GILA RIVER INDIAN NEwS - Gila River Indian Community

Transcription

NICK
LOWERY
Pg 7
CONGRESSMAN
VISITS D1
Pg 8
RAWHIDE
DOOMTOWN
Pg 15
G ila R iver I ndian N ews
October 2011
www.gilariver.org/news
Vol 14, No.10
Serving all seven districts of the Gila River Indian Community
Gila River Indian News
P.O. Box 459
Sacaton, AZ 85147
Change Service Requested
O'odham Veterans Celebration honors Community Veterans
Presorted Standard
U.S. Postage
PAID
Sacaton, AZ
Permit No. 25
Mihio Manus/GRIN
A ceremonial staff was placed front and center at the celebration. Soldiers showed respect and honor to the staff just as they did the flags that
were posted at each side of the speaker¹s podium.
By Mihio Manus
Managing Editor
BLACKWATER-. Beyond the patriotism,
posting of colors and war stories, there is
much that lies beneath the surface of the
O’odham Veterans Celebration. There is
a true sense of bonding and camaraderie
that unites the attending veterans no matter what division of the armed forces they
served in.
Dennis Perkins, from D1, is a Vietnam
veteran who served in the Navy and is a
current member of Post #41 in Phoenix.
Perkins said he looks forward to the annual
celebration as a time to reunite with other
veterans from around the local vicinity.
He’s a proud veteran who feels the Navy
has been beneficial to his life.
Beyond reuniting with old friends, the
celebration gives veterans the opportunity
to meet new friends and establish new relationships. Althought it's known as the
O'odham Veterans Celebration, veterans
from across the state have made it a priority to attend.
“I met someone today who was in the
same area as I was,” Perkins said. “I didn’t
know him before today.”
Vietnam veteran, Leonard Jim, D3, echoed
Perkins sentiment. Jim served in the Navy
and Air Force for eight years and is a member of the Haskell Osife-Antone Post #51
SACATON-On Sat, Oct. 1,
before a packed council chambers, Community members
were given an opportunity to
voice their opinions on the referendum language regarding
the proposed South Mountain
202 extension freeway.
Listed on the Special Council
meeting agenda as ‘A Resolution Approving and Authorizing A Referendum Of The
Construction Of The South
Mountain 202 Extension Freeway Through The Gila River
Indian Reservation’, the item
was presented by Gila River Indian Community’s Transportation Technical Team (TTT).
Dialogue between Community
members and Council became
heated with the majority of
those in attendance pushing to
have a ‘no-build’ option written
into the referendum language.
Up until this meeting the two
options presented on the referendum were ‘yes’, indicating
that Community members were
in favor of the proposed GRIC
alignment, and ‘no’, indicating Community members were
against the GRIC alignment.
Based on the two options,
many Community members felt
that limiting the vote to these
options wasn’t representative
of their position on the South
Mountain Loop 202 Extension.
Many stated, especially those
from D6 where the freeway
will have the most impact, that
their position has always been
GRIN Page Index
By Transportation Technical Team
in area around D6.
“I find it offensive that ‘no
build’ is not an option according to the TTT,” she said.
Former president of the
Akimel O’odham/Pee Posh
Youth Council, Darius Enos
told council that the issue before
them held significant importance and impact to the whole
community. “This has everything to do with our youth, our
himdak,” he said. “People do
value our himdak, our culture
and our values.”
Enos said he hoped a ‘no build’
option would be included in the
referendum.
Having heard the plethora
of similar opinions Community Council motioned to add
No build continued
on page 7
Responses continued on
page 6
Veterans
‘no-build’.
Community member, Joseph
Morago said he has listened
to information presented to
the districts for the past nine
months and has heard nothing
about a ‘no-build’ option. Morago said, “Given the right information the people will make the
right decision on this matter.”
Many members of the audience put forth strong opinions
regarding the freeway extension. D5 educator, Linda Allen
said if built, the Loop 202 South
Mountain Extension would not
benefit GRIC as much as it
would the Metropolitan Phoenix area. Allen went on to say
that vehicle emissions from the
freeway will have an adverse
affect on reproductive health
and that emissions will linger
As reported in the September
2011 issue of the GRIN
Q: We would like to know why the
last 20 years opposition to the freeway
coming on or near our land has been
thrown out the window by our present
Government?
Q: Has the issue been brought up
that it has been voted against back in
2000? And if so, how? If it hasn’t been
brought up, why not?
Q: Was the 2005 resolution brought
up, the resolution in which the community reinforced the District Six
resolution in 2000 against building the
loop 202?
A: Point in fact, the 1996 Community
Council passed GR-05-96: A Resolution
Approving the Concept of Development
of the South Mountain Freeway on Community Lands (Toll Road); and GR-6496: A Resolution Designating Possible
Routes on Community Lands for the Proposed South Mountain Freeway (Loop
202); which is the exact alignment being
considered by the voters today.
In 2000, the Community Council passed
GR-126-00: A Resolution Opposing the
Use of 51st Avenue for the Proposed
Truck Bypass Route and Any Future
Bypass Plans for the Proposed South
Mountain Parkway through the District
Six Community of the Gila River Indian
continued on
page 6
Community Response Prompts No Build Option
By Mihio Manus
Managing Editor
Reponses to Community member concerns
over Loop 202
Sports
Page 9
Page 9
Letters/Opinions
Page 3
Culture
Community
Page 4-5
Action Sheets
Page 16,17,18
Education
Page 7-8
Public Notices
Page 18
October 2011
Gila River Telecommunications, Inc.
“Proudly serving the Gila River Indian Community since 1988”
Box 5015, 7065 West Allison Road, Chandler, Arizona 85226-5135
(520) 796-3333 • www.gilanet.net • fax (520)796-7534
Accessing the GRTI phone directory has become even easier.
Have you tried our new Mobile site?
GRTI has created a mobile site where you can use your mobile phone to access our directory online.
How do you access the GRTI.mobi site?
All you have to do is use your cell phone Internet browser, type GRTI.mobi into the Internet address
bar and you will find everything in our directory on the new mobile site!
Its that simple!
A simple and convenient way to pay your bill online.
“eBill” a simple and convenient way to pay your bill online. Once registration is complete you will be
able to login, view past payments, and call history. Plus if you have a secondary account you will be able
to keep track of those accounts too!
Call GRTI Customer Service for questions at (520) 796-3333
Page 2
October 2011
Page 3
LETTERS/OPINIONS
Happy Birthday
Tianni
In loving memory of Michelle Sneed
Michelle Marvene Sneed
07/27/1975-10/30/2010
A Memorial Service has been set
for:Sunday, October 30, 2011
9am Sunrise Service & Blessing of Head
Stone Co-Op Cemetery
Open to all Choirs, person, and Traditional
Singers
Lunch will be severed @ Pee Posh Amphitheater D7 till 5pm.
Questions contact Estelle Barehand:
602-501-9623/520-430-1034
Mihio Manus
mihio.manus@gric.nsn.us
GRIN Managing Editor
(520)562-9718
Roberto A. Jackson
roberto.jackson@gric.nsn.us
GRIN Community Newsperson
(520)562-9719
Gina Goodman
gina.goodman@gric.nsn.us
GRIN Secretary II
(520)562-9715
Walt P. Porter
grin@gric.nsn.us
GRIN Intern
(520)562-9717
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 writer’s true name, address and telephone number in the
event GRIN may need to contact the writer. Only the name
of the writer will be printed in the paper. Letters or columns
without a complete signature, name, address or phone number
will not be acceptable to GRIN for publication. GRIN reserves
the right to edit submitted materials for grammar, spelling and
content.
Write to:
Editor, GRIN
P.O. Box 459
Sacaton, AZ 85147
Tianni Francis Whitman As your 6th
Birthday approaches our songs of
laughter reflect the years gone by. This
brings tears of happiness and joy.We
are blessed to have been through the
years learning and growing happily
as Father and Daughter .To see the
brightness of your future brings great
excitement . So let us be protected
and blessed by Jiosh and our angels
as we continue this beautiful cruise
making music through life. Happy BDay My Nanni's!Love Daddy!
In Loving Memory of
Doris June Morago
January 16, 1951-October 19, 2010
A year has come for the late Doris
June Morago , there’s not a day that
goes by that we don’t forget her. But
we still continue to have those days
of her going into rest that are hard to
believe. The impact she had made in
our lives has been a true blessing. We
would like to thank our family and
friends for all the support throughout
the year.
We Miss and Love You Mom!
Robert & June Morago
In Loving Memory
Phyllis Jean Juan Sutto
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 459
Sacaton, AZ 85147
(520)562-9715
www.gilariver.org/grin
William R. Rhodes, Governor
Joseph Manuel , Lt. Governor
District #1:
Arzie Hogg
Cynthia Antone
Distrcit #2:
Jewell Whitman
District #3:
Dale G. Enos
Myron Schurz
District #4:
Barney B. Enos Jr.
Jennifer Allison
Christopher Mendoza
Gregory Mendoza
District #5
Brenda Robertson
Brian Davis
Annette J. Stewart
Janice Stewart
District #6
Anthony Villareal Sr.
Albert Pablo
Terrance B. Evans
District #7
Martha Miller
Robert Keller, Tribal Treasurer
Linda Andrews, Community Council Secretary
On behalf of my cousin Cheyenne
Pancott.He would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support
in his time of need.Especially to the
Gila River Indian Comm Fire and
EMS depts.Their Generous Donation
made it possible for Cheyenne to bring
her home.With that in mind''Why
isn't there funding in the community
to help the enrolled Urban Natives
who live out of state and would like
to be properly buried back home?''
Also an extended thank you to
Wanda Pablo,Gordon Santos,Rose
Lucero,Carol Santos,Monica Pablo
and their families,Ophelia and Albert
Cruz,Randy Ruiz,Genevieve Woodbury of Public Works,Sunshine Jackson, District Five, The Grave Diggers,
Nicole Miles, Marshell Jose, Alberta
Kisto, Veronica Patrick, St.Peters
Church, Harold Patrick, Patsy Rivers, Cecil Lewis, The Joaquin Sisters, Georgie Charles and The Indian
Choir,Sacaton Presb Church, Traditional Singer, Keith and Eric Kisto.
Again
Thank You All so very much for
blessing us in a very special way.
You Will Be Missed Auntie Phyllis.
A.Escarsega
On behalf of the family of Dora Miles
We would like to thank everyone that
helped us in our time of grief in the loss
of our Mother, Grandmother, Great
Grandmother, Great-Great Grandmother, Sister in-Law, Aunt, and Friend; she
will be dearly missed. We would like
to thank Districts 4 & 2 personnel for
their assistance and the Department
of Transportation. We appreciate the
thoughtfulness for all the flowers and
extended condolences from the various
Departments of which our family members work with daily. Thank you also to
our Tribal Council, the Tribal Business
Enterprises and The Executive Office
for their flowers and thoughtfulness.
Thank you also for the encouragement and prayers from the Traditional
singers and all the choirs through their
songs. Thank you to our church family;
the Lower Santan Presbyterian Chapel and its members, Harrison George
for leading our Wake Service. We appreciate and thank Loretta Blackwater
for the time she gave to our loved one
when she was still with us and for her
help during the time we put her to rest.
There were many friends of the family that we extend our gratitude for
the preparations for the meal that we
shared with everyone. Thank you to all
that helped in one way or another during our time of sorrow.
Jorene Soto
PO BOX #2046
Sacaton, AZ 85147
602)541-9824
Thank you from the Allen family
The family of Emmaline Allen,
Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Auntie, Sister in law & Friend
: We would like to thank everyone
who supported us in the sudden passing of our dear Mother and to express
our gratitude and appreciation to the
friends and family who came to sit
and visit with her before her passing,
especially those who sang gospel songs
and prayed with her and the family, I
know it was a Great comfort to her.
We also would like to thank all who
came over to the residence to help
prepare for her wake and funeral and
Thanks to all those who donated food
and the beautiful flowers for the services, I wish we could name everyone
but the list would be too long, you all
know who you are, May the Good Lord
Bless you.
Many thanks goes out to those who
offered their condolences and prayers,
A Special Thanks goes out the Grace
Hospice of Mesa and its wonderful
nurses who assisted in the care of our
mother. Thanks to the our nieces and
nephews for pulling together and getting things done, remember without a
family you have no one.
Thanks to:
Family & Friends
J. Warren funeral home
Vah-ki Presbyterian church
D5 Service center
Capt. Johnson-fire
GR Fire A&B shift from Station 3
GRICDOT
GR Police
GR Head start
All choirs
God Bless you all , The Allen family
“ Mothers holds their children’s hands
for a while but their hearts forever”
2nd Year Death Anniversary for
Bernell F. Lewis Jr. “POSSUM”
4/18/91 - 9/8/09
On Friday, September 9, 2011 was a
day of remembrance for our beloved
Possum. Even though the days came
so fast that there was little time to
make preparations. God bless to all
Aunties, relatives and friends for lending their support and donations. With
plenty of food and the sound of chick-
en scratch music, Possums memory
was kept alive. Once again with just 3
days notice the Jose and Wood family
from North Komelik had the memorial
necklaces done so everyone could have
something to remember Possum by.
Thank you to Ms. Annie Quintero for
the magnificent painting you did, that
captures our eye every time we walk in
my mother’s home. A big thank you to
all bands: Group Familia, P-Dub, and
Native Creed (Cody Lopez for the use
equipment.) We miss Possum dearly,
but this year 2011 he was reunited with
loved ones that have passed on, His
Aunt Shirleen Makil, Step-Grandfather David Garcia, cousin Ean Wood,
and Uncle Big Joe Friesson Sr. Thaey
all will live in our hearts forever. No
words can express much thankfulness
to all that took part rather by donation
or just your presence at the memorial for Possum. Thanks & God Bless
to all. Sincerely, Karen, Bernella and
Mykey Lewis
October 2011
Page 4
COMMUNITY SECTION
Your Per Capita Corner
Quarterly Per Capita Schedule:
Free service for elders, new
shareholders for GRTI.
Quarterly Deadline
Payment Date
September 15October 31, 2011 (Mon)
December 15 January 31, 2012 (Tues)
Trust Early Disbursement Request :
December 30
January 16, 2012 (Mon)
(Checks mailed)
A friendly hello and Best Wishes for a fun and safe fall season. There is only one more
payment left for the year of 2011 – Monday, October 31. Then we will start the New
Year for your 2012 per capita. Here are a few friendly reminders and as always, if
you have any Per Capita questions please stop by the office located in the Governance
center across from the Cashiers office. We are open Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. -5 p.m. or call
our direct line 562-5222 or (866) 416-2618. Per capita information and forms are available: 1) on the community website: www.mygilariver.com, 2) call the Per Capita Office
(“PCO”) and we can mail the information to your official Enrollment address, or 3) visit
the PCO.
New adult applications: Members turning 18 years old by January 31, 2012 and applying for adult per capita, must apply by December 15, 2011 in order to be eligible for
the January 31st payment.
Payment Method Change: If you are already receiving PC and want to change the
way you receive your payment, you will need to submit a “Payment Method Change
Form” to change your account number or payment method by the Quarterly Deadline.
Please use the proper forms to update your information; do not submit another application if you have already been approved for per capita payments. Also note: if you cash
your check at a bank different than your personal bank, you may be accessed a check
cashing fee.
Official mailing address and W-9s: We cannot stress the importance of correct and
current contact information, in case we have to correspond with you or if your payments
will be mailed to you directly. All updates to your mailing address need to be completed
with the Enrollment department using the “Address Update Form”. For each update,
also submit an updated “IRS W-9 Form” to the PCO showing your most current address.
A current W-9 form will: 1) complete your per capita file and 2) validate your social
security number for your annual IRS form 1099. The W-9 form is very simple to fill
out - your name, current mailing address, SS#, signature and today’s date.
“Power of Attorney for Per Capita Distribution” (POA): The only POA form that is accepted for Per Capita Office use is the Gila River POA. The form, if correctly filled out,
is only valid for one year from the date it is notarized. The POA must be on file with the
PCO 45 days prior to the payout date. So, that means for the October 31st payout date,
a valid POA must have been notarized by September 15th.
Income verification (recent statements): The PCO does not mail or fax income verification letters to any department within or outside of the Community. We ask that
members show their per capita pay stub or earnings payment statements for income
verification. It is your responsibility to keep track of your statements to use for income
verification.
Earning Statements: If you receive payment by check, the top portion of your check
is your statement. For direct deposits or a pay card, the statement is mailed to your
official Enrollment address. If you are not getting your statements in the mail, again,
make sure your official address is current with the Enrollment Dept. The PCO will
gladly provide you with a copy of your recent check stub. Stop by the office with a
valid picture ID, or call our office and we can mail a copy to your official Enrollment
address. When picking up in person, the statement can only be issued to the member
named on the statement. In other words, we cannot issue statements to family members
or accept notes.
Quarterly Per Capita Amount: This amount is calculated and approved by the Community Treasurer and the Governor approximately one week prior to the Payment Date.
In the prior weeks, updates are made to member accounts per documents submitted by
Community members and the eligible member lists are finalized. Each quarterly per
capita amount will vary, depending on that quarter’s gaming activity and net revenues
assigned for per capita (11% of net gaming revenues).
GRIC 1099 Forms for 2011: Per capita payments are considered taxable income.
The IRS 1099 form for your 2011 per capita (plus other GRIC payments you may have
received) will be mailed out to your official mailing address on file with Enrollment by
January 31, 2012. So you can file your taxes in a timely manner, please make sure your
mailing address is current.
PER CAPITA TRUST ACCOUNTS
We strongly encourage you to submit your request to Providence First Trust as early as
possible in the quarter. This will give Providence a chance to preview your request and
notify you if further information or corrections are needed. You can request a copy of
the Minor Trust Guidelines brochure from Providence (800) 350-0208 or (480) 2828812.
www.mygilariver.com/percapita
Walt Porter/GRIN
Shareholders attending were automatically entered into a raffle drawing for many prizes like
iPods, laptops, gift cards and an iPad.
By Walt Porter
GRIN/Intern
BLACKWATER – On Sept. 22 at the District 1 Multipurpose Building, Gila River
Telecommunications Inc. (GRTI) presented
the shareholders with a motion that would
stop the annual meetings in exchange for a
program to help the elders of the Community. The Community Council would be the
new shareholders.
A majority vote from the community
shareholders allowed GRTI to implement
the Elder Concession Program (ECP). This
program would provide every elders 55
and older standard telephone line service
for free.
According to Bruce Holdridge, the General Manager of GRTI, $15,000 is spent on
the annual event which includes a catered
lunch, raffle prizes, the rental of the hall
and other expenses.
Holdridge said, "It was agreed by the elders and everyone there that we’re going to
stop doing this."
Darrell Gerlaugh, member of Gila River
Telecommunications Board of Directors
made the reccomendation.
The GRTI Board meetings will continue
on the last Wednesday of the month at their
headquarters in Lone Butte. GRTI said they
would be happy to provide lunch for those
who attend those meetings.
One Elder Community member from
Blackwater said he did not favor for the
motion and said, “Who would attend those
meetings that they have?” He stated that
having shareholder meetings allowed an
open discussion and they could actually
see who was making the decisions so that
would not allow finger pointing.
“We can still have community meetings
and give an update, same with Elderly
Concerns. There’s other ways for people to
get updated on what we’re doing,” Boardmember Gerlaugh said.
According to Gerlaugh, the annual shareholder meetings were for out-of-state
shareholders to discuss numbers and new
business.
The outside shareholders were bought out,
by the Community. However the outdated
bylaws required implementing the annual
meetings which later turned into an annual
luncheon for the community members.
“We would have 4-6 thousand dollars left
over. We would save money by doing that,”
said Gerlaugh.
He continued with his hopes that every
single elder has access to a phone. And
once they have access to a phone, they will
have access to First Alert for those that
need that extra assistance.
“The gathering, the camaraderie, the interest that they share is something that really needs to be felt, but the benefits from it
are great. The ECP for the seniors is so fantastic!” a first time attendant from D1 said.
The ECP is for elders only, GRTI hasn't
reached the point of providing everyonewith free phone service, but they are looking into lowering the prices.
Be Informed
Stay Informed!
Getting information out
one issue at a time.
For subscription information, contact
The Communication and Public Affairs Office
(520) 562-9715 or www.gilariver.org
October 2011
COMMUNITY SECTION
Page 5
Audit of Lt. Governor Joseph Manuel brings forth allegations of employee rights violations
By GRIN Staff
SACATON-On Tue., Oct. 11, 2011 the Gila
River Indian Community Council motioned
(11 For; 1 Opposed; 2 Abstained) to initiate
proceedings pursuant to Article XII, Section
2 of the GRIC constitution against Lt. Gov.
Joseph Manuel.
Article XII outlines removal from office
procedures. Section 2 deals specifically with
removal of elected officials.
This action came after a Special Audit Report revealed allegations of improper conduct
by Lt. Gov. Manuel towards 16 GRIC employees.
Among the 16 individuals who were interviewed there were, according to their statements, instances where they were harassed,
threatened and or intimidated by Lt. Gov.
Manuel dating back from his time as GRIC
Community Manager to very recently during
his time as Lt. Governor.
In addressing concerns brought forth in the
audit regarding the intimidation of employees, Lt. Governor Manuel said, “that as long
as an employee is doing their job, they have
Job Fair open to Community
By Walt Porter
GRIN/Intern
SACATON – Employment and Training
(E&T) will host job fair open to the Community Friday, Oct. 28 with various Gila
River departments offering on-the-spot interviews.
Not only will community departments be
hiring but other resources will be available,
such as colleges and health department information.
During former Gov. Thomas White's
administration, October 14 was declared
Tribal Career Day. The proclamation to the
Community was put into effect in 1988.
E&T wanted to run with that idea and
have the job fair in the same month.
E&T provides work experience programs,
summer youth programs, volunteer positions and employment opportunites for
members.
The program now has approximately 500
active individuals. Including an additional
400 people who take advantage of walkin services to look over resumes, use the
computer lab or have questions on potential jobs.
Teresa Masayesva, Training Coordinator for E&T, said that the staff needs to be
adaptive to the high-traffic flow of people
in and out of the office. Within the Community, interest in finding employment is
high.
“It’s changed because the job market
changed, it’s more competitive,” Masayes-
va said.
October is a great time for people to get
actively involved in job seeking. Typically
it’s the best month to find employment,
because departments in the Community
know their budget and what positions they
can offer.
“It’s good for the young Gila River college student to discover what they can get
into,” said Teresa Masayesva..
She explained they are trying everything
they can to get the community prepared for
the on-sight interviews; they even rolled
out a booth for mock interviews.
E&T Coordinators will utilize the booth
to teach basic interviewing skills, look over
resumes and provide information on what
to put onto a GRIC application.
The job fair will also host entertainment.
Every year they have a fashion show that
highlights appropriate work attire. They
ask staff members from different departments to dress in attire that is appropriate
to their office and also items that would
not fly.
“We try to support any memo coming
from the Governor,” Masayesva said.
She said it would be interesting to have a
skit on social media use in the workplace,
because of the memo sent out to GRIC employees on misuses.
Anyone attending the four hour job fair
is encouraged to bring at least 10 copies of
their resume to give to the 20-30 different
employers.
nothing to worry about.”
Lt. Governor Manuel went further in stating
that if there is going to be an investigation
into employee rights violations it should start
from the top down.
Lt. Governor Manuel expressed his concern
over not being afforded a copy of the audit,
and questioned whether or not his rights were
being violated.
Government & Management Standing Committee directed the Department of Internal
Audit to conduct the investigation; the audit
findings were then presented to Legislative
Standing Committee who then motioned to
move the audit before the Community Council. Under article 12 section 2 of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Gila River Indian
Community, Lt. Gov. Manuel will be provided with a redacted copy of the investigative
audit at least 10 days before the meeting at
which he is to appear and be given the opportunity to reply to any and all charges before
the decision of Council will is made.
According to the motion proceedings of the
allegations are to occur within a 30 day business time frame.
October 2011
Page 6
O'odham Veterans continued from page 1
Walt Porter/GRIN
Dirk Kalka, D4, an Army veteran who served in the Korean Conflict, stands next to Urban Giff, D6, Vietnam veteran
who served in the Marines. The annual celebration serves to reunite old friends and family.
Walt Porter/GRIN
Leonard Jim, D3, was dressed in his fatigues as were many veterans who
attended the celebration. Jim belongs to the Haskell Osife-Antone Post
#51 from Blackwater.
Walt Porter/GRIN
Dennis Perkins, D1, is a Vietnam veteran who served in the Navy. Perkins
attends on a yearly basis and said last years celebration was just as good
as this years.
from Blackwater. “It’s a good
thing,” he said. “I’m glad the post
has gotten it going. I get to see
classmates and cousins.”
The day started at 5 a.m. with
a sunrise blessing and healing
ceremony for veterans and their
families. Master of Ceremonies,
Urban Giff facilitated the program, introducing each presenter
and entertainer. At 8 a.m., the
program officially began with
David Anderson giving a welcome address, which segued into
the opening prayer, a blessing, the
posting of colors and national anthem.
Moving through the program
veterans were addressed by guest
speakers like GRIC Lt. Governor,
Joseph Manuel who thanked the
veterans for their dedication and
service to our country. A surplus
of DOD equipment, like boots
and fatigues, was also distributed
amongst the veterans in attendance.
The program hosted a slew of
entertainment from the T’ohono
O’odham Veterans Band and
Black Dog Singers to comedian
Teresa Choyugha and the Hashan
Kehk Basket Dancers.
To see veterans from far and
wide both younger and elder was
an assurance that the Community’s commitment to honor veterans was solidly intact. Veterans
of most every conflict were represented from the Korean Conflict
and Vietnam to more recent conflicts such as Desert Storm and
the War in Iraq.
It’s important to note that Native
Americans have always protected
their traditional lands and borders.
They have always honored the
land on which they've lived and
from which they’ve subsisted.
It’s no different in this modern
era. When our soldiers leave to
defend our rights to freedom, it’s
the oft circumstance they are met
with adversity upon their return.
The generations of returning veterans hope to change that.
Master of Ceremonies, Urban
Giff, D6, spoke to this issue. “We
need to make sure veterans know
that people welcome them and
appreciate their service. During
Vietnam, soldiers were criticized
during the war,” Giff said.
As a Marine and Vietnam Veteran with 20 years service to his
credit, his views are molded by
experience.
Events like the O’odham Veterans Celebration are steps toward
healing the wounds and burdens
veterans carry through camaraderie and honor.
Responses to Loop 202 concerns continued from page 1
Community.
Q: What steps have the Executive Office, Community Council, Transportation Technical Team or the Law Office
taken to up-hold the previous Council
resolutions to protect the Mountain and
to refrain from allowing the Loop 202
being built on Community land?
Q: How can you allow the Community
to make a decision on this issue when
there have been no facts given to any of
us?
A: The TTT presented an update and information on the Arizona Department of
Transportation (ADOT), Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) and the
Federal Highways South Mountain Freeway (Loop 202) activities during 16 different district meetings that would entertain
the request to present. These included 3
times at the District 6 Committee meeting and were present at the D6 Loop 202
Rally, to the Urban Members Association,
at the Elderly Concerns meeting and the
Council of Elders meeting. During these
outreach meetings, the TTT provided the
ADOT’s Loop 202 plan, Governor Rhodes’
response to the State and County’s plan requesting cooperation with the Community
to identify ways to mitigate the cultural and
environmental impacts to their alignment,
the State’s and County’s alignment, the alternate alignment identified in GR-05-06,
as well as possible impacts to consider.
Q: We must question the judgment of
all of our leaders in allowing this vote to
take place without a proper EIS report
from the state of Arizona.
Q: Has there been an environmental
study done?
A: GRIC’s Department of Environmental
Quality, Cultural Resources Department
and Department of Transportations comments have been included in the Study’s
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS);
the draft EIS has not yet been released for
“public comment.” If there is a proposed
date for release, we may want to disclose
it.
According to ADOT’s website, “When
the Draft Environmental Impact Statement
is released to the public, it will detail the
options considered in the Southwest Valley and describe the reasons why the 55th
Avenue Alternative was selected as the preliminary preferred option for the Western
Section. The draft report will also detail the
Pecos Road option being considered in the
Eastern Section area of the study. If other
options become available to study, the
process will take those into account. The
draft report also will discuss the "No-Build
Alternative" for the entire South Mountain
Freeway to examine the effects of not building the freeway as proposed by MAG.
The draft report will be made available
for at least 45 days for the public to review
and comment. During that comment period, two public hearings will be held on
the contents of the Draft Environmental
Impact Statement.
From there, the public will have another
30-day opportunity to comment on the Final Environmental Impact Statement. The
comments received during both 45-day
and 30-day comment periods will be used
by ADOT and Federal Highway Administration in making a final decision regarding the project. That final decision will be
presented in the Record of Decision by
FHWA. ADOT will begin acquiring rightof-way after the final decision is made.”
Q: How do you all justify forcing us
to vote on bringing hazardous cancerous
causing pollutants into our community
without telling us their affects or how
much?
Q: How can our community prosper
when we do not have any leadership that
considers the health of all of the people
before the wealth of a handful of people?
A: The cultural well being and the health
of the members, especially in District 6,
was one of the reasons Governor Rhodes
wrote to the State requesting Community
participation in the decision making process of any transportation route that would
directly or indirectly impact the members
of this Community. If GRIC does not have
a seat at the table, then our voice will never
be heard.
Q: We are still in the planning stage,
therefore, we would like you all to cease
and desist with manipulating people.
The Community has maintained its
neutrality, has NOT committed to any
decisions and has NOT made any agreements regarding the South Mountain
Freeway (Loop 202) alignment or any
other alternate alignment. The Community has been forthcoming and has provided the members of Gila River with all
the information that has been afforded
them on this issue.
Q: As long as the ADOT web site states
that "No-Build" is still an option then
stop telling us that the freeway is going
to come whether we like it or not. Why
is the "No Build Option" not being discussed?
A: According to ADOT’s website, “the
draft EIS report will discuss the "No-Build
Alternative" for the entire South Mountain
Freeway to examine the effects of not building the freeway as proposed by MAG.”
According to ADOT, the State determined
that “No-Build” was not an alternative.In
other words, it is ADOT’s position that a
freeway shall be built.
If the Community has not invested any
funds into opposing this freeway or even
looked into the possibility of fighting for
the lives of our citizens; then how can you
all believe there is no way to oppose the
freeway?
Q: We would like to request that the
people be given a fair chance to voice our
opinion and allow the no-build option to
be placed on the ballot.
A: During a Special Council meeting held,
Saturday October 1, 2011 the Community
Council moved to include “No-Build” as
a South Mountain Freeway (Loop 202)
alignment ballot option.
The Community Council will set a date
for the vote at a later time.
Q: Transportation Technical Team
members to bring all of the information
that was given to the council (which persuaded Council to turn their backs on
the previous Council resolutions) out to
the Districts before any of us are forced
to vote.
A: As directed by the Natural Resources
Standing Committee, the TTT provided all
information to the Community members at
16 different presentations first; the Community Council has not entertained the
presentation thus far.
Q: Are you for the South Mountain
Freeway on our land, yes or no?
Are you for the South Mountain Freeway through the mountain, yes or no?
A: The TTT is tasked with implementing
directives from the Executive Office and/
or the Community Council, and to provide information to the Community and
gather input from Community members
on all transportation routes within and that
may affect the Community. The TTT has
mMaintained a neutral position which is
critical to an unbiased process.
October 2011
EDUCATION SECTION
Community Responses continued from page 1
language to the referendum specifying a
‘no-build’ option in addition to the ‘yes/
no’ options. The motion was approved.
A specific date to vote on the referendum
will be determined by GRIC’s election office.
According to GR-164-11, A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING A REFERENDUM OF THE
CONSTRUCTION OF THE SOUTH
MOUNTAIN 202 EXTENTION FREEWAY THROUGH THE GILA RIVER INDIAN RESERVATION,
GRIC Community Council has authorized
this referendum to indicate Community
member’s decision to favor or oppose the
construction of the South Mountain 202
Extension Freeway or to favor a No-build
option on the aforementioned freeway.
Also according to the resolution, the results of this referendum will be GRIC’s
official position on the construction Loop
202 Extension on the Gila River Indian
Reservation.
The resolution was certified, signed and
dated on Oct. 3, 2011
Page 7
"Kick-Off” to a great school year at Ira H. Hayes
High School!
Elementary School Elects New Student
Council Members
By Wendy Ong, Ed. D
Ira H. Hayes High School
Superintendent/Principal
Walt Porter/GRIN
Walt Porter/GRIN
Top row left to right: Shelley Huston, Alicen Apkaw, Valencia Dixon, Melania Natani, Jaidyn
Etsitty, Alan Pratt Middle row left to right: Leona Harrison, Shaelene Hoffman, Gabriella Boss,
Alicia Ramon, Ethan June, Summer Justin, Jeriah Johns Front row left to right: Deserie Cross,
Anna Ramirez, Dre’Anna Whapeta, Ernisto Enos, Raven Stevens, Nizhoni Williams
By Walt Porter
GRIN/Intern
SACATON – The newly elected members
of Sacaton Middle School Student Council
were announced Sept. 19.
An alternate from the third grade class,
Ethan June, said he joined because he
wanted to help people. He’s the second
youngest of three brothers and one sister.
June said that he likes the school because
it's fun, he also likes to do his work.
Fourth grade student council representative, Alicen Apkaw, said she is excited to
be a part of the council.
“It was cool because I always wanted to
be on student council,” Apkaw said.
Apkaw was told by her friends that being
part of the council would be fun and they
get to be more involved with the school.
She also is eager to give a helping hand
around the school.
Running for the student council president
is something that she looks forward to doing this year while in council.
Student council advisor, Shelly Huston,
said she’s gearing the students up for a fantastic year.
Their responsibilities will include raising
the flag in the morning and fundraising. At
the end of the year, the student council will
sponsor an event with the money raised.
Last year they supplied snow cones during
their field day.
During the first week of school, Ira H.
Hayes High School students and staff were
treated with a visit by professional football
player, Nick Lowery. Mr. Lowery played
for the New England Patriots, the Kansas
City Chiefs, and the New York Jets. As
a placekicker, he was selected to the Pro
Bowl three times and when he retired was
ranked first in field goal percentage and
also had the most field goals in NFL history. In 2009, Mr. Lowery was inducted
into the Kansas City Chiefs’ Hall of Fame.
As part of the 1st week of orientation
at Ira Hayes High School, Mr. Lowery
spoke to the students about the importance
of setting goals and staying focused. He
gave the example of being in a stadium of
80,000 football fans and having to really
be focused and determined to kick the football over the goal post. He encouraged the
students to be the same way with school…
...”focused and determined with nothing
distracting you.” “Expect to do well, bring
in and attract healthy energy to yourself”,
Lowery told the students. “Surround yourself with people that have your best interest
in mind”. At the end of his presentation,
Lowery spoke to individual students and
autographed personal poster for them. It
was a wonderful morning of motivation
and inspiration by Nick Lowery!
October 2011
Page 8
EDUCATION
Blackwater Community School gets a visitor from Washington D.C.
Walt Porter/GRIN
First grade students from Ms. Erika's class receive high-fives from Congressman Paul Gosar after he read to them a book about a House
mouse and Senate mouse.
By Walt Porter
GRIN/Intern
BLACKWATER – On Sept. 28 Arizona
Congressman, Paul Gosar, visited Blackwater Community School for a ‘meet and
greet’ the students. He encouraged them to
have an open mind and imagination.
The invitation was offered for Congressman Gosar to hear the students recite the
Declaration of Independence.
After the assembly, the congressman
shook the hands of every student in Blackwater Community School. He asked their
name, what they want to become, and reminded them to smile and keep an open
imagination.
Gosar made two classroom presentations.
The first was to Ms. Erika Villerius’ 1st
grade class to read “House Mouse and Senate Mouse.” The children asked questions
like, “Where is George Washington?”
The second was to Ms. Layla Turner’s 5th
grade class where they had an open discussion about civics. One student asked,
“When will the Gila River get the water
back?” It was evident to the congressman
that they were learning about critical issues.
In 1939, the school was constructed for
approximately 100 children. Now, enrollment has quadrupled over the last four
years. Because of the growing population
in Blackwater, adding new modulars to the
school only makes sense.
Jacklyn Power, Blackwater School Prin-
cipal and Superintendent, Henry Pino, the
School Board President and Audra Antone,
the School Board VP know the hardships
they face when asking Congress to fund
new facilities.
Due to the summer temps the school has
pushed for years to get a new gym. They
were approved four years ago, however
they have been waiting on the funding to
come through.
“Our school doesn’t look bad when walking around because we keep it looking nice
and painted, but it’s falling apart in the
infrastructure and we hope that he will remember our school,” Power said.
One imminent problem is half of the students are displaced which means instruction takes place in separate modulars.
The administration would like to see that
change because it’s not an ideal learning
environment.
Next month the school is set to add two
more modulars. Currently, the students
have five different lunch schedules, and
the BIE is adding a modular-like kitchen
sometime soon. The school has concerns
as to how long this will hold up in the long
run.
“The school is in dire need of permanent
construction, because it’s undersized and
less than half has permanent construction,”
Power said.
According to Congressman Gosar’s government website, www.gosar.house.gov,
he serves on the House Natural Resources
Committee which considers legislation
about American energy production, mineral lands and mining, fisheries and wildlife,
public lands, oceans, Native Americans, irrigation and reclamation.
Within the Resources Committee, he
serves on the Subcommittee on Indian and
Alaska Native Affairs which oversees all
matters regarding Native Americans, including the 565 federally recognized tribes
and Alaska Native Corporations.
Gosar is on the committee that will look at
educational facilities and issues for funding education for school. This is a growing problem because so many BIE schools
are in poor condition or are under funded.
“We’re one of the highest performing bureau schools in the United States, academically,” Power said.
When the school gives testimony in Washington D.C. to ask for future funding, they
hope that this “great connection” will help
the community school.
Principal Power said, “I hope that the students will remember that they met a congressman and that they have a voice. They
are really going to have a voice in what’s
going to happen to Native Americans in the
future… they are the future.”
Congressman said to a staff member that
he got chills after hearing the students recite the Declaration of Independence in
O’odham.
Make a difference. Volunteer. Become a
Court Appointed Special Advocate.
For more information contact the CASA Coordinator at (520) 562-9860
Vah-Ki students learn how the Civil War impacted the Community
By Walt Porter, GRIN/Intern
CASA BLANCA – Students from Skyline
District 5 witnessed a part of their history
during a Civil War Re-enactment.
Social studies teacher, John Rodgers, was
able to get experts on Civil War history, the
Sons of Confederate Veterans, to provide a
common soldier roll-play for the school.
Since the 5th and 7th graders are studying
the Civil War, Mr. Rodgers thought it would
be important for them to understand the significance the Akimel O’odham had during
that period.
“There’s a lot of history in District 5,” said
Rodgers.
Rodgers said that the Civil War actually
came to Casa Blanca in 1862.
Rodgers explained that at one time, there
was a flour mill here owned by a man named
Ammi White, who lived among the Community.
The Americans called it Whites Mill, which
was back when the river was flowing. The
community here was considered the bread-
basket of Arizona.
Mr. White had stored flour and other supplies
here in the Community. The union soldiers
were coming here to California from Mexico.
The Confederates came up here March 1862.
When they found the mill they destroyed it.
The captain didn’t want to throw the flour
away so he gave it to the Community. The
Confederates then went on toward Yuma but
didn’t quite make it and ended up traveling
back through the Community. In April 1862,
a battle took place at Picacho Peak. That was
the farthest west the Civil War battle had been
faught and the only battle fought in Arizona.
Basically, that was Community property then,
Rodgers said.
“There is a connection .The idea here was
to teach the student that their history includes
the Civil War. The Civil War was here,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers would like to collaborate with the
state historical society regarding the Japanese
Internment camps and teach students more
about them since they were located here in
the Community.
Walt Porter/GRIN
The Sons of Confederate Veterans gave students at Skyline District 5 examples of daily life as
Civil War soldiers and historical significance of the Akimel O’odham during that time.
October 2011
Page 9
SPORTS/CULTURAL
Wellness Center kicks off running series
By Walt Porter
GRIN/Intern
SACATON - The Wellness Center is kicking off their fun run series with on Oct. 27 for
the 5 K and 1 mile scary walk on the Trail of Doom which should be another reason to
run.
Community Outreach Specialist, Jacqueline Allison, said they are going into their 12th
year and hope to continue to get Community members out and progressively reach their
wellness goal.
This year they are looking for new props, ideas and volunteers for the event. It’s all in
good fun and an event for the family according to David Yesk, Tribal Recreation from the
Wellness Center.
“At one time we had about 1200 people show up, get at least 900, our numbers are still
up for the Trail of Doom,” said Allison, in reference to the turnout of the Trail of Doom
two years ago.
In the past we have done this event and it has been successful because of support from
Health Resources and help from recreation, the event will also host different vendors and
activities for everyone.
Allison said that the Diabetes Prevention Program funds are used for bib numbers, tee
shirts, award items and metals.
“It’s really exciting this year and we’re hoping for more participation because it is our
signature event and the kids have a good time,” Yesk said.
The main goal is to promote physical activity to the community, especially with an event
like this, encouraging “Step out. Stop diabetes.”
Last year the event had more than 25 different ghouls on the trail, which mainly are
volunteers from the youth council, staff of Genesis Program and the Community.
The main focus according to Yesk was to get people to participate in the run series. This
is just the first one, then the Turkey Trot, and the Jingle Run and others that extending to
the end of July.
"We’ve started up with competitive 5 K run for those who like to compete in running.
There are two age groups 12 and under and 13-60," Yesk said.
Responses from the Community admonish the Trail of Doom, because it is very helpful. "It has even reduced medication use and helping members bring the weight down to
reduce diabetes, it would lower the risk," said Yesk.
Allison added, “The goal is getting them out there to do what they can and then later on
helping them to reach their goal of a one mile or two mile, then later a 5K.”
This is like their stepping stone to getting conditioned and prepared for the P.F Chang’s
Rock and Roll Marathon and half marathon. There are a few people from the Community
and employees that have participated in their first marathon after this and continued on.
The Gila River Running Club is into their 8th year according to Allison. Getting the
Community motivated to continue running and include new people and kids to join.
At the time there were programs that sponsored different runs for the club, but since
then there have not been many sponsors to fund them to do that. Now, they have to fund
themselves and have fundraisers to go to different marathons.
I’m always glad to see so many participants from the Community come out and join us.
We try to have some of the other entities set up booths with information on health.
Music is always great, it keeps the people moving and they hope to get Russell Blackwater again this year to DJ. Allison also said, the Youth Council has been a big help the
sideline for the ghouls.
Allison is trying to get more runners and walkers together to sign up for ‘The Run
Against Diabetes’ coming up in Salt River during Native American Recognition Days.
“Our goal here is to bring home what they have as the most Community or district participants; so far we brought back eight awards and hope to do that again this year,” said
Allison.
All the fun run series are free to the community because of the Diabetes Prevention
Program, same with the run in Salt River.
Sacaton is not the only event that is having something similar to this; Komatke also
holds their annual Deadman’s Walk on Oct. 28 at their service center.
For more information visit the Wellness Center for the club.
The cultural significance of South
Mountain (Muhadagi)
By Randy Stone
South Mountain is located at the northwestern side of the Gila River Indian Community, in District 6, Komatke, Pima Village. Muhadagi.
I am told it has historical significance to the
Pima because it is one of the many mountains located within the exterior boundaries
of the Community and regarded as one of
the guardians of our Community.
As well as being a part of our Pima legends, these legends that have been told to
me by my family, elders and others from
district-four during my childhood and into
my teenage years. It was told that Muhadagi contains the original maze design,
which has become significant and scared to
the Southwestern native tribes.
It is told that Elder Brother, Se-eh-ha,
lived at Muhadag. According to legend,
Se-eh-ha was considered a protector and
councilor to the people (Pima).
At one point Se-eh-ha had returned home
to Muhadagi, where he decided to build a
new home that would include winding passages. Se-eh-ha’s decision for the winding
passages was to confuse his enemy if they
came to destroy him. When he finished his
new home or lodge, he had constructed it
like a labyrinth with the passages leading
to a place he considered safe, at the center
of the maze.
According to other legends told to me,
Muhadagi was also at one time the home of
the Eagle Man that raided our villages and
took our livestock to the top of the mountain where he used them for food and left
whatever remained at the top.
It was said that the fat from the carcasses
melted and ran down the mountainside.
When ever it was a hot and sunny day, and
you would look at Muhadagi. And the sides
of the mountain would look shiny or wet.
These are only two of the legends that I’ve
been told, but there are probably others that
relate to our people and our land. The thing
to remember is that native storytellers may
have different versions of our legends that
relate to Muhadagi, South Mountain. That
all legends will be different, but are all relative, but by this I believe it is what makes
each story interesting to the listener. To me,
it does, whenever I listen to other storytellers and their version.
Legends are told during the winter time
according to Hu Hu Kam and culture. The
reference to the legends above is told because of cultural significance to South
Mountain of the Akimel O’otham.
October 2011
Page 10
Native American Bar Association of Arizona hands out awards
By Roberto A. Jackson
Community Newsperson
Roberto A. Jackson/GRIN
Former GRIC counsel Steve Heeley presented with NABAAZ's Member of the Year Award at the Seven Generations
Awards Dinner at Talking Stick Resort on Sept. 24, 2011.
SRPMIC- The Native American Bar Association of Arizona (NABA-AZ) held their annual Seven Generations
Awards Dinner at Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community’s Talking Stick Resort on Sept. 24, 2011. It was an
evening to recognize three honorees for exemplary service
and to raise funds for Native American law students in the
state of Arizona through a silent auction. NABA-AZ is
a non-profit organization that was formed in 2007 by a
small group of local Native American attorneys seeking
to increase opportunities for Native American lawyers,
judges and students, and to promote legal issues pertinent
to Native American communities.
Awards were given to DNA People’s Legal Services
(DNA is an acronym for the Navajo phrase Dinébe’iiná
Náhiiłna be Agha’diit’ahii which means “attorneys who
work for the economic revitalization of The People”),
William Quinn and Steve Heeley, former GRIC Assistant
General Counsel.
Linda Arnold, President of NABA-AZ, was on hand to
highlight some of NABA-AZ’s activities over the past
year. She noted that the organization awarded multiple
scholarships, held food and toy drives, raised over $8,000
at an annual golf fundraiser among other accomplishments. She also thanked all of the sponsors which included the Wild Horse Pass Development Authority.
SRPMIC President, Diane Enos, welcomed NABA-AZ
by saying, “We’re honored as a tribe to have you here.”
Enos, the first SRPMIC member to become a lawyer, recalled her many long hours of study and years of practice.
Enos was likewise pleased to see the audience dashed with
youthful faces. “I am so honored because a lot of you are
young,” she said.
Other speakers included individuals from the State Bar
of Arizona: John Phelps, CEO/Executive Director and Joe
Kanefield, President of the State Bar of Arizona.
Phelps said that if people wanted a clear definition of professionalism in the practice of law, “all they have to do is
look at the Native American Bar Association for examples
of professional leaders.”
Rod Lewis, former GRIC General Counsel, introduced
Steve Heeley who received the NABA-AZ Member of the
Year Award. Heeley was gracious toward his colleagues
for the honor and for their charity. “Each and everyone
here tonight—I’d like to thank you for your generosity,”
Heeley said.
Several members of GRIC Law Office were on hand
and GRIC General Counsel Linus Everling commented
on Heeley’s tireless work ethic. “It’s just unbelievable
how much stuff he does,” said Everling. Everling also
described the relationship among NABA-AZ members.
“This is a very tight knit group of people. You wouldn’t
believe how many people here have known each other for
20, 30 years,” Everling said.
The Community Service Award, which is to honor individuals or groups that make an impact in Native communities, was bestowed to DNA People’s Legal Services and
accepted by the law firm’s president, Karl Gillson. DNA
People’s Legal Services provide direct legal assistance to
nearly 4,000 people annually. Gillson said that DNA secured $4.5 million for their clients last year. Their administrative offices are located in Window Rock, Ariz.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to William
Quinn, Jr. for his substantial contribution in the area of Indian Law in Arizona thoughout the course of several years.
Quinn specialized in the practice of Indian Law and formerly worked at SRPMIC. “It marks for me one of the
most meaningful and treasured awards I’ve ever received,”
said Quinn of his honor.
Quinn stated that the turning points and transitions in his
career were affected by, “a touch of the creator’s hand.”
Sonia Martinez, NABA-AZ Board Secretary and Planning
Committee Chairperson, concluded the evening by thanking her committee, sponsors and volunteers.
Indian land claim cases disscussed at Heard Museum
By Roberto A. Jackson
Community Newsperson
Roberto A. Jackson/GRIN
Attorney Arlinda Locklear was invited to the Heard Museum
and disscussed fundemental land claim issues
PHOENIX - Noted Indian land rights attorney, Arlinda
Locklear delivered a lecture at the Heard Museum’s Steele
Auditorium on Thurs. Oct. 6, 2011. The lecture entitled,
“Tribal Land Claims: A Generation of Federal Indian Law
on the Edge,” was framed around the land claims cases
brought against the state of New York by the Oneida
Indian Nation.
Locklear (Lumbee) used the Oneida land claims cases as
a mechanism to explain the overall land issues in which
tribes assert the right to continued possessions of their
lands. Locklear, who in 1985, represented the Oneida
Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin in Oneida Indian Nation v.
County of Oneida, said that the Oneida land claims are
of a fundamental importance to Native Americans as the
cases spawned several other Indian land claims.
Locklear recalled over 200 years of history when the
Oneida Indian Nation, as a member of a six nation
confederacy, originally possessed six million acres of land
in the middle of the state of New York. Locklear detailed
the events that led up to the aggressive land acquisition
policy of the state of New York and the multifaceted legal
battles that date from the 1970s to the present day.
Locklear, the first Native American female attorney
to testify before the U.S. Supreme Court, appeared at
the Heard Museum as a guest of, “The Simon Ortiz and
Labriola Center Lecture on Indigenous Land, Culture,
and Community.” These are a series of lectures and
presentations which address a wide range of topics through
the prism of contemporary indigenous perspectives.
When asked about her view on the gaming plans by the
Tohono O’odham Nation for Glendale, Locklear said
that she wouldn’t pass judgment and that it is a difficult
question. “It’s one of those issues where there are equities
on both sides,” Locklear said.
“There is a very carefully constructed system in the
[gaming] compacts here in Arizona that gives those other
[opposing] tribes concerns as to whether that whole
system will unravel as a result of this additional project
in the event it is developed,” she said.
Locklear covered other topics during a Q-and-A session
including the Fort McDowell water settlement, the
federal court system as it relates to being an Indian Law
practitioner and also the Cobell v. Salazar settlement.
The next event for, “The Simon Ortiz and Labriola
Center Lecture on Indigenous Land, Culture, and
Community,” will be on March 15, 2012 and feature
sculptor Bob Haozous.
Arizona Indian Living Treasure Award recipients announced
Submitted by Daryl Melvin
AILTA Board
PHOENIX, AZ - The Arizona Indian Living Treasures
Award (AILTA) committee announces four recipients of
the 2011 Living Treasures Award. The 2011 AILTA will be
presented to Joseph Joaquin, Tohono O’odham - language/
cultural preservation; Chester Kahn, Navajo - painter;
Thomas Nahsonhoya, Hopi - traditional weaver; and Herb
Stevens, San Carlos Apache - fine arts buckskin dress and
moccasin making. Awardees will be honored with a ceremony on Saturday, October 15, 2011, at 1:00 p.m. in the
Steele Auditorium at the Heard Museum in Phoenix.
Herb Stevens, director at San Carlos Apache Cultural
Center expressed his surprise upon learning of being a
recipient, “It’s such an honor to be recognized for doing
something I love to do. I try to do what I can to teach the
traditional Apache ways of working with buckskin, making dresses and moccasins needed for ceremonies; it keeps
the traditional Apache culture alive within the Apache
Tribal communities.”
Howard Sice, board president and founding board member states, "The contributions of our native elders and their
commitment to service in retaining traditional art and culture for all Indian people, is an important calling."
Each year, the AILTA's Board honors individuals who
demonstrate a lifetime of achievement in the area of traditional arts and cultural preservation. AILTA recognizes
individuals who serve their community by sharing their
arts and traditions, and passing them on to the next generation. The Living Treasure Award reinforces the mission
of AILTA, which is to encourage the preservation of cul-
tural traditions and artistic ideals, while providing education and awareness to the public about American Indian
culture. During the ceremony, recipients are honored and
presented with an embroidered Pendleton blanket and
plaque.
About the Arizona Indian Living Treasure Award
Arizona Indian Living Treasure Award, Inc was formed in
1988 and recognized Hopi basket maker, Sarah Gashwytewa, the first living treasure recipient. To date AILTA
has recognized 100 Arizona Native American living treasures. Their Web site is: http://www.ailta.ethos7.com/
For more information, contact Daryl Melvin, P.E., AILTA
Board member at darylmelvin@sprintmail.com or at 928380-1807.
October 2011
Page 11
Guk Tash Tribal Members:
T
hank you for the opportunity to
move forward in the upcoming
General Election for Governor. You
have empowered me to represent
the spirit of Gila River everywhere I
go and in everything I do. I humbly
appreciate your trust in me.
As Lieutenant Governor I have held
the office sacred and have not wavered my commitment to you, the
people, in any way.
My Boys, my wife Nadine and I live
in the village of Gu u Ki next to the
GRIC’s Residential Youth Home.
Our other two boys are doing well
with their families. I am a religious
family man that supports traditional
family values. In 2011, I’ve celebrated over 28 years sobriety.
My parents are Lorraine Johnson,
daughter of the late Frank Johnson
and Isabel Davis Johnson. My father is the late Herman Manuel son
of the late Warren Manuel and
Ellen Manuel of Sacaton.
Tribal Government has left the peo-
Experience:
•Lieutenant Governor
• D3 Councilman
•Judge Pro Tempore
•Community Manager Operations
• TERO Director (TERO Southwest Region
Chairman & TERO National Chairman)
•Private Tribal Court Advocate
•Visiting Judge Indian Country.
•Arizona Indian Gaming Association –
Chair
ple behind. We must work together
to bridge that gap and to communicate and address Community issues
and to continue to provide services
to the Community. By improving
communications, the tribal government will become accountable and
transparent in everything it does. To
bring the wisdom of our elders, the
purity of our young children, and holistic minds of our Community members, we will all move forward in a
positive manner. I believe this will
promote trust of the people in their
elected officials.
There is much to do in our Community and for our Community. All issues are priority. Youth and Elders,
Jobs, Housing, Education, Health,
Transportation, Economic Development, Land, Water, Air, Culture and
Sovereignty must be protected at all
cost.
I have been preparing myself for this
very opportunity before me. My
consistency and dedication to the office of Lieutenant Governor has enriched my qualifications to take on
this important position of GRIC Governor.
Qualifications Present & Former:
•Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona – Secretary/Treasurer
•National Indian Gaming Association Board Member
•Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport – Vice
Chair
•GRIC Investment Committee Member
•GRIC Litigation Team Member
•GRIC Employee Benefit Trust Member
I’ve listened to the past Governors
and what they have shared with me
during my venture. Mary Thomas
once told me during an election,
“Watch this so you will know how
to deliver a campaign message in
tried times”. I recall her elegant
means of delivery that day. Governor Donald Antone told me, “You
have to be Lt. Governor before you
can take the Governorship”. Governor Thomas White taught me to
listen to both sides of a story before
making a decision and would tell
me, “I’m going to show you how it
is done”. Governor Norris taught
me to always acknowledge the
Almighty God in seeking guidance.
I also thank Governor Rhodes and
wish him well. I appreciate these
Governors for their guidance as I
have always observed their leadership.
So at this juncture I have acquired
the following qualifications, experience and education to prepare for
this position.
I appreciate your vote on November 8th, 2011.
•Transportation Technical Team – Chair
•WHPDA BOD
•GRTI BOD
•GRICUA BOD
•GRIC Law Enforcement Commission
•Four Rivers Indian Legal Services BOD
•Education: Menaul Presbyterian High
School 1974 , Bachelor of Science Business Management (BSBM)1998 , Master’s Business Administration (MBA)
2002.
Joseph Manuel for Governor
Paid by “Voices of the River” Campaign
October 2011
Page 12
Political Advertisment
Thank you all for your encouraging words--in-person and on-line—and for sharing your concerns and
hopes for our Community. Thank you too, for your help in getting my campaign message out. Let us begin
the second half of this awesome journey to inspire Change and Hope for our People.
Voting Greg Mendoza for Governor will bring to our People:
Awareness
• To provide consistent updates to Tribal Departments, Employees,
Districts, the Community Council, the Elders, the Youth and Urban
Members living off the Community.
• Provide monthly updates via Gila River News, Tribal Website and Social
Media. Use technology to communicate status of our Community.
• Using forums to develop a community vision for community services.
Progress
• Working to empower community members by addressing their rights
and responsibilities as community members.
• Analyzing and collaborating with employees to improve the delivery of
services by reviewing policies and implementing these policies, my
administration will better ensure effective and efficient delivery of
services to our people.
• Encourage community members to help each other
Accountability
• Reaching out to community members to understand their concerns and
partner for solutions.
• Providing greater transparency and hold management (i.e., the
community manager, the division managers, department directors)
accountable for services that are planned and budgeted to meet the
Community’s needs.
• Assuring that tribal funds being appropriated are being spent
accordingly and with due diligence.
I welcome and encourage you to submit your ideas to improve services for our elders, families and youth
via: Facebook: www.facebook.com/Greg.Mendoza2011 Email: Greg_Mendoza2011@yahoo.com
Phone: 480.262.6400. Personal contact is always welcome.
I look forward to sharing my message of Change and Hope for our People. The people have spoken and I
humbly accept your continued support as we move forward to the General Election on November 8.
Let Your Voice Be Heard and Vote
November 8, 2011
October 2011
Page 13
HALLOWEEN
CANDY BUY BACK
November 1st
from 4:30-6:30pm
Impressions Dental
442 W. Kortsen Rd. #104
Casa Grande, AZ
(NW corner of Kortsen & Pinal Ave.)
• Bring in your unopened candy
on November 1st
• Receive $1 per pound of candy!
• All candy donated to U.S. Troops
through Operation Gratitude
DR. SPENCER D. WEED DDS
FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY
520.374.2400
442 W. Kortsen Rd., Suite 104 • Casa Grande, AZ 85122
(NW corner of Kortsen & Pinal Ave.)
www.ImpressDentalCG.com
★
October 2011
Page 14
Tina Notah-Enas for Lieutenant
Governor
Together we can make a difference, together we
can take action to ensure results
Experience Counts
And Juanita Manuel Lowe of District Four.
Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management and a Master of Arts Degree
in Organizational Management. Professional
Delete text and
Certificates in Human Resources and Hospital/
insert image here.
Patient Administration.
I am knowledgeable about the tribal
Experienced: Over 20 years of experience in
departmental administration and operations.
My name is Tina Notah-Enas, I am from
the villages of Santan and Stotonic. I reside
Community Volunteerism: I served (10) years
ernment. I am also well versed in
on the Mul-Chu-Tha Fair Committee and vol-
the departmental structure of the
unteered as a Basketball Coach for Special
in North Blackwater with my family
Olympics.
Augustine and Krystal Enas. My parents
history and establishment of our gov-
community. I have worked for a
number of Tribal Administrations
were the late Lloyd Notah Sr. and Louise
and Tribal Councils.
Thelma Osife of District Four and my maWWW.facebook.com/GoTina2012
ternal grandparents were the late Harvier
Osife
What do we do about
it
What are the Issues/
needs
♦
♦
Human Resources: Enforce Tribal Prefer-
Steady increase in tribal members being
hired. Low turn over rate or commu-
Education: There is a need for new schools
ship programs.
nity members getting RIF.
♦
Revisit Capital Projects, plan and deter-
♦
Children will go to school in a quality
for our adult population.
mine funding for new schools to be consid-
building thus given them a positive envi-
Housing: The need to keep moving on the
ered. Look at bringing back on the job
ronment to learn. Vocational opportu-
construction of new homes. Transitional
training and promote a vocational training
nities for the older adult population will
Housing is needed to house our homeless
school.
allow job opportunities.
♦
Continue funding for Housing. Revisit
♦
Families will benefit from new homes,
Property and Supply: Enforce tribal pref-
Capital Projects for a Transitional Home
sub-standard housing is addressed. We
erence for Vendors in efforts to promote
Facility.
find placement for our homeless.
our community members that are entrepre-
♦
♦
Promote the Career Pathways and Mentor-
population.
♦
Exercise our right to Tribal Sovereignty .
ence and employ and retain our own.
for our children. Also vocational programs
♦
♦
What will be the end
result
♦
Exercise our right to Tribal Sovereignty.
neurs.
Enforce the tribal preference business reso-
Veterans: There is a need for establish-
lution.
ment of a Veterans Affairs Office.
♦
♦
nesses will prosper and be successful.
♦
Revisit Capital Projects, plan and funding.
Community members that have busi-
Veterans needs will be met in terms of
benefits, medical and housing needs.
Not one person can do this alone it will take the help and support of
everyone, you as the members, the leadership and Council.
October 2011
Page 15
Doomtown at Rawhide is Delightfully Eerie
By Mihio Manus
Managing Editor
Anyone who thinks that zombies, ghouls and ghosts weren’t
a part of the old west needs
to think again. As a part of
Rawhide’s annual Halloween
festivities, Doomtown has returned to claim the Wild West
in the name of terror, fright and
ghoulish splendor.
Walking the main drag of the
rustic town, you will instantly
notice that Rawhide has become plagued by zombies and
goblins. Skeletal reapers riding horseback have replaced
town marshals. Depending on
your luck, whether it's good or
bad, you might catch a glimpse
of the Headless Horseman as
he patrols the streets searching
for victims.
But that’s not all there is to
Doomtown’s bag of goodies. Each of the town’s theatre
stages have fallen under the
spells of Halloween and are
certain to keep the audience
spellbound with performances
derived from six feet under.
The Legend of the Zombie
Hunter follows Jack Roberts
and his bumbling trainee Eustice McKenzie as they try to
nab a pesky zombie with gunfights, fist fights, and high falls.
The show is brought to you by
the Arizona Roughriders.
The chillingly delightful Dr.
Boris Von Schlock, and his inept helper Stosh attempt to reanimate the ghoulish creatures
in Dr. Boris Von Schlock's
Traveling Transylvania Taxidermy Tonsorial and Re-animation Emporium.
Digger Payne has reigned supreme over Doomtown for well
over a decade, devastating everything and everyone that lay
in his path. Not even the gates
of hell have been able to contain his dark power. So what
happens when there is no one
left worthy to do battle with?
Find out when you attend The
Digger Payne Saga: "The Return of the Prodigal".
Each of these attractions builds
horrific momentum, leading
visitors toward Doomtown’s
main attraction, The Nest.
Here within the pages of this
newspaper, we won’t divulge
too much about what happens
inside this particular haunted
house. But we can say that you
will be startled and frightened.
The full experience takes approximately 30 minutes but
there are exits located within
The Nest where visitors can
catch an early escape if the horror becomes overwhelming.
However, if you’ve made it
this far, it only makes sense to
go the distance.
Rawhide will feature Doomtown through the end of October
and is open to the public from
Wed through Sun throughout
the end of the month. Doomtown is open nightly on these
particular days from 5pm to
11pm. A Doomtown pass costs
$15 and will admit you to any
attraction. A single attraction
costs $5. For more information check:
www.rawhide.com/doomtown.html
Mihio Manus/GRIN
In the spirit of the old west, The Arizona Roughriders unearth
their story of zombie hunting complete with gun fights and
showdowns.
Mihio Manus/GRIN
GRIN secretary, Gina Goodman barely escaped The Nest fully
intact. With ghoulish characters like these, many visitors
leave both shaken and stirred.
October 2011
Page 16
September 7, 2011 Action Sheets
ACTION SHEET
Community Council; PO Box 2138; Sacaton, Arizona 85147; Phone (520) 5629720; Fax (520) 562-9729
CALL TO ORDER
The First Regular Monthly Meeting of the
Community Council held Wednesday September 7, 2011, in the Community Council Chambers at the Governance Center in
Sacaton, Arizona was called to order by
presiding Chairman Governor William R.
Rhodes at 9:00 a.m.
INVOCATION
Councilwoman Janice F. Stewart
ROLL CALL
Sign-In Sheet Circulated
Executive Officers Present:
Governor William R. Rhodes
Lt. Governor Joseph Manuel (9:06)
Council Members Present:
D1-Cynthia Antone, Arzie Hogg; D2-Jewel
Whitman; D3-, Myron G. Schurz, Dale G.
Enos; D4- Jennifer Allison (9:08), Gregory
Mendoza, Christopher Mendoza; D5-Annette Stewart, Janice F. Stewart, Brenda
Roberson (11:33); D6-Anthony Villareal,
Sr., Albert Pablo, Terrance B. Evans; D7Martha Miller
Council Members Absent:
D4 - Barney Enos, Jr ; D5 - Brian Davis,
Sr.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
APPROVED AS AMENDED
REPORTS
1. Sacaton Middle School Annual Report
Presenter: Philip Bonds
TABLED
2. Skyline District 5 School Status Report
Presenters: Rudy Dulfo, Molly Ryan, &
Carl Hill
TABLED
3. Casa Blanca Community School Report
Presenters: Education Standing Committee
REPORT HEARD
4. Casa Blanca Community School Amended Charter
Presenters: Thomas Murphy & Rebecca
Hall
REPORT HEARD
5. American Legion Haskell Osife Antone
Post No. 51 Report
Presenter: David Anderson
REPORT HEARD
6. Health Resources Department – FY1011 Semi- Annual Report
Presenter: Laverne Dallas
TABLED
7. Enrollment/Census 2011 Annual Report
Presenter: Jane Johnson-Woody
REPORT HEARD
MOTION MADE AND SECOND FOR
10-MINUTE BREAK
RECONVENED AT 10:43AM
8. Gang Ordinance Draft Revision
Presenter: Rebecca Hall
REPORT HEARD
9. Gila River Gaming Commission Report
– July 2011 (Executive Session)
Presenters: Courtney Moyah & Scott Sanderson
MOTION MADE AND SECOND TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
REPORT HEARD IN EXECUTIVE SESSION
MOTION MADE AND SECOND TO
EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION
RESOLUTIONS
1. A Resolution Approving Amendment
No. 9 To The Gila River Indian Community’s “Employee Policies And Procedures
Reference Guide ”Adopted By Resolution
GR-298-08, And Amending Section V Of
The Employee Reference Guide To Add A
Section Entitled, “Registered Sex Offenders” (G&MSC forwards to Council with
recommendation for approval; LSC concurs)
Presenters: Rebecca Hall & Sydney McKinney
APPROVED
2. A Resolution Approving The Community
Council Secretary’s Office Public Records
Request Policy (G&MSC forwards to
Council with
recommendation for approval; EDSC &
LSC
concur)
Presenter: Ron Rosier
APPROVED
3. A Resolution Approving The Gila River
Indian
Community’s 2011-2012 Tribal Membership In
The National Congress Of American Indians And
Designated Delegates (G&MSC forwards
to
Council with recommendation for approval)
Presenter: Linda Andrews
APPROVED
4. A Resolution Approving And Authorizing
Amendment #1 To The October 1, 2010
Agreement Between The Gila River Indian
Community And Peter Mock Groundwater
Consulting, Inc. For Fiscal Year 2011
(G&MSC
forwards to Council with recommendation
for
approval; NRSC concurs)
Presenter: Thomas Murphy
APPROVED
5. A Resolution Approving The Golf Facility
Management Agreement Between The
Gila River
Indian Community And Troon Golf, LLC
To
Manage And Operate The Whirlwind Golf
Club In
The Wild Horse Pass Development Area
(EDSC
motioned to forward to Council for approval;
contingent upon G&M’s approval)
Presenters: Ron Rosier, Dale Gutenson, &
Steve
Heeley
TABLED AT APPROVAL OF AGENDA
6. A Resolution Consenting To Four (4)
Nontransferable Fifty Year Homesite Leases
On
Allotment 2753 located On Allotted Trust
Land In
District Seven Of The Gila River Indian
Reservation (NRSC forwards to Council
with
recommendation for approval)
Presenter: Javier Ramos
APPROVED
7. A Resolution Consenting To A Nontransferable Fifty Year Homesite Lease On
Allotment 2540-A located On Allotted
Trust Land
In District Five Of The Gila River Indian
Reservation (NRSC forwards to Council
with
Presenter :Javier Ramos
APPROVED
8. A Resolution By The Gila River Indian
Community Approving And Consenting
To A
Grant of Right Of Way Easement Within
A Parcel
Of Allotted Land Partially Owned By The
Gila
River Indian Community, To The Department Of
The Interior, Bureau Of Indian Affairs For
The
Purpose Of Constructing, Operating, Managing
And Maintaining A Road Way And Utilities
Corridor, Located In District One Of The
Gila
River Indian Reservation And Shown In
Drawing
Number 30109-0008AEA-03 (NRSC forwards to
Presenters: Calvin Touchin & Antonelli
Anton
9. A Resolution Approving An Agreement
Between The Gila River Indian Community And
The New Magma Irrigation And Drainage
District
Providing For The Delivery Of In-lieu Water For
Water Storage At A Groundwater Savings
Facility
(NRSC forwards to Council with recommendation
for approval)
10. A Resolution Granting And Ingress/
Egress
And A Utility Corridor Right Of Way To
The Gila
River Indian Community Department Of
Transportation, Gila River Indian Community
Utility Authority, San Carlos Irrigation
Project,
Gila River Indian Community Department
Of
Public Works, And Gila River
Telecommunications, Inc. For The
Purpose(s) Of
A Roadway And Other Utility Services,
Located
On Community Trust Land In District Five
Of The
Gila River Indian Reservation And Designated As
Drawing No. 30511-0228-EA (NRSC forwards to
Council with recommendation for approval, and
with correction)
Presenter: Pamela Pasqual
APPROVED
11. A Resolution Approving The Petition
For The
Enrollment Of Eric Kevin Track Into The
Gila
River Indian Community (LSC forwards
to
Presenter: Gwen Thomas
APPROVED
For The
Enrollment Of Michael Christian Track
Into The
Gila River Indian Community (LSC forwards to
APPROVED
For The
Enrollment Of Mattika Jay Yazzie Into The
Gila
to
APPROVED
For The
Enrollment Of Elliott Mark Pablo Into The
Gila
to
APPROVED
For The
Enrollment Of James Francis Burrell, Jr.
Into The
APPROVED
For The
Enrollment Of Hannah Theresa Vavages
Into
The Gila River Indian Community (LSC
forwards
to Council with recommendation for approval)
APPROVED
For The
Enrollment Of Delphina Mae Kenton Into
The
APPROVED
For The
Enrollment Of Owen Floyd Wilson Into
The Gila
to
APPROVED
For The
Enrollment Of Brandon Dean Morgan Into
The
20. A Resolution Approving The Tribal
Elections
Program’s Election Official’s Handbook
As A
Training Manual For Election Officials
(LSC
for
approval)
Presenters: Nadine Shelde, Linda Andrews,
&
Javier Ramos
APPROVED
ORDINANCES
1. The Gila River Indian Community
Council Hereby Rescinds The 2010 Code
Of Conduct And Hereby Enacts the 2011
Code Of Conduct In Title I, Which Amends
The 2009 Gila River Indian Community
Code (G&MSC Forwards to Council with
recommendation for approval contingent
upon the other committee’s concurrence
with recommended changes to include the
noted amended changes made by this committee; to also request the Public Notice required by waived by LSC or the Community Council in regards to this Ordinance;
EDSC & LSC concur) Presenter: Perry
Riggs
APPROVED
2. The Gila River Indian Community
Council
Hereby Enacts The Following As An Ordinance
Authorizing And Enacting An Amendment
to Title
8, Chapter 8, The Sex Offender Registration And
Notification Ordinance Of The Gila River
Indian
Community Code (LSC forwards to Council with
Presenters: Rebecca Hall & Michael Carter
APPROVED
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
*1. Gila Crossing Community Elementary
School Written Plan SY2011/2012 (ESC
for approval) Presenter: Jagdish Sharma
APPROVED
*2. Gila Crossing Community Middle
School Written Plan SY2011/2012 (ESC
for approval) Presenter: Jagdish Sharma
APPROVED
*3. Gila River Farms – Declare 1 Vacancy
(EDSC motioned to forward to Council
with deadline of 10/06/11 at noon)
Presenters: Committee
DECLARIED
4. Appointment of District One Planning
& Zoning Commissioner - Wally Jones
(G&MSC forwards to Council with recommendation for consideration of appointment)
Presenter: Wilbert Jackson
APPOINTED
LUNCH TILL 1:30PM
RECONVENED AT 1:35PM
5. Vechij Himdag MaschamaKud Alternative School Written Plan SY2011/2012
(ESC forwards to Council with recommendation for approval)
Presenter: Lillian Kim Franklin
APPROVED WITH ADDITION OF SALARY INFORMATION
6. Ira H. Hayes High School SY2011/2012
Written Plan (ESC forwards to Council
with recommendation for approval)
Presenter: Wendy Ong
TABLED
7. Sacaton Middle School Written Plan SY2011/2012 (ESC forwards to Council with
APPROVED
8. Sherman Indian High School Board
Declaration of Vacancy – 1 Member (ESC
to declare the vacancy)
Presenters: Committee
DECLARIED
9. Career Pathways (ESC forwards to
Council with recommendation to support)
Presenters: Lana Chanda, Christopher Banham, & Stephanie Sauceda
SUPPORT GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY CAREER PATHWAYS PROJECT
10. Request for Concurrence for the Governor to Authorize & Release of Addressing information in Electronic Format to
Our Mutual Aid Partners (NRSC forwards
October 2011
Page 17
September 7, 2011 Action Sheets continued
Presenter: Rod Tuttle
APPROVED
11. Vee Quiva Casino Expansion and Lease
Renewal (Executive Session) (EDSC forwards to Council with recommendation of
approval)
Addendum to Agenda
12. NAHASDA and RHIP Program
Presenter: Anthony Villareal, Sr.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL TO SUPPORT
GOVERNMENT & MANAGEMENT
STANDIN COMMITTEE MOTIONS OF
SEPTEMBER 1, 2011, REGARDING
RHIP, NAHASDA, AND OTHER
COMMUNTIY HOUSING PROGRAMS;
AND DIRECT LAW OFFICE TO PREPARE A RESOLUTION CREATING A
HOUSING TASKFORCE TO COMPRISE
OF STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS AND VICE
CHAIRPERSONS; RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPING PLANS AND IMPLEMENTING G&MSC MOTIONS
13. Retaliation/intimidation
Presenters: Anthony Villareal, Sr.
MOTION MADE AND SECOND THAT
ACTS OF INTIMIDATION BY ELECTED
AND APPOINTED OFFICALS SHALL
NOT BE PERMITTED; SUCH ACTS IN
OPPOSITION OF COMMUNITY’S ETHICS ORDINANCE AND WILL BE DELT
WITH BY COUNCIL INCLUDING DISCIPLINE OR REMOVAL OR OTHER
NCESSARY ACTION; ANY INSTANCES
SHALL BE REPORTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE STANDING COMMITTEE FOR
RECMMENDATION TO COMMUNITY
COUNCIL
MINUTES
1. April 20, 2011 (Regular)
APPROVE AS CORRECTED
ANNOUNCEMENTS
>CONCERN REGARDING THE MINUTES EXPRESSED
>REMINDER OF THE MUSTERING
DAYS THIS WEEKEND
>REMINDER OF THE CANDIDATE
FORUM THIS WEEKEND IN DISTRICT
ONE
>REMINDER OF THE G2E DEADLINE
ADJOURNMENT
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 4:05pm
* Denotes TABLED from previous
meeting(s)
ward to
Council with recommendation for approval;
G&MSC concurs)
Presenters: Ron Rosier & Steve Heeley
APPROVED
6. A Resolution Approving a Memorandum of
Agreement between the Gila River Indian
Community and Lonesome Valley Farms
of
Coolidge, Arizona, for the Installation of a
Certain
Irrigation Turnout at Lonesome Valley
Farms’
Expense on SCIP Canal 4 along the Pima
Lateral
Canal West of the City of Coolidge, Arizona
(NRSC forwards to Council with recommendation
for approval; G&MSC concurs)
Presenter: David DeJong
APPROVED
7. A Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental
Agreement between the Gila River Indian
Community and the City of Coolidge, Arizona, to
Authorize the Pima-Maricopa Irrigation
Project to
Construct a Replacement Bridge at Skousen
Road with a Maximum Pima-Maricopa Irrigation
Project Contribution of $100,000.00
(NRSC
for
approval; G&MSC concurs)
Presenter: David DeJong
APPROVED
8. A Resolution Authorizing And Approving The
U.S. Department Of Justice FY2011 Office
Of
Community
Oriented
Policing
Services(COPS)
Hiring Grant Application (LSC forwards
to
Presenter: Amanda Swinehart
U.S. Department Of Justice Office Of Justice
Programs’ (OJP) Edward Byrne Memorial
Justice
Assistance Grant (JAG) Program FY2011
Local
Solicitation Application (LSC forwards to
Council
Presenter: Amanda Swinehart
10. A Resolution Authorizing And Approving An Interest-Free Short-Term Loan
To The Ira H. Hayes Memorial Applied
Learning Center, Inc., A Gila River Community Alternative School Of Education
(G&MSC forwards to Council with recommendation for approval)
Presenters: Robert Keller & Lorinda Roessel
APPROVED
11. A Resolution Approving Modification
No. 2 To
The Gila River Indian Community Operating
Budget For Fiscal Year 2011 (G&MSC forwards
Presenter: Robert Keller
APPROVED
Termination Of A Deceased Beneficiary’s
Per
Capita Trust Account And Direct Distribution Of
Trust Assets To Certain Survivors
(G&MSC
for
approval)
Presenters: Robert Keller & Lorinda Roessel
APPROVED
13. A Resolution Approving The Gila River Indian
Community Internal Audit Department’s
Annual
Audit Plan For Fiscal Year 2012 (G&MSC
for
approval)
Presenters: Penni McCabe & Robert
Keller
APPROVED
14. A Resolution Approving And Authorizing
Amendment #2 To The October 1, 2010
Community,And Akin, Gump, Strauss
Hauer &
Feld, LLP For Fiscal Year 2011 (G&MSC
for
approval)
Presenters: Linus Everling & Tom Murphy
APPROVED
15. A Resolution Approving and Authorizing An
Community And Gookin Hydrology, PLC
For
Fiscal Year 2012 (G&MSC forwards to
Council
APPROVED
Community And Hardee Consulting For
Fiscal
Year 2012 (G&MSC forwards to Council
with
APPROVED
Community And Franzoy Consulting, Inc.
For
Fiscal Year 2012 (G&MSC forwards to
Council
APPROVED
Community And Peter Mock Groundwater
Consulting, Inc. For Fiscal Year 2012
(G&MSC
for
approval)
September 21, 2011 Action Sheets
ACTION SHEET
Community Council; PO Box 2138; Sacaton, Arizona 85147; Phone (520) 5629720; Fax (520) 562-9729
CALL TO ORDER
The Second Regular Monthly Meeting of
the Community Council held Wednesday
September 21, 2011, in the Community
Council Chambers at the Governance Center in Sacaton, Arizona was called to order
by presiding Chairman Governor William
R. Rhodes at 9:00 a.m.
INVOCATION
Councilwoman Annette J. Stewart
ROLL CALL
Sign-In Sheet Circulated
Executive Officers Present:
Governor William R. Rhodes
Executive Officers Absent:
Lt. Governor Joseph Manuel
Council Members Present:
D1-Cynthia Antone, Arzie Hogg; D2-Jewel
Whitman; D3-Dale G. Enos; D4-Gregory
Mendoza, Christopher Mendoza Jr; D5Annette Stewart, Janice F. Stewart (9:04),
Brenda Roberson, Brian Davis, Sr.; D6Anthony Villareal, Sr., Albert Pablo, Terrance B. Evans (9:04); D7-Martha Miller
Council Members Absent:
D3-Myron G. Schurz; D4- Jennifer Allison, Barney Enos, Jr.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
APPROVED AS AMENDED
PRESENTATION
1. GRTI Check Presentation
Presenter: Malcom Eschief
Mr. Malcom Eschief presented a check in
the amount of $312,000 to Councilwoman
Brenda Robertson. Mr. Eschief expressed
words of gratitude of the Council and Administration’s support. Governor William
R. Rhodes and various Council members
expressed words of gratitude.
REPORTS
*1. Sacaton Middle School Annual Report
REPORT HEARD
*2. Skyline District 5 School Status Report
Presenters: Rudy Dulfo & Molly Ryan &
Carl Hill
TABLED
*3. Health Resources Department – FY1011 Semi- Annual Report
Presenter: Laverne Dallas
REPORT HEARD
10- MINUTE BREAK
RECONVENED AT 11:36AM
4. School Board Coalition Report
Presenter: Michelle Lyons
REPORT HEARD
5. Casa Blanca Community School 3rd
Quarter Allocation Report
Presenter: Eric James
6. Casa Blanca Community School Annual
Report SY2010/2011
Presenter: Eric James
7. Transportation Update Report
Presenters: Bonnie Lyons & Amish Purdit
REPORT HEARD
LUNCH BREAK UNTIL 2:00PM
RECONVENED AT 2:01PM
8. Gila River Sand & Gravel’s Independent
Auditors’ Report For Fiscal Year 2010
Presenters: Marilyn Mays & Michael Morago
REPORT HEARD
9. Urban Members Association Quarterly
Report
Presenter: Renee Bearhand
REPORT HEARD
10. Ira H. Hayes American Legion Post 84
Activities Report
Presenter: Manuel Hernandez
REPORT HEARD
11. Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Inc.
Monthly Report – July 2011(Executive
Session)
Presenter: John James & Board of Directors
MOTION MADE AND SECOND TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
12. FY 2011 July 31, 2011 Month End Financial Reports (Executive Session)
Presenter: Robert Keller & Mike Jacobs
EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION
RESOLUTIONS
*1. A Resolution Approving The Golf Facility Management Agreement Between
The Gila River Indian Community And
Troon Golf, LLC To Manage And Operate The Whirlwind Golf Club In The Wild
Horse Pass Development Area (EDSC
motioned to forward to Council for approval; contingent upon G&M’s Approval;
G&MSC concurs)
Presenters: Ron Rosier, Dale Gutenson, &
Steve Heeley
APPROVED
*2. A Resolution By The Gila River Indian
Community Approving And Consenting To
A Grant of Right Of Way Easement Within
A Parcel Of Allotted Land Partially Owned
By The Gila River Indian Community, To
The Department Of The Interior, Bureau
Of Indian Affairs For The Purpose Of Constructing, Operating, Managing And Maintaining A Road Way And Utilities Corridor,
Located In District One Of The Gila River
Indian Reservation And Shown In Drawing Number 30109-0008AEA-03 (NRSC
for approval)
Presenters: Calvin Touchin & Antonelli
Anton
APPROVED
*3. A Resolution Approving An Agreement
Between The Gila River Indian Community And The New Magma Irrigation And
Drainage District Providing For The Delivery Of In-lieu Water For Water Storage
At A Groundwater Savings Facility (NRSC
for approval; G&MSC concurs)
APPROVED
*4. A Resolution Approving The Petition
For The Enrollment Of Brandon Dean
Morgan Into The Gila River Indian Community (LSC forwards to Council with
recommendation for approval) Presenter:
Gwen Thomas
5. A Resolution Delegating to the Economic
Development Standing Committee of the
Gila
River Indian Community Council Authority to
Approve Lease Compliance Actions on
Behalf of
the Community Council, Including Authority to
Approve Settlement Agreements with Lessees, to
Waive Lessee Defaults or Breaches, to Approve
Amendments to, or Extensions of, Existing
Leases of Community Land, and to Approve New
Leases to Replace Expired Leases of Community
Land (NRSC concurs with EDSC to for-
October 2011
Page 18
September 21, 2011 Action Sheets continued
APPROVED
19. A Resolution Approving The Gila River Indian
Community Gaming Internal Audit Department’s
Annual Audit Plan For Fiscal Year 2012
(G&MSC
for
approval)
Presenters: Robert Keller & Robert Russin
APPROVED
20. A Resolution Establishing A Community
Housing Task Force To Oversee The
Department Of Community Housing And
The
Administration Of The Native Housing
Assistance
And Self-Determination Act Program, The
Residential Housing Improvement Program, And
The Home Benefit Program, And To Develop
And Implement A Plan To More Effectively And
Efficiently Provide Housing To Community
Members (G&MSC forwards to Council
with
APPROVED
ORDINANCES
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Spring Training Report (EDSC forwards
to Council with memos)
Presenter: Dale Gutenson & Steve Heeley
REPORT ACCEPTED
2. Department Of Community Housing
Monthly Report – August 2011 (G&MS
forwards to Council under Unfinished
Business)
Presenter: Nellie Gilmore
REPORT HEARD
NEW BUSINESS
*1. Ira H. Hayes High School SY2011/2012
Written Plan (ESC forwards to Council
Presenter: Wendy Ong
APPROVED
*2. Vee Quiva Casino Expansion and Lease
Renewal (Executive Session) (G&MSC
concurs with EDSC and forwards to Council in Executive Session with recommendation for approval and support of the three
items on Page (3) of the memo)
MOTION MADE AND SECOND TO APPROVE AND SUPPORT THE 3 ITEMS
IN THE AKIN GUMP, AUGUST 9, 2011
MEMORANDUM
3. Boys & Girls Clubs Of The East Valley
Gila River MOA & Letter (G&MSC forwards to Council)
Presenters: Branch Board of & Directors
MOTION MADE AND SECOND TO EXTEND BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE
EAST VALLEY’S MOA FOR A TERM
OF ONE YEAR
4. Law Office Division (Executive Session) (G&MSC forwards to Council in Executive Session with recommendation for
approval)
MOTION MADE AND SECOND TO TABLE AND SEND BACK TO LEGISLATIVE STANDING COMMITTEE
5. GRIC Revenue/Internal Audit FY 2011
Third
Quarter Report (Executive Session)
(G&MSC
forwards to Council in Executive Session
with
recommendation to accept report)
Presenters: Penni McCabe & Robert
Keller
MOTION MADE AND SECOND TO ACCEPT THE REPORT
MINUTES
1. May 4, 2011 (Regular)
APPROVED WITH CHANGES
ANNOUNCEMENTS
>MR. DEAN SCHURZ TO LIEN IN
STATE ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER
22, 2011
>GTI SHAERHOLDRES MEETING
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
>G&M RECONVENING ON MONDAY,
SEPTEMBER 26, 2011 REGARDING
THE COMMUNITY BUDGET
ADJOURNMENT
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 5:53pm
* Denotes TABLED from previous
meeting(s)
CROSSROADS AUTO CENTER
1026 N PINAL
CASA GRANDE, AZ 85122
520-836-2112
Across from FIRST AMERICAN CREDIT UNION
10ar0a%
nteed
Gu Approval
Credit
NATIVE FRIENDLY
STARTS AT
$99 DOWN @3.9 % O.A.C.
All Cars have a
FULL
WARRANTY
for
2 YEARS.
For instant approval
Call 520-836-2112 or Visit us at:
WWW.CROSSROADSAUTO.ORG
With this ad get a
Free $10 gas card
after test drive and c/a
CSD Employee of the year
Francisco Anselmo, D2, was awarded the
Community Service Department’s (CSD)
2011 Employee of the Year award at CSD’s
Employee Recognition Assembly held at
the D1 Multipurpose Building on Fri, Sept.
23.
Anselmo is an HVAC technician and was
one of three finalists who included Colin
Francisco, D6, and Cynthia Gonzalez, D7.
CSD Director, Jose Solarez thanked the
employees at the assembly for the services
they provide to the Community. “You’re
doing a tremendous job,” he said.
Employees received appreciation awards
in many categories like: Above and Beyond
award, Positive Attitude award, Customer
Service award, etc.
Fun awards were also given like: Project
Runway award, Iron Chef award and
Funniest Laugh award to name a few.
The assembly also included team building
activities where teams were formed
according to costumes they were assigned
to wear.
October 2011
Page 19
Special Saturday Clinics Are Now Offered at
Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital!
Sacaton, Arizona (September 27, 2011) Gila River
Health Care is proud to announce that Dental
appointments are being scheduled for Saturday
appointments beginning October 1, 2011, at Hu Hu
Kam Memorial Hospital. This will be the rst �me
dental appointments can be scheduled on a Saturday, so the next few weeks will be �me to monitor,
evaluate, and adjust the schedules to ensure the
service provided meets our quality standards and
the expecta�ons of pa�ents that are scheduled.
During the 2012 scal year (FY), feasibility reviews
will be conducted to examine how dental appointments can be extended at the Komatke Health
Center.
As of September 2011, the Dental Department at
Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital and the Komatke
Health Center were opened Monday through
Friday, with extended hours of opera�ons from
8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The ability to provide more
availability of appointment �mes to be scheduled
on Saturday at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital is one
way increased access to dental services for the
Community is being implemented.
The ability to increase access for pa�ent care in the
dental department impacts various areas of the
business and had to be well planned and coordinated. The determina�on of staff needs which
included the Den�st, Dental Assistance, Infec�on
Control Technician, Pa�ent Registra�on, Laboratory
fees, dental supplies, and addi�onal opera�ons
costs had to be accounted for in order for the
department to meet the opera�onal expecta�ons
of Gila River Health Care. Our mission is to provide
high-quality health care to our pa�ents that align
with the applica�on of “best prac�ces” based on
At this �me, there are nine (9) “operatories” (dental sound nancial applica�ons.
chair sta�ons) at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital,
and each day they are in full use. The average wait The improvements being implemented in the
�me to secure an appointment in the Dental Dental Department is only the next step of many
Department has been over one month, which changes being planned at Gila River Health Care.
starkly reects that the demand for dental services Our vision is to work toward con�nually looking at
is outpacing the department’s ability because of ways that will help improve the health status of the
the limits in space. This unfavorable experience of communi�es we serve!
limited access to appointments has led to pa�ent
frustra�ons as well as a high level of concern by
dental providers and staff not being able to provide
�mely care for vulnerable pa�ents.
A major challenge faced by the health care organiza�on is to address the physical space limita�ons in
the dental departments, which is a similar dilemma
faced by many other departments at Hu Hu Kam
Memorial Hospital. The addi�on of more dental
appointments on Saturdays at the Hu Hu Kam
campus is a strategy to address the immediate
demand for appointments, with the expecta�on of
developing permanent plans to create more treatment space for dental pa�ents in FY2012 and
FY2013.
Remodeling and Improvement Efforts have begun
at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital
Sacaton, Arizona (September 26, 2011) In the
coming weeks, beginning in October of 2011,
pa�ents and their families will begin to see and
hear discussions on the room change congura�ons and the movement of various departments at
Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital, as it begins to
implement the pre-planning and re-modeling
phases of the HUD Red Flag Projects (HUD I). Over
the past year, Gila River Health Care’s key management personnel and its Building Services Department nalized the specics and receipt of the HUD
grant award dollars, as well as the selec�on of the
architect rm, Orcu� / Winslow of Phoenix,
Arizona.
The months of September through October will
begin the rst phase of the construc�on process,
which was the schema�c design process. The
second phase, the Design process, is scheduled to
take place during the la�er part of October through
November of 2011. Phases three and four, which
include the construc�on document review, GRIC
review, bid procurement, and quality review will
take place from November of 2011 through Febru-
Komatke Health Center
17487 South Healthcare Drive
Laveen, Az 85339
Phone: 520-550-6000
Fax: 520-550-6033
ary 2012. Based on the an�cipated approved
comple�on design, the construc�on and remodel
phase will begin in February with an es�mated project closeout of October 2012.
As you can see, the renova�ons of Hu Hu Kam
Memorial Hospital is an intensive process that
requires numerous collabora�ve efforts among
GRHC Building Services, various GRHC departments, the architecture rm, and the Gila River
Indian Community. The project will affect and
improve the delivery of services in the following
areas: Front Entry /Lobby areas, Pa�ent Registra�on areas, Benets Coordina�on Services areas,
front Public Restrooms, Pharmacy, Laboratory,
Medical Records area, recongura�on of the Environmental Services area, Materials Management
areas, Employee Health Department, and an expansion of the Dietary area.
pleted to provide the service levels expected of the
Community. Gila River Health Care expects the
improvements to accomplish the following goals
and objec�ves: improve the quality of health care
services at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital; reduce
energy usage and enhance green development;
expand the square footage of the outpa�ent registra�on area and remodel the lobby in the outpa�ent department to decrease wait �mes, provide
addi�onal sea�ng, and improve pa�ent sa�sfac�on; and create construc�on jobs and employment
of Community members.
As this project progresses, updates will be provided
to the Community, and pa�ents will begin to visually see changes in hallways and service areas. Secondly, a new HUD Grant was awarded to GRHC this
September, which will bring more improvements
and expansion to health care service areas. Details
on this project will be shared in upcoming ar�cles.
Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital was originally built in Gila River Health Care is poised to con�nually work
1988. As such, over the past years the leadership of toward improving the health care delivery systems
GRHC has recognized that remodeling and improve- for the pa�ents and their families!
ments in key service delivery areas must be com-
Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital
483 West Seed Farm Road
P.O. Box 38
Sacaton, AZ 85147
Phone: 520-562-3321
Fax: 602-528-1240
Ak Chin Health Clinic
48203 West Farrell Road
Maricopa, AZ 85239
Phone: 520-568-3881
Fax: 520-568-3884
October 2011
PUBLIC NOTICES SECTION
Page 20
OCTOBER 29TH, 2011 | D3 BALL FIELDS | 5 PM - 11 PM
5:00-8:00pm Activity/ Info Booths
5:00-7:00pm Halloween Movie
5:30pm Sign up 15 Families for Pumpkin Carving Contest
6:00pm Competition Begins for Pumpkin Carving
6:00-8:00pm Wagon Scare Ride
7:30 pm Judging of the Pumpkins
after judging, Costume Contest begins
8:00-11pm Band Starts
For more information contact D3 Rec - 520.562.2706 | 562.2724 | 562.2710 - Hours: M - F 8am -5pm

GILA RIVER INDIAN NEwS - Gila River Indian Community

Transcription

Similar documents

December 4, 2015 - Gila River Indian News

February 6, 2015 - Gila River Indian Community

Indian Hills 9th Annual Car Show

State representatives sponsor bill to expand boundaries of Casa

March 6, 2015 - Gila River Indian Community

July 17, 2015 - Gila River Indian News

1 Week 3 The American World at Contact •Great Plains Droughts

GRIC Urban Members celebrate anniversary

GRIC Teacher In-Service: `Creating Opportunities Through Education`

BPS Indian Ed NEws - Bethany Public Schools

Counting Coup, THE Magazine

Hendricks crowned as Miss Gila River 2013-14

American Indian Boarding Schools

presentation