthur Felder, Tribal Treasurer
Linda Andrews, Community Council
Secretary
Thanks from Terri Enos on behalf of family
I am writing this letter on behalf
of all of my family in loving
memory of our beloved brother,
nephew, son and grandfather Antonio “Tony” Barrera. Tony
passed away on May 31, 2010 at
his home in Parker, Arizona. He
suffered from renal cancer which
was very aggressive.
We want to send out a great
big THANK YOU to all who
showed their love and support in
the loss of Tony by way of encouraging words, visits to the
hospital and care centers during
his stays there in these last 6
months, the reminiscing of old
times, etc., these times were especially helpful to us.
THANK YOU to all who
provided food, water, pastries,
etc. during the days prior to the
services and after. THANK
YOU to Pam Smith & Darlene
Jackson & Families. THANK
YOU to Yolanda Quintero &
Family.
THANK YOU to the individuals who helped dig the grave
(you know who you are) and
also to Randy Myers for making
the cross for Tony.
THANK YOU to the District 5 Service Center staff who
delivered tables/chairs, set up the
tent, water jugs and the use of
the Center to feed the grave diggers and also to feed after the
services.
THANK YOU to the Gila
River Police Department for arranging for the escort service before the wake service from the
Gila River boundary to home
and also from home to the cemetery. THANK YOU for arranging the ‘Honor Guard’ during the
wake service in recognition of
Tony’s service to the Gila River
Police Department some years
ago. Especially THANK YOU
for the final tribute to Tony as
you left at the close of the wake
service in ‘final recognition’ of
his service to the GRIC Police
Department. This was a very
nice gesture from the department
and will be forever memorable
in our hearts and minds!
THANK YOU to Pastor
Aaron Johns & his wife Matilda
for conducting the wake service
and the graveside service – Tony
grew up attending the Baptist
Church and Pastor Johns had
some memorable times to share
with all about Tony
THANK YOU to the following groups who provided
songs of encouragement during
the wake services:
Cecil Sr. & Cecil Jr. Lewis
& Group, Don Enos & the Matachina Dancers, Harold Patrick’s
Group includes Wayne Allison
& Group, Brenda Robertson &
Imogene Jackson, Lighthouse
Church Group, Jason Pratt &
Betty Enos for the traditional
singing, The Family Group from
Salt River (Rhodes Family),
Ernie Lucero.
Thank you to everyone who
provided the beautiful flowers
and floral arrangements, candles,
etc...
Tony is now at peace and is
in heaven with our Mom and
other loved ones who have
passed on. He is no longer suffering or in pain. Tony will be
forever in our hearts and minds
with the memories he has left
with us.
God bless you all and
THANK YOU!
Terri Lewis-Enos, Mary
Barrera-Angeles, Lisa BarreraHernandez, Justin Pedro, Danny
Lewis and the rest of our family
members who are too many to
list (but you know who you are)
Mother connects with son via poem
Dear GRIN,
I would like to extend my
gratitude to all of you that made
it possible for me to get this
poem out, so that maybe my son
(Danzig) would see it. Well, I’m
very happy to tell you that he has
made contact with me and is
coming to see me. He has graduated on 5/19/10 and like I said…
I’m very proud of him!! For the
first time in my life I’m truly
happy and I owe it to the grace
of God and to all of you. I really
do appreciate the opportunity of
having this in the paper, because
it made its way to my son. I really feel I can finish this 1 ½
years, I got to go… with a lot of
confidence because I’m complete knowing that I will be
“going home” to my son. So
once again, thank you! Thank
you!
I am truly a fan of the Gila
River Indian News because you
make a big difference in peoples
lives. I know because you’ve
changed mine!!
Signed a member
Vanessa Rae Donahue
Letters continued on page 20
Page 4
June 2010
United States to review opposition to UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
By Jeri Thomas, GRIN staff
One could say efforts by the Obama administration are quickly changing the
tides in a major way for indigenous peoples. In an interview Shannon Rivers,
Co-Chair of the United Nations Global
Indigenous Caucus, said the United
States will reexamine its opposition to
the United Nations Declaration on the
Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Rivers said delegates of the North
American Global Indigenous Peoples
Caucus attended the 9th session of the
UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. A briefing was held at the United
Nations, NY on April 20, 2010 by Kimberly Teehee, Senior Policy Advisor for
Native American Affairs Domestic Policy
Council, Office of the President.
United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Susan E. Rice and Teehee made
public statements on behalf of the
Obama administration before a delegation of 70 representatives. Officials said
that the United States will “Review its
position” on the UN Declaration Rights
of Indigenous Peoples. They also said
that the review process “May take some
time.”
According to Rivers, the Global
Caucus pressed officials for a time
frame to conduct the review. Rivers said,
“We addressed some of the tougher
questions such as why is the US still one
of the last remaining member states of
the UN body yet to sign onto the Declaration?”
Additionally significant to native nations is the recent announcement by the
White House that the State Department
created a new website for public input
during the US review of its position on
the UN Declaration. It states, “That the
reexamination directly complements our
commitment to work together with the international community on the many challenges that indigenous peoples face. It
goes on to say, that the Administration
recognizes that, for many around the
world, this Declaration provides a framework for addressing indigenous issues.”
During his first year in office, President Barrack Obama held an unprecedented White House Tribal Nations
Conference making good on his campaign promise to provide meaningful
change for those too long excluded from
the American dream.
President Obama pledged to the
leaders of 564 federally recognized
tribes in attendance that they will have
full access to America’s opportunities
and get their relationship with the federal
government “right.” Obama also said
that he will make sure tribal leaders will
have the ear of top administration officials who will work with them on issues.
At the White House Tribal Nations
conference on Nov. 5, 2009, President
Obama said he will sign a memorandum
that directs every Cabinet agency to give
him a detailed plan within 90 days of
how we’re going to improve tribal consultation. He also said “Today’s summit
is not lip service. We’re not going to go
through the motions and pay tribute to
one anther, and then furl up the flags
and go our separate ways. Today’s ses-
Shannon Rivers, D5, and The Hon. Ambassador Susan E. Rice who serves on President Obama’s Cabinet, appear in the photo. Photo taken Apr. 19, 2010 and reprinted
courtesy of Lise King Photography
sions are part of a lasting conversation
that’s crucial to our shared future.”
On Sept 13, 2007, 144 UN member
states voted in favor of adopting the
Declaration. The United States, Canada,
Australia, and New Zealand voted
against its passage. Australia and New
Zealand now endorse it. Canada recently announced that it may give “qualified recognition” to the Declaration.
There are 390 million indigenous
people around the world. The Declaration is international law and provides
principles and framework for partnership
and reconciliation between governments
and indigenous people. The Declaration
serves as a benchmark for human rights
and is politically significant to native nations.
Also
attending
the
briefing
was Frederic “Rick” Barton, Representative of the United States of America on
the Economic and Social Council of the
United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador.
2nd annual ‘summer in sac’ car
show
celebrates
lowrider culture
story and photos by roberto a. jackson
SACATON-The Gila River Wellness Center was sizzling on May 22, 2010 as summer was ushered in with “The 2nd Annual Summer in Sac,” car show. The event
was organized by Russell Blackwater and Yazzie Marrietta and featured 45 custom
rides including lowriders, hot rods, trucks, imports, motorcycles and bikes.
Blackwater said that he grew up around lowriders and wanted to provide a setting for people to enjoy the cars and bikes. “It’s a lifestyle,” said Blackwater.
Last year’s event was smaller but it was promising enough for Blackwater and
Marrietta to organize a second car show. This year’s show featured a majority of
lowriders from Casa Grande, Chandler, Coolige and Eloy. Blackwater said that the
participants he spoke with committed to next year’s event as well.
Blackwater remembers people in the Community having lowriders since the
70s. “It’s a special interest for us.”
Blackwater and Marrietta raised all their own money with raffles and sales and
even had a street show in D1 in order to buy trophies for the “Summer in Sac,” car
show. There were first, second and third place trophies for the different categories
and two best in show trophies.
While spectators toured the Wellness Center parking lot, hip hop artists entertained onlookers and provided steady beats for the event which lasted from 1pm to
6pm. Guest DJs Nonstop and Lokie spun music along with Blackwater.
Adding to the local flavor of the show were the hip hop artists from D3 and D5
who perform under the name of “Aboriginal Abilities.” “Every time I put something
on,” Blackwater said, “they back me up.”
Other valley hip hop artist participated including visitors from Albuquerque.
The vehicles did not disappoint in their eye-popping paint jobs, pristine interiors
and exquisite rims and wheels. Next year Blackwater is hoping to accommodate a
car hopping contest where vehicles equipped with hydraulics bounce their way to
prizes and trophies. Blackwater said such contests are a fan favorite and have a tendency to attract more entries and spectators.
Cars displayed at the Wellness Center provided spectators with a glimpse into the world of
custom lowriders. The 2nd annual “Summer in Sac Car Show” also included entertainment
and food and vendor sales. Local car clubs competed for a wide range of trophies with an
entry fee of $10 for vehicles and $5 for bicycles.
Since the event was free and visitors came periodically during the five hour
show, initial estimates gauged attendance all together at approximately 300 visitors.
The next anticipated event will be a cross-Community cruise called “Caravan
Across the Rez,” which will canvas all the Community’s Districts culminating in a
car show in D7. Blackwater said the event is scheduled for October.
Blackwater was much obliged to the generosity of the Wellness Center and to
the friends and family who helped in the success of this event including the registration crew.
June 2010
Page 5
Fundraiser for Miss Indian Arizona unites both performers and Community members alike
By Roberto A. Jackson, GRIN Reporter
grateful for the Community’s support,” Daryl Lynn said.
An impressive slate of performers volunteered to rally
support for Jay. When he isn’t busy with affairs of state,
Lt. Gov. Joseph Manuel specializes as a singer-song writer
with his band Eagleheart. “This day is for Miss Indian Arizona; our own Miss Indian Arizona,” Manuel said. Manuel
and his band performed along with numerous Native
American acts including Radmilla Cody, NAMMY winner and Grammy nominee Gabriel Ayala, and District 4
council representative Rebecca Rowe.
Canyon Records recording artist and Grammy nominee Robert Tree Cody also enthralled the crowd with his
masterful flute playing in order to raise funds for Miss Indian Arizona. Cody currently resides in Phoenix and is a
member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
Dance performances were provided by the Theodore
Roosevelt School Apache Crown Dancers from Ft Apache
and Chich’no basket dancers from Co-op Village among
others. Miss Indian ASU Cher Thomas, D6, was also on
hand to volunteer along with Daryl Lynn’s sister Casey and
brother, Andy.
“We wanted to have a day in the Community to come
together,” Robin Fohrenkam said as he addressed the audience shortly before the raffle drawing.
“Daryl Lynn is an inspiration to our youth to get educated, stay active and treat everyone with respect and to
be friendly! Our family and friends wanted to show our
support for Daryl Lynn by having this event to say how
proud we are of her and her accomplishments, and to help
raise some traveling funds for her,” Fohrenkam said.
The raffle prizes were individually donated and included an outdoor patio set, 32” flat screen TV and a barbeque grill. Several other items ranged from artwork,
jewelry, plants, gift certificates and apparel.
After the winners were announced Jay thanked everyone who participated for their time and generosity as she
embarks on the second half of her reign as Miss Indian Arizona 2009-2010.
GRIN/Roberto A. Jackson
LAVEEN-A fundraising event was held for Daryl Lynn
Jay, Miss Indian Arizona 2009-2010, at the Komatke Boys
& Girls Club on May 15, 2010. Jay’s reign has crested
over the halfway point, and the funds raised will go a long
way in covering expenditures for her extensive travel
schedule during the second half of her term.
Guests streamed in from 11 am to 5 pm to purchase
raffle tickets and enjoy a heralded list of performers and
entertainers. “We printed two thousand raffle tickets and
we sold out,” said Jay as more raffle tickets were provided
for the remainder of the event.
Jay, who is the daughter of Mike and Priscilla Jay
from D6, said the first portion of her tenure as Miss Indian
Arizona was utilized to acquaint herself with the Native
American communities in Arizona. Miss Jay said her travels gave her a tremendous sense of the people she represents across the state.
With trips to Hawaii, South Dakota, Oklahoma and
California on her itinerary the Fohrenkam family of D6
teamed with Jason Coochwytewa, Janet Johnson, Esther
Moyah, Carlos Becerra, and Cecelia Antone to orchestrate
the Miss Indian Arizona fund raising event. “I’m really
Left: Miss Indian AZ at the raffle booth during a successful
fundraising event which brought several guests and artist to
Komatke Boys and Girls Club. Center: Joseph Manuel Jr.,
displays his tremendous hand speed. As a percussionist he
is able to strike a drum 985 times in one minute. Manuel was
also recently accepted by Stanford University in Palo Alto,
CA. He will be attended in September following his High
School Graduation. Right: Robert Tree Cody during his routine on the flute. Cody, who lives in Phoenix, thanked the Jay
family and the Fohrenkam family the chance to help fundraise
for Miss Indian AZʼs extensive travel schedule.
TCRP/Election is coming
ment & Training Department) to create a short video on the
current status of the Tribal Constitution Reform Project. The
video will highlight the history of the current GRIC Constitution, the major changes to the draft Constitution
brought forth by community members, and the upcoming
BIA Secretarial Election process. Of great significance to
the process is the encouragement to participate in the BIA
Secretarial Election by registering to vote and then voting!
Should less than thirty percent (30%) of those registered
voters not vote then the amendment will automatically fail.
The BIA Secretarial Election Process
The BIA Secretarial Election is a special election
governed by federal rules and regulations and overseen by
the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). A BIA Secretarial Election is not a GRIC Tribal Election. However, in consideration to the laws under the current GRIC Constitution, a BIA
Secretarial Election is required to revise the GRIC Constitution.
Step 1: GRIC Request
The Secretarial Election process begins when the
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Pima Agency, receives a resolution from GRIC Community Council or a petition from 500
eligible voters (GRIC Tribal Members) requesting a BIA
Secretarial Election. The proposed revised draft constitution of the Gila River Indian Community will accompany
the request. These documents will be reviewed and verified
before they are sent to the BIA Western Regional Office in
Phoenix, AZ.
Step 2: BIA Process
Once the BIA Western Regional Office receives the
request and the document, by federal law they have 90 to
180 days to conduct a technical and legal review of the proposed revision draft and to communicate with the Gila River
Indian Community regarding any issues, findings or questions that may arise. If there are none or once they are resolved, they will issue an Authorization to the Pima Agency
to conduct a BIA Secretarial Election. When issued, the BIA
Secretarial Election must occur within 90 days and under
certain circumstances the 90 day deadline may be extended.
Step 3: BIA Authorization
When Pima Agency receives the Authorization to
conduct the BIA Secretarial Election, the Pima Agency Superintendent will begin the task of creating a BIA Election
Board (not to be confused with the Tribal Election Board).
The Gila River Indian Community will also be asked to appoint Community Members to sit on the Election Board; the
Superintendent will serve as the Chairman of the Election
Board. The BIA Election Board will oversee the BIA Secretarial Election.
Step 4: BIA Secretarial Election
The BIA Election Board will mail notices to all GRIC
adult members and those members who will turn 18 years of
age within 150 days from the date the Secretarial Election
was authorized, of the following:
Registration requirement
How to register
Date of the election
Absentee ballot instructions
All notices are sent to the last known address on record
of the GRIC Enrollment Office. So, it is extremely important that you update and keep your address current with
them.
Attention: Stringent rule regarding Voter Registration and
Voting
For this or any amendment to the GRIC Constitution to pass; a community member must first register to vote
in the BIA Secretarial Election, and at least thirty percent
(30%) of those registered voters must vote. Should less than
thirty percent (30%) of those registered voters not vote then
the amendment will automatically fail.
For further information on the project, please contact Gerald Calnimptewa at (520) 562-9757, Gerald.Calnimptewa@gric.nsn.us or Joanne Miles-Long at (520)
562-9759, Joanne.Miles-Long@gric.nsn.us.
Page 6
Graffiti Busters clean up Community
Officer J. Garcia stands next to the newly donated “Graffiti Busters” truck at a residence on the Gila River Indian Community. Photo courtesy of GRPD.
Submitted by Gila River Police Department
Gila River Police Department
would like to announce a new program within the department, “Graffiti Busters.” The Graffiti Busters
program is designed to attack the on
going graffiti problem on the Gila
River Indian Community.
Officer J. Garcia from the Gila
River Police Department will spearhead the Graffiti Busters program. In
order to do this the unit is relying on
help from the community in the form
of providing information about problem areas and possible suspects involved.
The unit in turn will provide its
services in the form of cleaning and
covering up graffiti in all public
areas. This unit is planning to con-
duct its first function on May 17th
and will continue to do this on a regular basis.
Please report all graffiti to 520562-7114 and/or to schedule graffiti
removal in your respected neighborhood.
This program would not have
been made possible without the help
and support of the following contributors; Wild Horse Pass Development
Authority, Gila River Sand and
Gravel Corporation, Lone Butte Development Corporation, Gila River
Gaming Enterprises, Gila River Indian Community Komatke District
#6, Gila River Police Department,
The Office of the Governor and
Councilmen Villareal.
May 2010
GRTI Contributes to GRIC
Mihio Manus/GRIN
GRTI Presents $406,250 to GRIC. Presenting the GRTI check to GRIC Tribal Council, LtoR, Wallace Jones-GRTI Engineering Manager, Tammy Antone-GRTI Customer
Service, Theresa Gibson-GRTI Purchasing Agent, and Lt. Gov. Joseph Manuel
SACATON-Gila River Telecommunications, Inc. (GRTI) develops a strategic plan
every year to provide better services to
meet the needs of the Gila River Indian
Community (GRIC).
As part of the goals of GRTI, a dividend will be given to the Community each
quarter of 2010. The first quarter dividend
was presented to GRIC Tribal Council on
June 2, 2010 for $406,250.
The GRTI Board of Directors asked
employees to participate and present
the check to the GRIC Tribal Council. The
employees attending were employees included Mary Lou Lorenzen-NTS Procurement Specialist, Dan Reynolds-NTS
Structure Cabling Supervisor, Tanda
Suchta-GRTI Central Office Technician,
Clarice Chiago-Jones-GRTI Marketing Assistance, Bruce Holdridge-GRTI General
Manaager, Derek White-NTS & Alluvion
Manager and Jean Nahomni Mani-GRTI
Marketing Manager.
All five board members were present,
Malcom Eschief, Anthony Newkirk, Rebecca Kisto, Dale Enos and Gordon Santos. It just so happens that Newkirk’s
position on the board was up for election.
That very day, the GRIC Tribal Council selected another individual for that particular
GRTI board position. We say a big thank
you and farewell to Anthony for all the hard
work and knowledge he has given to the efforts for GRTI, NTS and Alluvion.
We welcome Darrell Gerlaugh from
District 4 as the newest member of the
GRTI Board of Directors.
We appreciate the support of the Community in providing GRTI with the opportunity to facilitate telecommunication needs
for residents and businesses of the Gila
River Indian Community. Congratulations
on the success of GRTI, NTS and Alluvion.
May 2010
Page 7
Left to Right. VHM Junior, Bronco Sommerton and Yvonne Davis. Parent Marcos Echeverria and daughter, VHM Junior, Maria Echeverria. Ira H. Hayes Post Treasurer June
Blenton and Hamilton High School Senior Sienna Miller.
Vechij Himdag Recognizes Iwo Jima Essay Winners
By Lillian Kim Franklin
Vechij Himdag Alternative School Inc. hosted a recognition banquet for winners of the American Legion Ira H.
Hayes Post 84 essay contest. Members of the Post joined
the families of all the essay winners in enjoying a slideshow
put together by students in VHM History teacher Sam Jackson’s class featuring pictures of the Iwo Jima Memorial,
photos from the 65th Anniversary of the Flag Raising on Iwo
Jima parade, the special trip for essay award winners in the
restored B17G bomber, Sentimental Journey.
Post Commander Manuel Hernandez joined Vechij
Himdag school board president Valerie Williams in welcoming the essay winners and their families as well as Post
and auxillary members: Ron and June Blenton, Tony and
Carletta McDaniel, Ron Enderly, Lucinda Santos, Father Ed
and Yvonne Davis. Mrs. Mildred Narcia, Grandmother of
essay finalist and Miss Gila River, Tia Benally, a senior at
VHM, offered the blessing before the attendees enjoyed a
fried chicken dinner served by the VHM Service Learning
Students. After dinner student award winners were recognized and presented with a framed photograph of the late Ira
H. Hayes by his grand niece Yvonne N. Davis on behalf of
herself and her mother Gloria Johnson.
“Reading the student essays gave us a sense of hope,”
Commander Hernandez said when he addressed the group.
Students and attendees were invited to speak and express
their feelings about the experience.
Governor’s Employee of the Month for May
2010, Dale Bowling
Submitted by Joel Orona, Ph.D.
Dale Bowling has worked diligently as an electrician undertaking technical concerns and issues beyond the norm for
all of eleven plus years through his work at Facilities Maintenance. He has established a trusting relationship throughout Gila River with his excellent customer service,
efficiency and knowledge of his trade. The hallmarks of this
service have now brought him to be recognized as the May
2010 Governor’s Employee of the Month.
In October of 2009, Dale was asked to obtain energy
efficiency calculations in order to obtain a substantial energy grant for the Community. Dale and his crew monitored
energy consumption in lighting, water and air conditioning
for twenty-eight older and less efficient tribal buildings.
Through Dale’s leadership and cost-savings know-how, Gila
River was awarded a $690,720.00 grant to embark in a low
energy and cost savings project at those buildings. Dale is
currently working with our Department of Environmental
Quality on a similar grant hoping to achieve similar results.
The annual Mul-Chu-Tha fair was no less the recipient
of Dale Bowling’s innovative approach to his work. His
progress through the stringent timeline of the project, the
out-of-pocket purchases of small items, and the overtime
work, all led to a successful design and installation of a permanent electrical system at the fairgrounds. In 2006, Dale
was instrumental in the design and installation of a wide
range of electrical equipment and systems for the emergency
911 room for the Police Department.
Mr. Bowling has been on numerous projects that in-
VHM student Maria Echeverria said it meant a lot to
learn how committed to the brotherhood of the marines Ira
Hayes was. “Ira Hayes never left his brothers behind - he
carried them in his heart.”
Afterwards students, families and post members had a
chance to visit. Many of the students expressed interest in
military careers and enjoyed learning about what being in
the military was like.
Students recognized at the event included winners Sienna Miller, Hamilton High School, Derrick Miller Ira
Hayes High School, Runners up Tia Benally Vechij Himdag
and Vanessa Coronado Vechij Himdag, and finalists and
Vechij Himdag Students, Amy Rhodes, Josh Pablo, Bronco
Somerton, Maria Echeverria, and Ricardo O’Dell,
volve significant tribal dollars and cost-savings to this Community. Anyone of us may unwittingly be the recipient of
Dale Bowling’s work as he serves this Community throughout. His enthusiasm in his work, his approach to cost-savings and innovation, customer friendliness, and knowledge
of his trade allows Mr. Bowling to be of immeasurable service to Gila River and its employees.
Dale Bowling grew up in South Dakota with a later
move to Rockford, Illinois. He currently lives in Apache
Junction with his wife Sue and two children; Jason a recent
high school graduate and Jamie a daughter and sophomore
in high school. Dale is a devoted family man, has a love for
animals, a passion for his work, keeps in touch with old
friends and enjoys the outdoors immensely.
Unfortunatley, both Governor Rhodes and Dale Bowling
were not able to get together for a photo opportunity.
GRIN will run a photo in the July edition of Bowling and
Governor Rhodes.
Tug O’ War!
Members of the Dictrict 5 team battle the
Department of Community Housing in a tug
o’war held at the ballfield in Sacaton during the Employee Fitness Week (May 1721). In the end the team from Community
Housing prevailed over District 5 edging
them out to win the tug o’ war category.
Employees from various Community departments participated in the Employee Fitness Week in numerous activities like fun
run/walks, volleyball and basketball tournaments. The week culminated with the tug
o’ war battle along with a relay race through
a quirky course created exclusively for the
event.
Mihio Manus/GRIN
Page 8
June 2010
GRIC baseball team sets sights on 2010 NABI tournament
By Roberto A. Jackson
GRIN Reporter
“When I put on my uniform, I feel I am
the proudest man on earth.” – Roberto
Clemente
SACATON- In 1846 the first officially
recorded game of baseball was played
in Hoboken, New Jersey across the
Hudson River overlooking Manhattan,
New York. The Knickerbockers competed against a group of cricket players
and lost by 22 runs. This historical contest predated the outbreak of the American Civil War, the downfall of Custer at
the Battle of Little Big Horn and even
Alexander Graham Bell’s patent of the
telephone. The traditions of baseball inspired poets and playwrights, and to this
day the nostalgia associated with our
“national pastime” creeps in the back
door of America’s conscience.
Those traditions will be on display
once again during the 12th Annual Arizona Diamondbacks Inter-Tribal Youth
Baseball Tournament and 3rd Annual
NABI Baseball & Softball Invitational.
In 1998 as Arizona Diamondbacks
were drawing new fans during their inaugural season, their management at
the time recognized a lack of recognition
for Native Americans who have a love
and talent for the game. From then on
the Diamondbacks have hosted an intertribal baseball tournament and are still
the only Major League franchise to distinguish Native Americans, said Tara
Trzinski, Manager, Community Programs for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Last year Gila River fielded a team
for the Triple A NABI Boys Baseball division for high school freshman through
seniors. Managed by Calvin Miles, D4,
the team respectably earned a 4th place
finish. Miles admits that the talent level
for NABI is rising with every tournament
but he said his team is more mature and
experienced than last year’s team.
They’ve been barnstorming against
teams from Cocklebur, Chui Chu, North
Komelik, Casa Grande and even men’s
teams to fine tune their game for NABI.
The team thanks the American Legion Ira H. Hayes Post #84 for picking
up the tab for their registration.
Miles said that during the course of
their play a lot of expenses fall on him
and sometimes even his players who
pool their money together for equipment, travel and entry fees. The players agreed that more assistance from
the Community would help them during
seasonal play. They also agreed that
playing the game itself keeps them from
dwelling on their sparse finances.
Some of Miles’ players participated
in the Under Armour Baseball Factory
National Tryout in Tucson. Out of over
100 who competed, only five players
were selected for the 2010 Omaha Pro
Select Training & Tournament held in
Omaha, from June 17-22. Among those
five selected was the coach’s son, Billy
Miles. Thanks to his hard-nosed style of
play, younger Miles will spend a week in
Omaha undergoing intense training with
hands-on instruction. The instruction
will be tested during a competitive tournament against players from across the
country. The Omaha Pro Select Training & Tournament also offers the chance
to attend two College World Series
Games at Rosenblatt Stadium. Miles
said he is extremely proud of his son as
a father and a coach just as he is of all
his players. “If I show interest in them, I
show them what I know, the rest follows.”
Miles said he had the pleasure of
watching most of his players grow up together in D4. He notes that the team
has excellent camaraderie and chemistry as they push each other to reach
their potential. The players themselves
A member of the Gila River Ira H. Hayes team, Billy Miles drives a pitch to left field
during a game with Cocklebur Outlaws in Casa Grande. Miles was selected to play
in the 2010 Omaha Pro Select Training & Tournament held in Omaha, Neb.
said that playing for Miles is fun and that
he is a great coach. The players also
said that Miles emphasizes good academic standing to play on his team, and
that he never turns anybody away who
wants to learn the game.
Most Sunday mornings the team will
play in Casa Grande. Recently during a
typical game against the Cocklebur Outlaws, workers from Casa Grande informed the team that they would have to
call the game based on an unfit pitcher’s
mound. The team simply packed up
their gear and drove down the road to a
windy field in Chui Chu. The field did not
have grass and there was evidence that
several horses have enjoyed the diamond previously. The team resumed
play as if nothing happened, although
they did say they would not have to go
from field to field if the Community had a
home ball park with proper baseball di-
mensions. Miles just tells his team to
keep winning and they will eventually
have a field of their own.
The team appreciates tournaments
like NABI because they get to interact
with Native American players and
coaches from across the country. The
games are also attended by college
scouts. “The talent is really incredible,”
said Trzinski of the high school boys &
girls who participate.
Each team will receive 20 complimentary tickets to the Native American
Recognition Day presented by Gila
River Casinos and tournament opening
ceremonies on July 24. On the 28th all
championship games will be played followed by a trophy presentation ceremony. For more information look up
dbacks.com/intertribal or email tournaments@dbacks.com.
Life and death of a Native American Nation
By Emmett S. White, D5
Most Native American Nations describe
alcohol and drug abuse as the “BITTER
WIND’. It is an insidious monster that
sneaks into a Nation and destroys every fabric of a society, spiritually, physically, socially and mentally. Along these lines the
traditions and cultures become lost in the
turmoil. A nation is derived from the teachings of the old ones, the examples set by our
leaders, and family participation in our lives
as well as our relations. All of these factors
are important for a Native American Community to sustain the very governing structure and system that began generations ago.
The old people recognized the importance of
ethics, values and morals in all our affairs
and incorporated them into our very lives.
Without these, there is no order and chaos
will destroy a nation.
There was a time when our Nation was
considered rich in the traditional sense.
Friends and relatives helped one another in
the fields, building a house, repairing it or
cleaning out the individual ditches that irrigated the fields, attended church services,
prayed together and shared a harvest. These
were the things that held a community together.
‘WHERE ARE ALL OUR MEN”?
What happened to OUR community? Aren’t
there any more men left who believe in
ethics, values or morals? What have we become? There are so many things that have
gone by the wayside that we are becoming a
socialist government, governed by the
elected few that created a very angry and violent Nation. Our leaders who are elected to
protect the Constitution of our Nation and
the rights of our people choose to ignore
these principles and the God given traditional O’Otham Chianik of our Nation. We
the people ought to be heard in every way
possible and our cries be addressed by the
ones who are elected to carry out the very
oath they took to protect the Constitution
and the people “So help me God”
The very essence of our future lies in
the hands of the people and our elected officials so we all can be included in the GOVERNMENT OF OUR PEOPLE, BY OUR
PEOPLE AND FOR OUR PEOPLE. Allegations have become rampant by our elected
leaders from recalls to tampering with the
voting process, removal of Corporate Boards
and putting elected people in control. This is
micro management and has no room in our
governing system. The former Councils established these corporations as a means of
checks and balances to protect the Community from companies that prey on our Native
American Nations. When our elected leaders remove Board members from a corporation, the Council and unknowingly pierces
the corporate shield that protects the Community from being sued. What happens to
the by-laws of a corporation that was approved by Council and established on how
to conduct corporate businesses? What happened to due process and due diligence and
the rights of those Board members who are
automatically removed at the Council’s
whims? No one knows. No one talks.
How many other Boards suffered the
same fate? Where is the logic in this? How
long are WE going to stand for this unacceptable behavior? People of Gila River, I
urge you to begin to question your Council
people so that decisions are made by Com-
munity members. The government needs
your input in all our affairs so these situations can be remedied.
June 2010
Page 9
Honoring the Journey
Submitted by Pattie King
Gila River Cancer Support
Group Member
Ten years ago, five people sat around a table
wondering how to proceed or what would
come next. Although we were unsure of
what the future held for us we were sure of
one thing; how we had arrived at that table
together. The words “You have CANCER”
brought us together.
Eloise heard it, Harriett heard it, Pat
heard it, and we heard it from them; our
mothers. Five people sitting around a table
with one thing in common - cancer had entered our lives; the uninvited guest at the
table.
When you, or a loved one, are told that
you have cancer, it’s kind of like being put
on the scariest roller coaster ride you can
imagine, and then being told “we’ll let you
on, but we can’t say when you’ll get off, if
ever.” We had all been on that ride for some
time; survivors (those diagnosed with cancer) and family members, and we were
tired. And yes, we were somewhat scared,
after all cancer is a scary thing. But it was
the strength and faith of those women that
held us together, and the belief we held that
sharing our stories and experiences not only
helped us get through the ups and downs,
but it helped others as well.
Since that first meeting ten years ago,
the Gila River Cancer Support Group has
seen many of our community members
come and go. Many have come and remained, some came for a short while, and
many more have been the recipients of support and assistance such as home visits,
prayer visits, food boxes etc. There are
those too who came to our meetings from
town, or from other reservation communities, because they couldn’t find another support group primarily serving Indian people.
Fortunately, through the success of the Gila
River group, other tribal community groups
have since formed.
People have often asked, “What keeps
your group going, what contributes to your
success?” Well, if you define success by the
number of years we’ve been in existence, or
by the fact that we’ve won two awards; the
2004 IHS Health Initiative Award, and the
2006 HOPE (Helping Other People Endure)
Award in Washington, D.C., then ‘yes’ we
are a success. More importantly though, I
believe our “success” is not measured in
numbers, but in the positive changes realized in our community as a result of this
grassroots effort.
Ten years ago, cancer was only spoken
about in hushed tones, and behind closed
doors; certainly no one was talking about
survivorship, or quality of life. Not only are
we talking about cancer now, we’re talking
about how to live with a diagnosis, and beyond. We’re talking to our doctors about it
and asking questions that were once difficult, and they are listening; thank God
they’re listening. All you have to do is go
back a month or so ago, to the Cancer
Awareness Walk that took place in District
Six, and the proclamation by the Governor
naming April as Cancer Awareness Month
in the Community – none of that would
have been possible had it not been for the
determination and commitment made by a
group of people, ten years ago, to never quit
and never give up hope. All of their hard
work laid the groundwork for what we see
in our community today.
On June 24th, the Gila River Cancer
Support Group will celebrate its 10th anniversary, as well as honor all of you who
have taken that journey with us, or on your
own. Please join us as we honor the journey
and celebrate the Colors of Hope. For those
of you who can’t make it to our celebration,
we say “thank you” to all who believed in
us, and supported us. Most of all, we thank
the people of Gila River for allowing us to
serve you.
Top: Harriet Wellington (left) and Patricia Millard (right) are two of the three original
cancer surviving members of the Gila River Cancer Support Group. Bottom: Support
Group members in Washington, D.C. after receiving the 2006 HOPE Award
Page 10
June 2010
Governor’s Scholars from page 1
award ceremony. This year was Benally’s third time being
recognized as a Governor’s Scholar and she feels that promoting education is integral to her platform as Miss Gila
River.
“It feels really good to be recognized as a Governor’s
Scholar. I’ve been doing this ever since my freshman year
when I started at Vechig Himdag Mashamakud. It’s something I continue doing and I enjoy it,” Benally said. “I’m
glad that everyone came out and supported the students. For
all the students who were recognized, congratulations and
keep on going because education is key like Governor said.”
Although education is a top priority within GRIC, it
isn’t a program that is immune from budgetary woes. According to Gina Webb, Administrative Assistant in the Tribal
Education Department, this year they had to cut back on the
number of students recognized in order to fully accommodate as many as they could.
‘This year we had to cut back because of the budget.
We normally recognize twice as many,” Webb said.
However, she did commend Governor Rhodes for his
commitment to the education of Community students.
“I think that if it weren’t for the Governor’s dedication
to the education of the children, we wouldn’t have this,” she
said. “It’s an honor for the kids and families to come together and be recognized for their achievements from preschool through high school. I don’t know that this is being
done in any of the other communities.
Left: GRIC Lt. Governor, Joseph Manuel emphasized that education is the key to success in today’s world.
Right: Governor’s Scholar recipient, Todd Courts, shakes hands with the Chairman of the Education Standing
Committee, Arzie Hogg, at the Governor’s Scholar Award Banquet. Photos by Mihio Manus/GRIN.
Speaking critically on the topic of education, Rhodes
said he sees the need for GRIC to be competitive in the job
market beyond Community boundary. “We’ve got 20,000
plus members and we’ve got to develop other ways to supplement the income and jobs on GRIC. We need to learn
private industry and begin to make private industry grow
here in Gila River. We’re living on limited income from our
few businesses and that’s going to run out eventually,” he
said.
In light of this, Governor Rhodes said he will continue
to encourage students to be competitive when they come out
of colleges, so that they can compete for jobs not only in the
Community but also in other places.
“The world is changing. It has to be that way,” Rhodes
said. “We’ll continue to support education funds as long as
we can. It’s our number one priority.”
Also in attendance were D5 Councilman, Brian Davis,
D4 Councilwoman, Rebecca Rowe, D3 Councilman, Rodney Jackson and D1 Councilman and Chairman of the Educational Standing Committee, Arzie Hogg.
Agriculture from page 1
integrating ecological and environmental studies. “We
get to learn how to plant it and all that,” said 4th grade
student Michael Romero.
Mr. Tim Moore, agricultural teacher, suggested that
the garden has also cultivated a helpful nature in students.
Ms. Rebecca Thomas, culture teacher, said that
the program has brought great satisfaction to the students. “I believe it’s a way of showing their Eagle
pride,” Thomas said.
The Community’s prolific agricultural history and
generosity were exemplified as students and staff
served plate after plate following the blessing of the
meal.
Executive Chef Michael O’Dowd from Kai Restaurant also charmed visitors by offering food with locally
farmed ingredients. Kai Restaurant at the Sheraton
Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa is a AAA Five Diamond
restaurant with a menu rich in Native American culture.
In fact, on the menu there is a salad inspired by the
local farmers & children of the Gila Crossing School.
Ms. Shelde’s basket dancers performed a basket
Guests were served by students with food made from
locally raised ingredients. Students also made their
own beverages and presented reports on history and
agriculture.
dance, quail dance, social dance, and going home
dance. While students and staff were serving Mrs.
Matus and Mrs. Norby’s classes provided presenta-
tions on history and agriculture.
A complimentary cookbook with over 40 colorful
recipes was also dispensed at the banquet. The contents contained easy steps to create a variety of meals
with indigenous ingredients. Brown tepary bean dip,
mesquite cornbread, southwest cactus casserole are
some of the zesty treats in the banquet cookbook.
Ms. Salena Reyes, technology instructor, said that
the lessons are designed to extend into the home and
that hopefully more students grasp the ideas when
they make dietary choices.
Special thanks to the success of the banquet was
given to the Gila Crossing Community School Board;
Mr. Joe Frazier; Mr. Ames Singley; Mr. Ed Mendoza;
Ms. Sharon Shelde; Mr. Tim Moore; Ms. Rebecca
Thomas; Mrs. Consuelo Matus; Ms. Tammy Norby and
staff. Thanks as well to Ms. Salena Reyes, Gila River
Police Department, and the 8th grade students who
participated in helping set up and clean. The school
would also like to recognize Paul Ballestero, Duke
Fohrenkam, Elizabeth Francisco, Dion Peters, Robyn
Soriano and Ralston Sunn.
Skydive from page 1
The day of the scheduled dive, Janice said, “I’m
scared. Me and my sisters are scared.” Hayes’ daughter professed that they prayed the Rosary for dad the
day prior. Hayes said she was still scared and that she
kept asking him if he was scared, and he said ‘no.’
“It makes me proud of him,” she said.
The night before the scheduled jump, Hayes said
her dad didn’t sleep until 3 o’clock in the morning and
that he wanted to wear his uniform and belt.
Regretfully, after a routine pre-jump briefing, it was
determined by Skydive experts that it was not in Hayes’
best interest to go through with the dive.
The instructor assigned to the Hayes tandem softly
said aloud to the anxious group of friends and relatives,
“He’s not physically fit enough for us to take him on a
dive. You need to be able to land safely. He needs to
be able to climb up a ladder, get in an airplane, then get
out of an airplane. We can’t get hurt.”
Then, in a scene that has become commonplace
among elders, Douglas Juan, D5, Hayes’ adult
nephew, crouched around his uncle’s ear and repeated
the latest news. This interpretation, however, was especially bittersweet because it was explained to Hayes
in O’odham to ensure Hayes was clear that he would
not be skydiving.
Although clearly disappointed, and after two attempts to regroup, Janice reassured friends and relatives that sister and namesake, “Glenda, is going to do
it for him.”
Dad was okay with the decisions. Glenda did all
the prep work in time for the afternoon flight into the
immense, bright, and clear-blue sky.
Tandem dives are simultaneous falls from aircraft
Left: Glenda Hayes tandem jumps at Skydive Arizona in Eloy, Ariz., in honor of her father Glenn Hayes. Right:
Glenda Hayes and her father, Glenn Hayes, share a joyous moment after her tandem jump. For Glenn Hayesʼ 77th
birthday, the elder had one wish which was to skydive. Unfortunately because of certain health factors, the elder
Hayes wasnʼt able to fufill his dream but he was able to live vicariously through his niece Janice Hayes.
at 13,000 feet above ground. Freefalls reach speeds of
120 miles per hour, or 200 feet, per second.
A freefall lasts less than a minute, but it is a minute
that is packed with adrenaline and exhilaration like no
other. After the cord is pulled, one has the sensation
of sailing alone for thousands of feet before landing. At
landing, they say the impact is similar to jumping from
a chair.
Jackson was first to land and was immediately
greeted with cheers and cameras. He said he was glad
to be on the Earth. “I was just worried about Glenda,”
he said. Jackson said he already knew what he was
getting into, “There was no fear. You get close to the
door, there’s no turning back.”
As for sister, Glenda, she had a bit of a rougher
landing, but through her joyous laughter managed to
say, “It was exciting and scary.”
Delane Enos, D5 Community Council, added to
the euphoric air. Enos, who served with the Army 101st
Airborne Screaming Eagles, said, “It’s something to
see, especially the daughter, Glenda, dedicating herself to her father.” After which he ceremoniously pinned
each with an Ira H. Hayes Post 84 medallion.
“They both deserve it. He smiles a lot. All the people that showed up to support him shows he’s loved,”
Councilman Enos said.
June 2010
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Positive Self Talk
Submitted by
Cynthia Antone
Gila River Health Resource Department
520-550-8000
Self-talk is one way to deal
with stress. We all talk to ourselves, sometimes we talk out
loud but usually we keep selftalk in our heads. Self-talk can
be positive (“I can do this” or
“Things will work out”) or negative (“I’ll never get well” or
“I’m stupid”).
Negative self-talk increases
stress. Positive self-talk helps
you calm down and control
stress. With practice, you can
learn to turn negative thoughts
into positive ones. For example:
Negative:
“I can’t do this.”
Positive:
“I’ll do the best I can.”
Negative:
“Everything is going wrong.”
Positive:
”I can handle things if I take one
step at a time.”
Negative:
“I hate it when this happens.”
Positive:
”I know how to deal with this,
I’ve done it before.”
Practice Positive Self-Talk
To help you feel better,
practice positive self-talk everyday-in the car, at your desk, before you go to bed or whenever
you notice negative thoughts.
Having trouble getting
started? Try positive statements
such as these:
I can get help if I need it.
We can work it out.
I won’t let this problem get me
down.
Things could be worse.
I’m human and we all make
mistakes.
Some day I’ll laugh about this.
I can deal with this situation
when I feel better.
Remember, positive selftalk helps you relieve stress and
deal with the situations that
cause you stress.
Reference: American Heart
Association
Added Sugars: How to cut back and spot them
By Charisse Holiday, Dietitian/Diabetes Educator
Diabetes Education, Gila River Health Care
Too much sugar in the diet is linked
with overweight, obesity, high blood
pressure and high triglycerides (a storage form of fat in the body). Having
these raises a person’s risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other diseases. According to the American Heart
Association (AHA), women should have
no more than 100 calories/day or 6 teaspoons of added sugar a day. Men
should have no more than 150 calories/day or 9 teaspoons of added sugar
a day. Currently, soda and juice intake
are the number 1 sources of added sugars in the diet.
Here are some ways you can lower
your amount of sugar intake:
•Replace regular sodas with water, diet
and sugar free beverages.
•Replace fruit juices and sport beverages with fresh lemon or orange slices
added to water.
•Add a splash of fruit juice (orange,
apple, cranberry, etc.) to sparkling water.
•Substitute a trail mix that includes small
pieces of chocolate or low sugared cereal for candy.
•When making baked goods, replace the
full amount of sugar with Splenda®. Example, if a recipe calls for ½ cup sugar,
use a ½ cup of Splenda®.
Not only is sugar found in sweetened drinks, but sugar is also found in
many foods. Sugar is added to foods
during the processing or preparation.
Here are some examples of foods in
which sugar is added to:
•Ketchup
•Desserts
•Syrups
•Jellies Sweetened cereals
•Barbeque sauce
•Baked beans
•Some salad dressings
Reading the ingredient labels of
foods is a good way to find out if sugar is
added to a food. Be on the look out for
these types of sugars listed in the ingredient list:
•Brown sugar
•Corn sweetener
•Corn syrup
•Dextrose
•Fructose
•Fruit juice concentrates
•Glucose
•High fructose corn syrup
•Honey Invert sugar
•Lactose
•Malt syrup
•Maltose
•Molasses
•Raw sugar
•Sucrose
•Syrup
Choose foods that do not have
sugar listed in the ingredient list.
On the side of added sugars, many
healthy foods have natural sugars.
These foods are a part of a healthy, well
balanced diet. Here is a list of foods that
have natural sugars and are a part of a
healthy diet.
•Fruit
•Vegetables
•Dairy products
•Many grains
These types of foods supply healthy
nutrients and can fulfill cravings for
sweets with their natural sugars.
In summary, to lower your sugar intake switch sweetened beverages for
water, diet and sugar free drinks. You
can choose foods that have no added
sugars by checking your food ingredient
labels and spotting any added sugars
listed. Remember, regular physical activity is part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Diabetes Education: Sacaton
520-562-7940
Walk-In Hours (Outpatient):
Tuesday - Friday
9:00 AM-12:00 PM & 1:00 PM – 5:00
PM
Appointments available
Located within the Life Center
Diabetes Education: District 6, Komatke Clinic
520-550-6224
Hours: Thursdays 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
& 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Page 16
June 2010
Gila River Health Care Proposes a Coordinated School Health Program
Gila River Health Care extends an invitation to the Gila River Indian Community to learn how a Coordinated School Health Program can ensure resources are being used wisely
Submitted by: School Health Services, GRHC
SACATON-Historically, some of the
largest issues contributing to school absenteeism were due to communicable
disease outbreaks among students.
Over time, advances have been made
to control communicable diseases
through improvements in antibiotics and
vaccines. Today’s students face a much
wider range of issues and challenges.
They come to school burdened with issues of child abuse and neglect; domestic and school violence; vision and
hearing problems; child and adolescent
obesity; suicide; alcohol, tobacco, and
other drug use; adolescent pregnancy
and the stress of being a young parent;
environmental health; mental health;
and more.
More and more students with
chronic health issues such as asthma,
diabetes, allergies, and seizures are in
the school setting. It is difficult for a
student to care about or focus on any
lesson if they are dealing with mental,
emotional, and/or physical issues without the appropriate support and infrastructure. The enactment of public laws
that provide for students with physical
and mental challenges to be mainstreamed into the public classroom setting has caused the U.S. Supreme
Court to confirm the school districts
need to provide nursing services for
these students. Unfortunately, school
nurses are only one component that
can address essential needs of students in our school systems.
Administrators as early as the late
1800s learned that by improving the
child’s health (and, thus decreasing absenteeism), the academic success and
life-long achievement of the student is
improved. Currently, the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention does
promote a model to solve these issues
called Coordinated School Health Program. They know that schools by
themselves cannot and should not be
expected to solve these most serious
health and social problems by themselves. Families, health care workers,
the media, religious organizations,
community organizations that serve
youth, and young people themselves
must be consistently and thoroughly involved from early childhood. The
school serves as a critical environment
in which many agencies can work together to maintain the well-being of
young people through coordination,
collaboration, and partnership.
On April 30th, the Gila River Health
Care School Health Services and the
Leadership Team initiated efforts to educate a wide cross-section of various
segments that work within the Gila
River Indian Community School Systems about this model and its guiding
philosophy. This all-day summit meeting, held at the Wild Horse Pass
Shelde Building, enlightened all the
participants of the components of the
Coordinated School Health Program.
Seventy-six attendees including members from the following were present:
elders of the Gila River Indian Community, Tribal Council Members, Gila
River Health Care Board of Director
members, various GRIC school board
members, teachers, public health representatives, counselors, wellness program promoters, early intervention
program representatives, medical
providers, medical students, school
health nurses, and health administra-
tors.
Dr. Patrick Cooper, the CEO of the
Early Childhood and Family Learning
Foundation located in New Orleans,
Louisiana, served as the keynote
speaker. Previously, Dr. Cooper was
the Superintendent of Schools in McComb, Mississippi, for ten years where
he and the community chose to launch
a Coordinated School Health Program.
He implemented a thirteen-year expansive study that produced results and
which provides valuable data showing
the significant ‘sustainable gains’ in the
academic, social, and emotional arenas relative to the use of the Coordinated School Health Program. In his
study, Dr. Cooper proved that the implementation of this model resulted in a
decrease in teenage pregnancy, drug
abuse, dropout rate, as well as an increased graduation rate and academic
performance.
His presentation to the audience
was informative, relevant and thoughtprovoking for the audience. He explained the eight components of a
Coordinated School Health Model: 1)
Health Education, 2) Physical Education, 3) Health Services, 4) Nutrition
Services, 5) Counseling and Psychological Services, 6) Healthy School Environment, 7) Health Promotion for
Staff, 8) Family/Community Involvement, and 9) Academic Opportunity (
this is a new component added to the
model by Dr. Cooper and his team).
The components focus on the importance of starting to raise healthy children from prenatal, early childhood to
school age. The model also addresses
effectively stopping the vicious cycle of
misfortune faced by youth in order to
build strong communities now and for
the future. Dr. Cooper’s presentation
and experience demonstrated what
could happen when people stop accepting the status quo and begin to
think outside the box to bring studentcentered solutions into the school environment. Aphreikah Duhaney, Chief
Nursing Officer for Gila River Health
Care stated, “One of Dr. Cooper’s
messages that resonated with me was
that schools can have the best curriculum; however, if a child, is not physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy,
there is no academic opportunity to
learn…for example, if the child is being
bullied, has poor nutrition, vision problems, a hearing deficit, or is in an abusive situation.”
Numerous attendees spoke on the
value they attached to a multi-component model like this to address the
health and academic achievement of
the Gila River Indian Community
school-aged children. They voiced their
awareness of the risks the children of
this Community face – for example, an
obesity rate that exceeds the national
average and a decrease in physical activity. They view the timing is right for
the Gila River Indian Community to
participate in Coordinated School
Health Model Program. “This is information we already knew; we just
haven’t had the guidance to put it together like this,” more than one of the
summit attendees stated.
Dr. Cooper will return in the coming months to offer more information to
the Gila River Indian Community, Tribal
Leaders, and various departments and
organizations within the Community.
When meetings are announced, Gila
River Health Care invites you to come
out and listen, to gain awareness of
what a coordinated school health system is, and to provide comments into
the development of a program for your
Community.
Gila River Health Care envisions
that the upcoming educational and ensuing evaluation processes of the program will aid in the formation of a
well-functioning School Health Advisory Council to link the components of
Coordinated School Health for the
communities we serve. “We already
have all the pieces in the Community;
we just need to put them together so
we use them wisely,” says Christy
Johnson, Gila River Health Care
School Health Services Director. Ms.
Johnson and her staff believe it is important to get the children in school
and keep them in school, which follows
the motto of School Health Services,
“Keep the children in school, in class,
ready to learn”.
Rodeo
R
odeo Round-Up
Round-U
Up
f or S
for
School
chool P
Physicals
hysicals
C
oolest Event
Event in
in J
une – D
on ’ t M
iss I
Coolest
June
Don’t
Miss
Itt
We
W
e h
have
ave llots
ots mo
more
re appointments
appointments available
available in
in our
our “arena”
“arena” now.
now.
Participants:
P
articipants:
Sports
Physicals
Sports P
hysicals – tthat’s
hat’s our
our Bull
Bull Riders
Riders group
group
Boarding
School
part
of
our
Bronco
Riders
B
oarding S
chool Physicals
Physicals – you
you are
are pa
rt o
fo
ur B
ronco R
iders
Back
School
Back tto
o S
chool Physicals
Physicals – these
these are
are our
our Calf
Calf Ropers
Ropers
Head
H
ead Start
Start P
Physicals
hysicals – y
you
ou a
are
re pa
part
rt o
of
fo
our
ur M
Mutton
utton B
Busters
usters
Events:
Events:
Height / W
eight/Vision T
esting / A Co
mplete Physical
Physical Exam
Exam
Height
Weight/Vision
Testing
Complete
/ Speech
Diabetes
Screening
Speech evaluation
evaluation D
iabetes S
creening / Developmental
Developmental evaluation
evaluation
o
Immunization Update
Update / Asthma
Asthma Action
Action Plan
Plan
/ Immunization
Prizes,
P
rizes, R
Ribbons,
ibbons, Awards
Awards
Only J
Only
June
une p
participants
articipants w
will
ill
get sspecial
pecial recognition
recognition by
by the
the judges
judg
g es
get
Call
Ca
ll NOW
NOW tto
o get
ge t y
your
our b
buckaroo
uckaroo a June
June personal
personal appointment
appointment
iin
n tthe
he “arena”
“arena” and
and have
have fun!
fun!
n
Rodeo
Round-Up
R
ode
d o R
ound-Up
520-562-3321, ext 1233 or 602-528-1233
602
2-528-1233
T
he P
edi
d atric R
odeo T
eam
The
Pediatric
Rodeo
Team
P
ediatric C
linic – Hu Hu
H Kam Memorial
Memorial HospitalHosp
pital- Sacaton
Sacaton
Pediatric
Clinic
June 2010
Page 17
Pre-K students in D6 attend
field day at Kalka Sport
Complex
By Wally Vaine
GILA RIVER BUSINESS DIRECTORY
UPDATED JANUARY 15, 2010
JEWEL RY
ADVERTI SI NG, M ARK ETI NG &
PUBL I C REL ATI ONS
Letha Lamb
(480) 820-2464
Marketing Factory, Inc.
CL OTHI NG & TEXTI L ES
Aaron Sabori
(602) 300-6626
redhide@gilanet.net
Red Hide Enterprises
Antonelli Anton (520) 562-3618
Anton Silversmith
David K. Jewelry
David Johnson (520) 418-3454
(Silk Screen Apparel)
Pima Boy Designs
David Johnson (520) 418-3454
(Resale of Gold & Silver Jewelry)
Dawn Evers
Sa’ alik Creations
Kelvin (Casey) Bilagody (520) 251-1695 Silversmith
Earlton Lewis (520) 562-3393
(T-Shirts & Upholstery)
Rare Breed
Lisa & Nathaniel Percharo (520) 550-2884 Percharo’s Jewelry
Pat Smith
Thunder Woman Creations
Pamela Pratt
(480) 390-8597 Premier Designs Jewelry
Morago@gilanet.net
(520) 705-3402
(520) 430-4277
Coyote Kids
Tim Terry, Jr.
(480) 734-4191
timterry@gilanet.net
Sara Bird-in-Ground (602) 620-0730
sarabirdinground@msn.com
Native American Designs
Yolanda Hart-Stevens (602) 826-2280 Traditional Beadwork
ndncourture@gmail.com
Yolanda Elias
Traditional Clothing, Shawls
OTHER ART
Sandy Nasewytewa (520) 430-3453
sandynas@gilanet.net
(520) 430-3002
David Johnson
DRAWI NG & PAI NTI NG
Shell Jewelry, Arts & Crafts
(520) 418-3454 Pima Boy Furniture
Amil Pedro
(520) 315-4012
indianart-amil@gilanet.net
Amil Pedro Traditional Art
Earlton Lewis
(520) 562-3393 Rare Breed
(Home Décor & Glass Etching)
Antonelli Anton (520) 562-3618
Au’thum Painting
Phillip C. Robles
(520) 483-5108 Gifted-Gifts Woodwork, Etc
Sheila Rhodes
(520) 562-2935 Yarn Baskets
Mike Zillioux
(520) 430-2096
Olen Perkins
(520) 705-3987
www.southwestpainter.com
Russell Blackwater (520) 562-4003
Shane Lynch
Southwest Painter
SAL ES & SERVI CE
Cameron Rivers
(520) 450-0158 Cameron Rivers Construction
Carlos Lucero
(520) 251-0374 O’ otham Transportation
Carlos Lucero
(520) 251-0374 Pure Rain Water
David Johnson
(520) 418-3454 Arizona Pima Auction
David Johnson
(520) 418-3454 David’s Tire Co
Tribal Images
(602) 803-6399
ENTERTAI NM ENT & DANCE GROUPS
Bob Villa
(602) 705-2320
Mrs.Bob@DesertManMusic.com
Desert Man Music
Clifton Pablo
Chuck’s Trail Riding
Adventures
David Lucero
pamlucero@gilanet.net
(520) 796-1260 Lucero’s Automotive
(602) 750-0916
Jacob Antone
(520) 562-3044
jacobantone05@hotmail.com
First Class Native
Deborah Griffi n
(602) 717-5410 Mary Kay Products
Delbert Johnson
(520) 610-8091 D & J Hay Sales
Russell Blackwater (520) 562-4003
DJ Blackwater
Gary Kisto
(520) 450-3573 ANG Legal Process Services
Yolanda Elias
Traditional Dancers
John Antone
(Sound Systems)
(520) 610-0776 Hemajkam Productions
Joseph Robles
stohai@gilanet.net
(520) 315-2122 Stohaj Hohhi Construction
Anna’s Catering
Linda Stone
(480) 217-5117 Gila Graphics
Beatrice Benitez (480) 593-0267
Pastries_by_bea@yahoo.com
Pastries & More by Bea
Matt Kisto
(602) 380-7957 VMK Enterprises, Inc.
vmkenterprises.com (Janitorial supplies & Moving services)
Danelle Spring (602) 616-6832
The Rez Stop
Misha Gonzales
(520) 562-9287 MTO Smoke Shop & Gifts
Eugenia Apkaw (520) 418-3236
Apkaw Family Catering
Marco Marques
(520) 315-2068 Marquez Tires (Sales/Repairs)
Francine Sieweyumptewa
(520) 562-3686
Smohon Gev, Shaved Ice
Reyna Byler
(520) 796-2063 Red Horse Barber
rcbyler@yahoo.com
& Beauty Salon
Jose Gonzales
(520) 550-0052
Big Joe’s Catering
Sharon Miguel
(520) 418-2142
Sharon’s Catering
Sherry Mark
(520) 796-3313
Coyote Kettle Corn &
Food Sales
(602) 796-3495
(520) 430-3002
Yolanda Hart-Stevens (602) 826-2280 Traditional Dancers
FOOD & CATERI NG
Anna Miguel
(602) 432-4362
Richard Huerta
(928) 899-2250 Huerta Construction
rjhuerta@netzero.com
Ruben Ringlero
(602) 621-1946 Edit2Video
edit2video@gmail.com
Sharon Newkirk
(602) 510-8703 Scents,Lingerie, n Products
Shawn Ruiz
(520) 285-6936 Shure Hot Salsa
Suzanne (Julie) Acuna (520) 414-2830 4 Sisters
Valerie Manuel
(520) 315-1360
J.B.’s Ice Cream Truck
Weldon Salkey
(520) 418-3007
Pima Indian Fry Bread
TRAI NI NG & CONSULTI NG SERVI CES
GRAPHI C DESI GN & PHOTOGRAPHY
B. Elaine Blackwater (480) 768-7714 Blue Star Images
Joseph Williams (480) 329-4571
jwilliams@dekalkomania.com
Dekalkomania
Kenneth Manuel (480) 895-3298
emanuel@cox.net
Ken’s Art Work
Yvonne Garcia
(480) 374-0762 Creative Native Consulting
missvon@creativenativeconsulting.com
NOTE: Every effort is made to have current information, however if you are
unable to reach any of the businesses and artists, please contact:
Amil Pedro Traditional Art
Dorothea Sunn-Avery (520) 550-1240 Traditional Pottery
Kermit Bread
(520) 550-1240
(Web Design & Network Consulting)
Eagleboy Designs
POTTERY, GOURDS
Amil Pedro
(520) 315-4012
Tim Terry Jr.
(480) 734-4191 Seminar & Workshop Facilitator
timterry@gilanet.net
Yolanda Hart Stevens (602) 826-2280 PeePosh Project
Suzanne (Julie) Acuna (520) 41-2830 4 Sisters Graphic Design
Terrance Booth, Jr. (602) 358-3764
Amil Pedro
(520) 315-4012
Traditional Pottery
Economic Development Department
Entrepreneurship Program
P.O. Box 97
315 W. Casa Blanca Rd.
Sacaton, Arizona 95247
Phone (520) 562-6120
Fax (520) 562-6125
KOMATKE-Pre-K Students in District 6 attended a field
day on May 2lst at the Kalka Sports Complex in Komatke. Games and events included hula hooping, darts,
beanbag toss and a ball game. Before the field day began,
the kids were divided into smaller groups intended to give
a mix of students.
The purpose of this integration was to let the kids
meet new kids that will be with them in Kindergarten this
coming school year. The early rounds were for practice
and fun. Later rounds were for small prizes. Midway in
the fun everyone stopped for healthful snacks that included carrot sticks, celery sticks, apples and milk.
Students participating were from several schools that
usually send their Pre-K kids on to Gila Crossing Community School Kindergarten classes. Members of the
GCCS FACE Program planned and organized the field
day.
Games and events were run by the Pre-School Staffs
assisted by VHM Service Learning Students Chris Burnette and Amber Jose. The field day will be an annual
event to help the Pre-K Transitioners become used to a
new peer group.
Ira H. Hayes Memorial Library to offer 2010 Summer
Reading Program for the
GRIC
The Gila River Indian Community youth and teens
are invited to take part in the 2010 Summer Reading Library Program “Make A Splash—READ!” from June
14th – July 22nd, at the Ira H. Hayes Memorial Library in
Sacaton, Arizona (D3). We are currently accepting 2010
Summer Reading Library Program registration forms.
There is no fee to participate in this program.
Youth are able to earn incentives by participating in
the summer reading program events (i.e. Solar Oven
Demonstration – Watch the sun cook a roast &
chicken, and perhaps even a cake!), completing short
book reports and submitting completed fun worksheets!
For more information, please contact the librarian,
Ramona Tecumseh at (520)562-3225 or e-mail Ramona.Tecumseh@gric.nsn.us.
Thank you and hope to see you at the library this
summer!
Phoenix Offers Free Prior
Years Tax Preparation
Submitted by City of Phoenix
Public Information Office
The city of Phoenix will offer free prior years tax preparation services by IRS-certified volunteers from June
through August on a first-come, first-served basis.
Phoenix residents may visit JohnF.LongFamilyServicesCenter, 3454 N. 51st Ave., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mondays and 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug.
25. Also EmmettMcLoughlinTrainingCenter, 1150 S. Seventh Ave., will be open for Phoenix residents from 9 a.m.
to noon Tuesdays through July 27.
Individuals and families who qualify for the program
may be entitled to various credits, such as the earned income tax credit, child tax credit or the education tax credit
at the two free tax preparation sites.
Taxpayers are asked to bring a picture ID for themselves and spouse, Social Security cards and/or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) cards for all
household members, proof of income - including W-2’s,
and 1099 Retirement Income, information for other income and all deductions/credits, and the amount of money
paid to child care provider (if applicable). If filing jointly,
both adults must be present to sign the return. The tax
preparation services are for 2005 to 2009 only.
For information about the city of Phoenix Earned Income Tax Credit program, call 602-262-6658 or e-mail
eitc@phoenix.gov.
Page 18
Press Releases From the US
Attorney’s Office, District of
Arizona
TRIBAL-LED TASK FORCE DISMANTLES COCAINE RING IN HEART OF TOHONO O’ODHAM
NATION
SELLS, Ariz. – The Tohono O’odham Nation Police Department led a multi-jurisdictional task force in an early
morning sweep Saturday, arresting 10 people and searching
seven homes in this small rural community just a dozen
miles north of the Mexican border. The combined operation targeted a network of alleged cocaine dealers in the
Sells area, home to the Tohono O’odham people, and was
the largest drug enforcement action ever undertaken on the
Nation. Police seized weapons - including an assault rifle vehicles, and undetermined quantities of cash, cocaine, ecstasy, and marijuana.
Ned Norris Jr., Chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation, said, “Our first priority is always the safety of the Tohono O’odham. The illegal actions by a select number of
individuals have put the entire community at risk. We will
not tolerate this unlawful behavior and we will not tolerate
the violence that accompanies it. Families are safer today
because of the dedication and hard work of our Tohono
O’odham Police Department and the other law enforcement
agencies involved in this effort.”
The arrests, which occurred without incident Saturday,
follow a five-month investigation by the Tohono O’odham
Police Department’s Anti-Violence Unit (AVU) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Division of Drug Enforcement,
into a network of people allegedly involved in the cocaine
trade. In the course of the investigation, which began in December 2009, undercover agents made 39 separate buys totaling more than $10,000, purchasing more than 250 grams
of cocaine from various targets of the investigation.
“This is the first time tribal police have executed federal warrants in the Tohono O’odham Nation,” said U.S. Attorney Dennis K. Burke. “This enhanced enforcement
capability can only strengthen public safety and the rule of
law for the people of the Tohono O’odham Nation, whose
presence in the Sonoran desert preceded the international
border and the associated drug trade by centuries. This is
good news for the future.”
The Tohono O’odham Police Department AVU has participated in a joint-training program by the U.S. Attorney’s
Office and the BIA. The training enables qualifying officers to obtain Special Law Enforcement Certification from
the BIA, which grants the tribal police authority to investigate and make arrests on federal charges.
The Tohono O’odham Police Department is also a recipient of a U.S. Department of Justice Project Safe Neighborhood pilot program grant to enhance targeted law
enforcement operations and provide community education
on gun and gang-related violence. The Tohono O’odham
Police have identified and monitored 28 separate criminal
street gangs within the Nation, many of whom are known
to be involved in the drug trade.
Eight of those arrested were wanted on federal charges
of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison if convicted. Those defendants (detailed in attached chart below)
will make their initial appearances at the U.S. District Courthouse in Tucson on Monday. Two additional people were
arrested Saturday on state and tribal charges. Augustine De
La Rosa, 26, was arrested on an outstanding state warrant
and Jeremiah Antone, 19, was arrested on a tribal charges
of possession of marijuana.
Two other people are wanted on federal charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. They were not located Saturday and are considered fugitives.
A criminal complaint is simply the method by which a
person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt
beyond a reasonable doubt.
Tactical and investigative support for the takedown operation involved agents from the U.S. Border Patrol, U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the BIA, the FBI.;
U.S. Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center (ACTIC), the
Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, and Tempe Police Department.
Tohono O’odham Nation - Project Safe Neighborhood May 15, 2010
Federal Charges and Potential Penalties
Defendant/Case Number/Age, Residence Charge Potential
Penalty
Eric James Escalante 32, Sells -Possession with Intent to
Distribute Cocaine*(44.9 grams) *Title 21, USC Section
841(a)(1)
Up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or
both
Terrance Keyonnie 30, Sells-Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine (4.5 grams) Up to 20 years in prison, a
$250,000 fine or both
Christopher Cody Lewandowski 26, Sells-Possession with
Intent to Distribute Cocaine (7.6 grams) Up to 20 years in
prison, a $250,000 fine or both
Lawrence Michael Lopez 36, Sells-Possession with Intent
to Distribute Cocaine (7.5 grams) Up to 20 years in prison,
a $250,000 fine or both
Aleron Sean Martinez 27, Sells-Possession with Intent to
Distribute Cocaine (6.8 grams) Up to 20 years in prison, a
Mary Lou Moristo 51, Sells-Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine (14.4 grams) Up to 20 years in prison, a
Vivian Silas 50, Sells-Possession with Intent to Distribute
Cocaine (5.2 grams) Up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000
fine or both
Ronna Widener 24, Sells-Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine (7.8 grams) Up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000
fine or both
WOMAN SENTENCED FOR THWARTING INVESTIGATION BY CLEANING UP HOMICIDE SCENE
AND LYING TO FBI
PHOENIX – Samantha Barrera, 23, of Laveen, Ariz., was
sentenced here to 14 months in prison by U.S. District Judge
Mary H. Murguia. Barrera had pleaded guilty in December
2009 to Misprision of Felony for her involvement with
thwarting a homicide investigation.
The facts showed that on or about August 2, 2008, on
the Gila River Indian Reservation, Deanna Breckenridge
and Anthony Trujillo, charged in a separate case, killed Dane
Peters. The victim was a neighbor of Breckenridge. Breckenridge and Trujillo alleged that the victim showed up, uninvited, into the home of Breckenridge while Breckendrige
was sleeping. This startled Breckenridge and Trujillo who
ultimately beat the victim to death.
After the victim stopped moving, Breckenridge and
Trujillo put the victim into a trash can and dragged the can
into the desert and left it. The victim’s dead body was found
several weeks later. Trujillo and Breckenridge pled guilty to
Voluntary Manslaughter in a separate case and both were
sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The investigation regarding the homicide showed that
defendant Samantha Barrera (then the girlfriend of Trujillo
and cousin to Breckenridge) was present during the beating
and homicide. She admitted that she cleaned up a significant
amount of the victim’s blood. She also lied to the FBI about
what she saw and knew of the homicide.
During sentencing Judge Murguia remarked that “we
will never know” if the victim would have lived if Barrera
had timely reported the conduct of Breckenridge and Trujillo. She also told Barrera that witnesses of violent crime
“must cooperate with law enforcement... must be truthful...
and must be discouraged from cleaning up a crime scene.”
Judge Murguia told Barrera that while Barrera did not commit the murder, “you literally have the blood on your hands
from cleaning up what had occurred.”
The investigation in this case was conducted by the
Gila River Police Department and the FBI. The prosecution
was handled by Sharon Sexton, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
LONG-TIME ALIEN SMUGGLER ON TOHONO
O’ODHAM NATION SENTENCED TO 37 MONTHS
IN PRISON
TUCSON, Ariz. – Cameron Romero Chavez, 65, of Sells,
Ariz., was sentenced here by U.S. District Judge David C.
Bury to 37 months imprisonment. Chavez pleaded guilty to
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana
and Conspiracy to Transport and Harbor Illegal Aliens for
Profit.
On January 30, 2009, Border Patrol agents followed
footprints of suspected undocumented aliens in the desert
near San Miguel, on the Tohono O’odham Indian Nation.
June 2010
Agents followed the footprints to a wash and ultimately
to the residence of the defendant. Chavez gave consent to
search and agents found approximately 185 kilograms of
marijuana. Chavez also admitted that he was involved in
transporting and harboring illegal aliens since the early
1990s. Over the years, the defendant’s residence and a barn
next to his residence was routinely used to smuggle illegal
aliens. The defendant admitted in the factual basis of his
plea agreement that his residence was a “hot spot” for smuggling illegal aliens.
The defendant also admitted to the manner and method
the illegal aliens were smuggled to and from his residence.
At times, alien smugglers dropped off vehicles with illegal
aliens at the defendant’s residence or the barn near his residence. Once the illegal aliens were dropped off, smugglers
came to his residence and notified their superiors that the illegal aliens had been dropped off and were ready for pickup. Sometime later, another individual would come and
pick-up the illegal aliens to be driven north to Phoenix. The
defendant admitted that he has smuggled well over 100 illegal aliens during the course of the conspiracy and was paid
$100 per illegal alien load.
The investigation in this case was conducted by United
States Border Patrol. The prosecution was handled by Munish Sharda, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona,
Tucson.
SAN CARLOS MAN SENTENCED TO 7 YEARS IN
FEDERAL PRISON FOR SHOOTING VICTIM IN
THE FACE
PHOENIX – Richerd Chatlin, 27, of San Carlos, Ariz., was
sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James A. Teilborg to
7 years in prison for Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. This offense occurred on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in San Carlos, Arizona. Chatlin pleaded
guilty on January 20, 2010.
On February 6, 2009, Chatlin lured the victim away
from a party, by leading the victim to believe he needed help.
When they were alone, Chatlin pulled a gun on the victim
and shot him in the face. The bullet traveled through the
victim’s jaw, shattering four of his teeth, necessitating surgical repair.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The prosecution was handled by
Dimitra H. Sampson, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of
Arizona, Phoenix.
EXTRADITED MEXICAN MAN GUILTY OF FIRST
DEGREE MURDER ON TOHONO O’ODHAM NATION
TUCSON, Ariz.– Victor Manuel Reza-Ramos, 49, a Mexican citizen who had been extradited from Mexico to stand
trial, was found guilty of first degree murder by a federal
jury in Tucson on Monday, June 14. The case was tried
before United States District Court Judge Frank R. Zapata
beginning on June 1. The defendant was remanded into
custody after the verdict was announced. Sentencing is set
before Judge Zapata on August 30, 2010.
The evidence at trial showed that on or about
March 25, 2003, near Fresnal Canyon on the Tohono O'odham reservation, Reza-Ramos used a metal fireplace shovel
and a six-pound rock to beat to death the victim, Jose L. Flores, a member of the Tohono O'odham Nation. Mr. Flores
was the caretaker and a ranch hand for the Kisto Ranch,
which is located 18 miles from the U.S./Mexico Border, and
the defendant was an illegal alien who appears to have come
across the ranch while traveling north. According to testimony, the defendant inflicted 60 separate injuries on the victim, most to the head and neck, and then dragged him to a
small embankment and dumped him over the side. The defendant then threw large rocks on top of the body in an effort to hide it. The jury found that the defendant had
committed the murder as a part of his effort to steal a 1999
Chevrolet pick-up truck that was present at the ranch. There
were no eyewitnesses to the crime, however the defendant
left his palm print in the victim’s blood on the outside of the
truck. DNA evidence was later procured which tied the defendant to the inside of the truck, the inside of the ranch
house, and discarded clothes found at the scene that were
soaked in the victim’s blood.
A conviction for First Degree murder carries a
mandatory term of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or
both. In determining an actual sentence, Judge Zapata will
consult the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges. The judge, however, is not
bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence.
The investigation leading to the guilty verdict was
conducted by the FBI and the Tohono O'odham Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Wallace H.
Kleindienst and Gordon E. Davenport III, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Tucson.
June 2010
A Plea for Unity – Part II
Pastor Brenner
Gila River Family of Churches
In order for unity to thrive within our community on any level, it necessitates that opposition to unity must first be addressed.
Whether we are addressing unity within our
government, work environment, religion,
families or marriages, until roadblocks to
unity are removed, we will continue to perform or carry out our responsibilities at a
substandard level.
First, there is the need for a “servant’s heart”. Within our community, each
member must commit our lives to the service of each other. All elected officials, departments, and pastors have either taken an
oath, agreed to a mission statement or are
called by God to this effect. However, although many start out with this unified,
well-meaning intention, service is never
easy. Often, the very ones you serve are the
ones that test your metal the most, and leave
you questioning whether to continue serving or not. We are also faced with a spirit of
competition. While competition in sports
brings out the most in us and exposes our
weaknesses, it is an enemy to unity in our
service to each other. In service, we are on
the same team. There are no big shots or
little shots – we are all just shots. Although
there are various political views within our
government, until we unite in the service of
the entire community, our growth will be
severely hampered and the people will be
in need. Until we work as one in the workplace, our capacity to provide the best service will be lacking and our substandard
performance will become discouraging to
the workforce. Until the churches unite, the
body of Christ will appear to be divided and
our light will grow increasingly dim and
many will continue in darkness. Service
turns the focus of my time, energy, brainpower and purpose from you to others.
Galatians 5:13 says, “…by love serve one
another.” Service places the importance on
the person being served and by serving others, we are serving God. (Please note that
Scripture says it’s going to take ‘love’.)
Secondly, in order for unity to
thrive within our community, there must be
a respect for our right to be different instead
of a condemnation for these differences. As
a Christian, I believe in Jesus as the only
Savior. However, I will gladly march
through out community with unbelievers or
believers of other religions in a common
cause against elder abuse or governmental
injustice. Although our differences in beliefs and concerns are the cause of many of
our disagreements, they shouldn’t be so
overwhelming to the point of causing disunity and the losing of our primary focus.
My wife and I do not agree on everything.
However, our marriage will only continue
to grow stronger as we continue to be
united on the belief that we are chosen for
each other and need each other to be whole.
If we allow our differences of opinion to become more important than our foundational
focus, unity would dissolve and our matrimonial goals would not be reached. To all
of you husbands, God says: “Whoso findeth
a wife findeth a good thing, and obtained
favour of the Lord.” (Prov. 18:22)
Historically, we have
seen unity bridge gaps in many areas. During the early 19th century, the Shawnee
Chief Tecumseh became alarmed by the
continuing encroachment of white settlers
illegally settling on the government-recognized land holdings of the Shawnee and
other tribes. The American government,
however, was reluctant to take action
against its own citizens to protect the rights
of the Indians. Tecumseh began to persuade the Indians of the Old Northwest and
Deep South to unite and resist. Together,
Tecumseh argued, the various tribes had
enough strength to stop the whites from taking their land. Heartened by this message
of hope, Indians from as far away as Florida
and Minnesota heeded Tecumseh’s call. He
organized the Ohio Valley Confederacy,
which united Indians from the Shawnee,
Potawatomi, Kickapoo, Winnebago,
Menominee, Ottawa, and Wyandot nations.
This unity between various tribes who had
battled each other in the past were successful in defeating their enemies for several
years due to their focus on a common cause
and service to their people, although they
were eventually overcome at the battle of
Tippecanoe. Therefore, let us work together in spite of our differences until our
common goal of service to the betterment
of our community is obtained, however
hard this challenge appears to be. We are
One!
FTF board denounces ballot measure to eliminate early education
PHOENIX – The First Things First Board
has resolved to oppose a ballot measure that
would eliminate voter-approved educational and health services for kids five and
younger. The measure would sweep the
dedicated tobacco revenue into the general
fund to be used at the discretion of the Legislature.
The Board’s resolution – passed unanimously at its May 18 meeting in Window
Rock – urges all Arizonans to get involved
in efforts to defeat the measure by educating voters about the impact of current First
Things First strategies around the state and
by voting no in November.
Earlier this year, the Republican majority in the Legislature sent the measure to
the November ballot. The move followed
months of intense efforts by First Things
First to preserve early education and health
services by loaning the money to the state
instead.
“First Things First tried for months to
help the state solve its current financial crisis and still maintain educational and health
services for our youngest kids,” FTF Board
Chair Steve Lynn said after the meeting.
“If Legislative leaders had been willing to let the loan offer come before their
members, Arizona voters, and Arizona’s
children would be in a much different position right now.
Instead, voters will have to decide if
they want to eliminate essentials – such as
quality child care, early literacy programs,
parenting support for at-risk families, oral
health treatments for infants and toddlers
and programs to prevent child injuries or
childhood obesity – in order to give those
funds to state lawmakers to decide what
they get spent on.
Page 19
Community Council action sheets for
GRIC council meetings held on Wed, May
5 & Wed, May 19, 2010.
ACTION SHEET
CALL TO ORDER:
The first Regular Monthly Meeting of the Community Council held Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at the Community Council Chambers in the Governance Center in Sacaton, Arizona was called to order by presiding
Chair Governor William R. Rhodes at 9:00 a.m.
INVOCATION:
Councilman Delane Enos
ROLL CALL:
Roll Call Sheet circulated
Executive Officers Present:
Governor William R. Rhodes; Lt. Governor Joseph Manuel
Council Member Present:
D1-Augustine Enas, Arzie Hogg; D2-Jewel Whitman; D3-Myron G. Schurz; D4-Barney Enos, Jr., Rebecca
Rowe; D5-Delane Enos, Franklin Pablo, Sr., Brenda Robertson, Brian Davis, Sr.; D6-Anthony Villareal, Sr.,
Albert Pablo, Terrance B. Evans; D7-Devin Redbird
Council Members Absent:
D3-Rodney Jackson (Absence Memo on File); Darrel Gerlaugh (Absence Memo on File), John Antone
(Absence Memo on File)
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
APPROVED
INTRODUCTION:
1. Police Chief Derek Arnson
Presenter: Alexander Yazza
2. Cheryl Thomas, Miss Indian Arizona State University 2010-2011
3. Recognition: William “Billy” Allen; Retired Teacher (Grande Union High School)
Presenter: Myron G. Schurz, Councilman
REPORTS:
1. Sacaton Middle School Scientific Methods
Presenter: Jo Ellen Kinnaman
TABLED AT APPROVAL OF AGENDA
2. 2nd Quarter Report – Blackwater Community School
Presenter: Jacqueline Powers
REPORT HEARD
*3. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Update (PowerPoint Presentation)
Presenter: Roger Griggs
REPORT HEARD
4. Quarterly Report - Cultural Coordinator, Tribal Education Dept.
Presenter: Dallas De Lowe
REPORT HEARD
5. 1st & 2nd Quarterly Report - St. Peter Indian Mission School
Presenter: Sister Martha Mary Carpenter
REPORT HEARD
6. 2nd Quarter Tribal Allocation Report-Maricopa Village Christian School
Presenter: Jessica Frame
REPORT HEARD
7. 2nd Quarter Tribal Allocation Report-Casa Blanca Community School
Presenter: Patty Cook
REPORT HEARD
8. 2nd Quarter Tribal Allocation Report-Gila Crossing Community School
Presenter: Joe Frazier, Ames Singley & Board
REPORT HEARD
9. Quarterly Report – JOM
Presenter: Karla Cuny
REPORT HEARD
10. Reevaluation of TED Infinite Campus
Presenter: Vincent Barnargas
REPORT HEARD
Lunch break until 1:30; reconvened at 1:45
11. GRIC Department of Transportation (DOT) American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Report
(ARRAR)
Presenter: Sasha Saliego
REPORT HEARD
12. GRIC DOT Right-of-way Acquisition Report, Covering the Period of September 2009-March 2010
Presenter: Kimberly Antone & Antonelli Antone
REPORT HEARD
13. Update Report of Submittal of 3rd Year of Continuing Head Start Grant
Presenter: Pat Foster
REPORT HEARD
MOTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION
14. Lone Butte Industrial Development Corporation Financial Statements and Independent Auditor’s Report for the Year Ended September 30, 2009 (Executive Session)
Presenter: Steven Harris, Miller Allen & Co.
REPORT HEARD IN EXECUTIVE SESSION
15. Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Inc. Monthly Report (Executive Session)
Presenter: Harold Baugus & Board of Directors
16. Gila River Gaming Commission General Report – March 2010 (Executive Session)
Presenter: Scott Sanderson & Courtney Moyah
MOTION TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION
RESOLUTIONS:
1. A Resolution Granting a Utility Corridor Easement to the Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority,
San Carlos Irrigation Project, Gila River Indian Community Department of Public Works, Gila River
Telecommunications, Inc., and Southwest Gas Corporation for the Purpose(s) pf Electric and other Utility
Services, located on Community Trust Land in District Three of the Gila River Indian Reservation and Designated as Drawing No. 40309-0285EA (NRSC forwards to Council with recommendation for approval)
Presenter: Pamela Pasqual
APPROVED
2. A Resolution Approving a Fifty (50) Year Homesite Assignment Agreement for Valerie Williams, District
One of the Gila River Indian Reservation and Designated as Drawing No. 30110-0027A (NRSC forwards
to Council with recommendation for approval)
APPROVED
3. A Resolution Approving a Fifty (50) Year Homesite Assignment Agreement for Clarendon White, District
Six of the Gila River Indian Reservation and Designated as Drawing No. 30609-0224 (NRSC forwards to
Council with recommendation for approval)
APPROVED
4. A Resolution Designating a Parcel of Reservation Land in District One for the Purpose of a Roadway
and Utilities Corridor and Granting Right-of-way Easements to the Gila River Indian Community Department of Transportation for the purpose of Constructing, Operating, Maintaining a Roadway and Utilities
Corridor as Shown in Drawing No. 30108-0502B-EA (NRSC forwards to Council with recommendation for
approval)
Presenter: Dante Nash
APPROVED
5. A Resolution Consenting to a Non-transferable Fifty-Year Homesite Lease on Allotment 0337 Located
on Allotted Trust Land in District Four of the Gila River Indian Reservation (NRSC forwards to Council with
CCSO Action Sheets continued on page 20
Page 20
CCSO Action Sheets continued from page 19
recommendation for approval)
Presenter: Kimberly Dutcher
APPROVED
6. A Resolution Consenting to a Non-transferable Fifty-Year Homesite Lease on Allotment 0338 Located
on Allotted Trust Land in District Four of the Gila River Indian Reservation (NRSC forwards to Council with
recommendation for approval)
APPROVED
7. A Resolution Designating a Parcel of Community and Allotted Land in District Two for the Purpose of a
Roadway and Utility Corridor and Granting a Right-of-Way Easement to the Gila River Indian Community
Department of Transportation for the Purpose of Constructing, Operating, Managing, and Maintaining a
Roadway and Utilities Corridor (NRSC forwards to Council with recommendation for approval)
Presenter: Kimberly Antone
APPROVED
8. A Resolution Approving and Authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding between the Gila River Indian Community and the Sandia Corporation to Complete Energy Strategic Report (NRSC forwards to
Council with recommendation for approval; GMSC Concurs)
Presenter: Ann Marie Chischilly
APPROVED
9. A Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Redistribution of the Gila River Indian Community’s Excess
Central Arizona Project Water For 2010 (NRSC forwards to Council with recommendation for approval;
GMSC concurs)
Presenter: Jennifer Giff
APPROVED
10. A Resolution Authorizing the Gila River Indian Community Department of Rehabilitation and Supervision to Submit a Grant Application within the U.S. Department Of Justice – Coordinated Tribal Assistance
Solicitation (CTAS) for FY 2010 Consolidated Grant Application for Renovation and Maintenance of the
Correctional Facility, including a Commitment for Continued Maintenance Thereof (GMSC forwards to
Council with recommendation for approval; LSC concurs with GMSC)
Presenter: Randy Tracy
APPROVED
11. A Resolution Authorizing and Approving a Consolidated Grant Application be Submitted for the U.S.
Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation for FY 2010 on Behalf of the Gila River
Indian Community (GMSC forwards to Council with recommendation for approval; LSC concurs with
GMSC)
Presenter: Richard Fuller & Rachel Misra
APPROVED
12. A Resolution Approving Change to the Medium Commercial Electric Rate for the Gila River Indian
Community Utility Authority (GMSC concurs with NRSC & forwards to Council with recommendation for
approval)
Presenter: Lenny Gold
APPROVED
13. A Resolution Authorizing the Office of Planning & Evaluation to Submit a Grant Application to the First
Nations Development Institute for the Strengthening Communities Fund Grant on Behalf of the Gila River
Indian Community (GMSC forwards to Council with recommendation for approval)
Presenter: Laura Ryan
APPROVED
14. A Resolution Approving the Gila River Indian Community Gaming Revenue Reporting Policies and
Procedures (GMSC forwards to Council with recommendation for approval)
Presenter: Jason Hauter
APPROVED
15. A Resolution Approving the Enrollment of Durand Harry Bennett into the Gila River Indian Community
(LSC forwards to Council with recommendation for approval)
Presenter: Francisco Osife
APPROVED
16. A Resolution Approving the Enrollment of Kayla Gabrielle Zepeda into the Gila River Indian Community
APPROVED
17. A Resolution Approving the Relinquishment of Leo James Lewis, Jr. from the Gila River Indian Community (LSC forwards to Council with recommendation for approval)
APPROVED
18. A Resolution Approving the Enrollment of Manuel Joe Robert Chavarria into the Gila River Indian
Community (LSC forwards to Council with recommendation for approval)
APPROVED
19. A Resolution Approving the Enrollment of Tyra Janae Polk into the Gila River Indian Community (LSC
forwards to Council with recommendation for approval)
APPROVED
20. A Resolution Approving the Enrollment of Tatum Arianna Polk into the Gila River Indian Community
APPROVED
21. A Resolution Approving the Enrollment of Jeanine Lopez into the Gila River Indian Community (LSC
forwards to Council with recommendation for approval)
APPROVED
22. A Resolution Approving the Enrollment of Dwight Ivan Armstrong into the Gila River Indian Community
APPROVED
23. A Resolution Approving the Enrollment of Ellayna Polingyowma into the Gila River Indian Community
APPROVED
ORDINANCES:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Request for Action Regarding the National Congress of American Indian’s Resolution on the Navajo
Generating Station (GMSC Concur with NRSC & Forward to Council with recommendation for approval)
Presenter: Ann Marie Chischilly
APPROVED
2. Appointment—HuHuGam Heritage Center Board of Directors (1) Vacancy
Presenter: Community Council
DONALD R. ANTONE SR. CERTIFIED
NEW BUSINESS:
1. St. Peter Indian Mission School Written Plan (ESC forwards to Council with recommendation for approval)
Presenter: Sister Martha Mary Carpenter
APPROVED
2. Declaration of (1) Vacancy—Caring House Board of Directors (H&SSC forwards to Council--start post
5/6/10, closes 5/27/10 at 12:00 pm; appointment at Council 6/2/10)
Presenter: Bonita Lyons
VACANCY DECLARED
3. Declarations of Vacancies (7) Community-at-Large Standing Committee Positions:
a) Education Standing Committee; b) Economic Development Standing Committee; c) Natural Resources
Standing Committee; d) Health & Social Standing Committee; e) Cultural Resources Standing Committee;
f) Government & Management Standing Committee; g) Legislative Standing Committee
VACANCIES DECLARED
4. Declaration of Vacancies Community Council Standing Committee Positions
a) Education Standing Committee [1]; b) Economic Development Standing Committee [1]; c) Natural Resources Standing Committee [1]; d) Health & Social Standing Committee [3]; e) Cultural Resources
Standing Committee [2]; f) Government & Management Standing Committee [2]; g) Legislative Standing
Committee [3]
VACANCIES DECLARED
5. Public Notice of Vacancy—Community Council Secretary (GMSC forwards to Council with recommendation to declare vacancy; and to have the letters of interest and resumes to be submitted by noon by May
27, 2010; and for the appointment to be made at the regular Council meeting of June 2, 2010 per the
June 2010
Letters (continued from page 3)
Open letter to Ms. Jewel Lewis and the GRIC
May 27, 2010
tients a privilege. Again, I am sorry that
we did not meet your expectations.
I recently read the letter published in the
Gila River Indian News that Ms. Jewel
Lewis submitted regarding her family’s
experience at Mountain Vista Medical
Center.
First and foremost, I would like to apologize that the experience was less than
optimal. The team at Mountain Vista
strives every day to make each patient
and family member experience as positive as possible. Ms. Jewel, from the
experience you described, we did not
meet your expectations.
We take information like this very seriously, and as a result, conducted a thorough assessment of our processes and
protocols – especially as it relates to responding to call lights. This is an area
that we continually assess – because
when a patient needs something, our
job is to respond as quickly as possible.
As with any hospital, we serve patients
at a variety of acuity levels. However,
every patient – every single one – is a
priority. We consider caring for our pa-
Ms. Jewel, I can assure you that the
complaints you outlined in your letter
are being taken very seriously. The Gila
River Indian community is very important to Mountain Vista Medical Center –
and we will use your feedback as an opportunity to improve.
Thank you for taking the time to express
your concerns – and I truly hope that
your mother’s recovery is going well.
Please know that you or anyone from
the community is welcome at Mountain
Vista – feel free to take a tour, have
lunch in the Café, attend an event – we
would greatly appreciate a second
chance to be of service.
If you would like to discuss your experience directly with me, I would be glad
to meet with you. You can reach me directly at (480) 358-6154.
Sincerely,
Tony Marinello, CEO
Mountain Vista Medical Center
Correction
GRIN apologizes to Carl Sundust for mistakenly identifying
him as “Perry” Sundust in a photo caption accompanying the
“2010 Older Americans..” article in the May GRIN.
GRIC Constitution)
VACANCY DECLARED
[Addendum to Agenda]
MOTION TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
6. Gaming Issues
Presenter: Jennifer Giff
MOTION TO ENTER EXIT SESSION
MOTION FOR GRIC TO PROCEED FWRD INTERVENE AS A PARTY IN THE CASE OF T.O.N. VS.
SALAZAR
MOTION FOR SPCL MTG; DATE TBD
MINUTES:
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ADJOURNMENT:
Meeting adjourned at 4:09 p.m.
*Denotes TABLED from previous meeting(s)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ACTION SHEET
CALL TO ORDER:
The second Regular Monthly Meeting of the Community Council held Wednesday, May 19, 2010, at the
Community Council Chambers in the Governance Center at Sacaton, Arizona was called to order by presiding Chair Governor William R. Rhodes at 9:04 a.m.
INVOCATION:
COUNCILMAN DELANE ENOS
ROLL CALL:
SIGN-IN SHEET CIRCULATED
Executive Officers Present:
Governor William R. Rhodes; Lt. Governor Joseph Manuel
Council Members Present:
D1-Augustine Enas, Arzie Hogg; D2-Jewel Whitman; D3-Myron G. Schurz; D4-Darrel Gerlaugh, Barney
Enos, Jr., John Antone; D5-Delane Enos, Franklin Pablo, Sr., Brenda Robertson, Brian Davis, Sr.; D6-Anthony Villareal, Sr., Albert Pablo, Terrance B. Evans; D7-Devin Redbird
Council Member Absent:
D3-Rodney Jackson (Absence Memo on File); D4-Rebecca Rowe (Absence Memo on File)
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
APPROVED AS AMENDED
INTRODUCTION:
1. Head Start Dancers
Presenter: Pat Foster, James Sundust & Anthony Gray
REPORTS:
*1. Sacaton Middle School Scientific Methods
Presenter: Jo Ellen Kinnaman
REPORT HEARD
2. Roadways to HealthCare and Coordinated School Health Program
Presenter: Aphreikah Duhaney
REPORT DISPENSED AT APPROVAL OF AGENDA
3. Skyline Gila River Progress Report and Request for Allocation
Presenter: Molly Ryan
REPORT HEARD
4. 2nd Quarter Report - Ira Hayes High School
Presenter: Richard Stoner
REPORT HEARD
5. 2nd Quarter Report – Sacaton Middle School
Presenter: Mary Quinnan
REPORT HEARD
6. 2nd Quarter Report – Sacaton Elementary School
Presenter: Carol Virkler
CCSO Action Sheets continued on page 22
June 2010
Public Notice
GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY
PROPOSED ORDINANCE GR- -10
TITLE 2 – ELECTIONS
THE GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL HEREBY ENACTS THE
FOLLOWING AMENDMENT TO THE 2009 GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY CODE TO RESCIND ELECTION DAY VOTER REGISTRATION AND
VOTING
WHEREAS,
the Gila River Indian Community Council (the “Community Council”)
is the governing body of the Gila River Indian Community (the “Community); and
WHEREAS,
the Community Council is authorized by Article X, Section 4 and Article XV, Section 1 (a) (6) of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Community (March 17, 1960) to enact ordinances which provide for the
manner of conducting elections; and
WHEREAS,
the Community Council enacted Ordinance GR-02-02 (the Election Ordinance”) to regulate elections within the Community; and
WHEREAS,
the Community Council enacted Ordinance GR-07-05, which amended
the Election Ordinance to allow election-day voter registration and voting; and
WHEREAS,
the Community Council enacted Ordinance GR-15-09 which rescinded
all previous ordinances and adopted the 2009 Gila River Indian Community Code; and
WHEREAS,
pursuant to the 2009 Gila River Indian Community Code the Election
Ordinance is now codified in Title 2 of the Gila River Indian Community Code; and
WHEREAS,
election-day registration and voting has increased the number of registered voters but has proven to be difficult to administer and increases
the chances of voter registration errors; and
WHEREAS,
the Legislative Standing Committee recommends that the election-day
voter registration and voting be rescinded.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ENACTED, that Community Council hereby amends the
2009 Gila River Indian Community Code by rescinding Title 2, Chapter 1, Section 2.104. I. of the Gila River Indian Community Code.
Text of Title 2, Chapter 1, Section 2.104 I. to be rescinded:
“I. Election Day Registration. An unregistered Community member who desires to vote
on the day of any Community election shall be permitted to vote after completing a voter
registration form in accordance with this subsection; however, in accordance with Section
2.104.E, election day registration shall not be permitted for a new election.
1. Proof of Identification. A person applying for Election Day registration shall provide
one form of photo ID to the clerk. Only photo ID issued by either the Gila River Indian
Community, any state, or the federal government are valid. Upon verification of the
prospective voter’s identity, the judge will direct the prospective voter to the District’s
chief election judge, District election judge or zone judge, who shall assist the individual
in completing a voter registration form. The judge shall witness and sign the voter affidavit.
2. Verification of Eligibility. Upon completion of registering and signing the affidavit, the
judge shall immediately call election headquarters to verify the voter’s eligibility with the
Enrollment Department. Upon confirmation of the voter’s eligibility to vote, the individual shall be permitted to vote.
3. Voter Affidavit. The following form is the voter affidavit:
ELECTION DAY VOTER AFFIDAVIT
I, __________________, do solemnly affirm that I am an enrolled tribal member of the
Gila River Indian Community, Enrollment Number: _________ have attained the legal
voting age of 18.
I understand that any violation of Chapter 2 (including but not limited to Illegal Registration and Illegal Voting) may result in a fine of $300.00 and 180 days in jail.
I further affirm that the present address I listed herein is my sole legal place of residence,
and that I claim no other place as my legal residence. I state under penalty of perjury that
I am an eligible elector; that I reside at the address indicated in my registration; and that I
have not been previously registered to vote in a Community election subject to this title.”
The Legislative Standing Committee will consider this proposed amendment to the
Gila River Indian Community Code during its July 28, 2010 regular meeting. Community members may comment on the proposed amendment at the Legislative Standing Committee meeting or by contacting their Council member(s) and/or the
Chairperson of the Legislative Standing Committee.
Written comments may be sent to:
c/o Nadine Shelde
Tribal Elections Program
Post Office Box 2204
Sacaton, AZ 85147
Page 21
Page 22
CCSO Action Sheets continued from page 20
REPORT HEARD
7. Four Rivers Indian Legal Service Semi-Annual Report
Presenter: Fred Pinsky
REPORT HEARD
Motion for lunch break until 1:45
Meeting reconvened at 1:59
8. Second Quarter Report – FY2010: Tribal Constitution Reform
Presenter: Anthony Hill, Belinda Nelson & Gerald Calnimptewa
REPORT HEARD
MOTION MADE AND SECOND FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION
9. Gaming Internal Audit Department Second Quarter Report: January 1, 2010 – March 31, 2010 (Executive Session)
Presenter: Robert Russin & Auditors
10. FY 2010 2nd Quarter Financial Reports for the Six Months Ended March 31, 2010 (Executive Session)
Presenter: Arthur Felder, Lupita Martinez & James Jenkins
MOTION MADE AND SECOND TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION
RESOLUTIONS: 1. A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Allotted Trust Land within the Exterior
Boundaries of the Gila River Indian Reservation (Allotment 2354) (NRSC forwards to Council with recommendation for approval; G&MSC concurs)
APPROVED
2. A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Allotted Trust Land within the Exterior Boundaries of the Gila
River Indian Reservation (Allotment 3645) (NRSC forwards to Council with recommendation for approval;
G&MSC concurs)
APPROVED
3. A Resolution Formally Recognizing the Reburial Group of Gila River Indian Community Members that
Conduct Reburial Ceremonies on behalf of our Ancestors, the Huhugam, Pursuant to the Four Southern
Tribes of Arizona Policy Statement (CRSC forwards to Council with recommendation for approval)
Presenter: Jacqueline Zillioux
APPROVED
4. A Resolution Approving Amendment No. 3 to the Gila River Indian Community’s “Employee Policies
and Procedures Reference Guide” Adopted by Resolution GR-298-08, and Amending the Section Entitled
“Volunteer Service” on Page 9 (G&MSC forwards to Council w/recommendation for approval)
Presenter: Tom Murphy & Sydney McKinney
APPROVED
ORDINANCES:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Appointment (5) Vacancies—Gila River Farm Board of Directors
a. Gila River Farms Board of Directors Background Check issues (G&MSC forwards to Council a motion
requesting appointments be tabled to next regular meeting)
TABLED AT APPROVAL OF AGENDA
2. Department of Community Housing Monthly Report – April 2010 (G&MSC forwards to Council under
Unfinished Business)
Presenter: Nellie Gilmore
REPORT HEARD
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Estrella Mountain Desert Bighorn Sheep 2009 Survey Summary and Analysis (CRSC forwards to
Council under New Business with recommendation that the Governor declare an executive order on prohibiting hunting of Bighorn Sheep within the boundaries of GRIC)
Presenter: Margaret Cook
APPROVED
[5:56 Councilman Arzie Hogg departed meeting; quorum equals 14]
2. Proposed Visit to Washington D.C. May 24-28, 2010 for Congressional Meetings on Appropriations for
Phoenix Indian Medical Center South East Ambulatory Care Center Funding and other Matters (HSSC forwards to Council with recommendations of Devin Redbird, Barney Enos, Jr. and Pam Thompson in place
of Gina Thomas Enos as delegates; G&MSC concurs)
Presenter: Linus Everling, Steve Heeley, & Rebecca Hall
APPROVED; PRISCILLA ANTONE & BARNEY ENOS, JR DELEGATED
MOTION MADE AND SECOND TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
3. GRIC Revenue/Internal Audit Department 2nd Quarter Report – FY 2010 (Executive Session) (G&MSC
forwards to Council in Executive Session under New Business)
Presenter: Robert Keller
MOTION MADE AND SECOND TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION
REPORT ACCEPTED
4. Community Council Election Protest (LSC forwards to Council with recommendation to grant the
protest and not to seek prosecution, under New Business)
Presenter: Charmaine Escalante & Nadine Shelde
PROTEST ACCEPTED; NO PROSECUTION NECESSARY
5. Certification of the 2010 Community Council Election (LSC forwards to Council with recommendation to
certify: Under New Business)
Jewel Whitman – District 2; Myron G. Schurz – District 3; Christopher Mendoza – District 4; Brenda
Robertson – District 5; Albert Pablo – District 6; Devin Redbird – District 7
ALL MEMBERS CERTIFIED
MOTION TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
6. Investigative Matter (Executive Session)
Presenter: Legislative Standing Committee
MOTION TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION
MOTION MADE AND SECOND TO SUSPEND COUNCILMAN FRANKLIN PABLO, SR. FOR 30 DAYS
W/PAY
7. Resignation
Presenter: Legislative Standing Committee
COUNCILMEMBER DEVIN REDBIRD RESIGNED FROM COUNCIL EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
[7:55 Councilmen Franklin Pablo, Sr. and Brian Davis, Sr. departed; quorum equals 11]
MINUTES:
1. January 6, 2010 (Regular)
APPROVED
2. February 17, 2010 (Regular)
APPROVED
3. April 7, 2010 (Regular)
TABLED
4. April 16, 2010 (Special)
TABLED PER MOTION AT #3 MINUTES
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ADJOURNMENT:
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:04
* Denotes TABLED from previous meeting(s)
June 2010
Gila River
R
Telecommunications,
Telec
e ommunica
ations, Inc.
Enhanced
Enh
hance
ed Lifeline
Liffeline
e
Enhanced LLifeline Telephone
Te
elephone Service
Service or Telephone
Te
elephone
e Link-up
Link up Assistance is available to all households
ho
ouseholds
located on Indian reservations.
reservations. Any household or residential
residential customer
customer who
qualifies for
for this assistance program
program will receive
receive a credit
ccredit towards
towards their
phone bill each
e
month.
How do
d you qual
qualify?
lify?
IIff you
you live
live on
on an
an IIndian
ndian rreservation
eservation and
and participate
participate in
in one
one of
of these
these p
programs,
rograms,
yyou
ou qualify
qualify for
for E
nhanced Lifeline.
Lifeline.
Enhanced
• Federal
Federal Public
Public Housing
Housing Assistance
Assistance (Section
(Section 8)
8)
• Food
Food Stamps
Stamps or
or USDA
USDA Commodity
Commodity Food
Food P
rogram
Program
• Low
Low IIncome
ncome H
ome Energy
Energy Assistance
Assistance Program
Program ((LIHEAP)
LIHEAP)
Home
• Medicaid
Medicaid ((AHCCCS)
AHCCCS)
• Supplemental
Supplemental Security
Security Income
Income (SSI)
(SSI)
• Vocational
Vocational Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation (including
(including Aid
Aid to
to the
the Hearing
Hearing Impaired)
Impaired)
• BIA
BIA General
General Assistance
Assistance Program
Program
• Head
Head Start
Start Program
Program
• National
National School
School Lunch
Lunch Program
Program (Free
(Free meals)
meals)
• DES
DES – Cash
Cash A
ssistance (CA),
(CA), Family
Family Assistance
Assistance (FA),
(FA), General
General Assistance
Assistance (GA)
(GA)
Assistance
• Tribally-Administered
Tribally-Administered Temporary
Temporary Assistance
Assistance for
for Needy
Needy F
amilies (TTANF)
(TTANF)
Families
You
Y
ou may
may also
also qualify
qualify iiff your
your household
household income
income iiss at
at or
or below
below 135%
135%
b
elow tthe
he p
overty llevel.
evel.
below
poverty
How do
d I apply?
pp y
Complete
C
omplete a GRTI
GRTI E
Enhanced
nhanced Lifeline
Lifeline application
application and
and return
return it
it to
to GRTI.
GRTI.
IIff yyou
ou n
eed o
ne mailed
mailed tto
o you
you or
or have
have questions
questions about
about Enhanced
Enhanced Lifeline
Lifeline
need
one
ccall
all GRTI
GRTI Customer
Customer Service
Service at
at (520)
(520) 796-3333.
796-3333.
Don’tt have servic
Don’
service
ce with GR
GRTI?
T
TI?
When
W
hen you
you qualify
qualify ffor
or Enhanced
Enhanced Lifeline
Lifeline you
you also
also pay
pay for
for $45
$45 of
of your
your GRTI
GRTI installation
installation fee.
fee. You
You end
end up
up paying
paying the
the
rremaining
emaining $35
$35 of
of the
the installation
installation fee.
fee.
June 2010
GRTI
G
RTI wo
would
ould lik
like
ke to wish
w
y a
you
f and
fun
d sa
safe
afe
f Su
S
Summer!
mmer!
* Note: T
Telephone
elephone
e
service must be
b in applicant’
applicant’ss name. Contact
C
GR
GRTI
TI Customer Se
Service
ervice to have an applicat
application
tion mailed to you.
Enhanced Lifeline applications can be
b printed fr
from
om the webs
website
site www
www.gilanet.net.
.gilanet.net. the
then
n fax the signed applicati
application
ion to GR
GRTI
TI Customer
Service at (52
20)796-7534. For mor
e qu
uestions, call Customer Se
ervice at (520)796-3333.
(520)796-7534.
more
questions,
Service
Gila River T
Telecommunications,
e
elecommunications,
Inc.
Box 5015, 7065 W
W.. All
Allison
lison Rd, Chandler AZ 85226
85226-5135
6-5135
(520) 796-3333 • www
www.gilanet.net
w.gilanet.net • Fax (520) 796
796-7534
6-7534
GRTI
Equal
GR
TI is an Eq
ual Opportunity Employer
Page 23
Page 24
June 2010

Education is top priority at the Governor`s Scholar Awards Banquet

Transcription

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