Tribal Lawsuit: A Matter of Respect and Principle

www.gilariver.org/newsOctober 2010 Vol. 13 No 10

Serving all seven districts of the Gila River Indian Community

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iver Indian New

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By Mihio Manus, GRIN Managing Editor

By Jeri Thomas, GRIN Staff

There’s no literal translation

in English that does justice to the

tribal word himdag, As Governor

of the Gila River Indian Commu-

nity, himdag guides my every de-

cision, my every action. Himdag,

as passed down by our elders

across hundreds of years, teaches

us respect for all things, including

the value of a promise, abiding by

the law and concern for the wel-

fare of others.

Respect as a guiding principle

feels old-fashioned in the 21st

century, but it exists all the same –

even when our community is com-

pelled to sign its name to a lawsuit

against the United States Depart-

ment of the Interior.

You may have read about that

suit, filed September 16th. You

may have also read about the City

of Glendale’s lawsuit to stop the

casino, filed the week after. Out of

respect, I believe that I must ex-

plain the reasons why Commu-

nity Council and myself so

pointedly disagrees with Washing-

ton and with TON’s plan to build a

casino on land they secretly

bought in Glendale, 160 miles

from their reservation headquar-

ters in Sells. My explanation can

be summed up in a single sen-

tence.

We believe the Tohono O’od-

ham Nation, with the assistance of

the federal government, has disre-

spected the rule of law, the balance

so carefully struck among Indian

gaming tribes, our community, the

City of Glendale and every Arizo-

nan.

At the crux of our lawsuit, is

Tribal Lawsuit: A Matter of Respect and PrincipleBy GRIC Gov. William Rhodes

SACATON-With the passing of leg-

endary actor Tony Curtis, the Gila

River News contacted Sharon and

Larry Cook, D3, caretakers of Kenny

Hayes, brother and immediate sole

survivor of Marine Cpl. Ira H. Hayes

(1923-1955) who is widely considered

a World War II hero.

The Cooks were generous in shar-

ing their family photo of legendary

actor Tony Curtis, 85, who died Wed.

Sept. 29, 2010 of cardiac arrest in his

home in Henderson, Nevada.

Tony Curtis was born Bernard

Schwartz on June 3, 1925 in New York

City and took on the name Tony Curtis

at the onset of his acting career.

Curtis starred in over 150 films,

one of which was as Marine Cpl. Ira

H. Hayes in the film The Outsider

(1961). The film portrays the life of

Marine Cpl. Ira H. Hayes (1923-1955)

as it was afflicted by his participation

in the raising of the American Flag on

Mount Surabachi on the Island of Iwo

Jima, during World War II.

The Cooks say the photo was

taken in Casa Blanca by Universal Pic-

tures.

A few people in the Community

recall the visit to Sacaton by Tony Cur-

tis.

Julie (Eschief) Nasewytewa was

26 years old in 1961. In an interview

with her in her home in Sacaton,

Nasewytewa shared a copy of a 1961

news clipping of the visit. The young

Hollywood actor posed with three of

her friends.

Nasewytewa was the tribal coun-

cil secretary at the time. She said Cur-

tis and entourage came to the tribal

office to get permission to film.

When asked ‘were you star-

struck?’ with reserved amusement,

Nasewytewa said, “That was the first

time I ever saw white Levis.”

Nasewytewa said the old tribal of-

fice was a frame two-story building lo-

cated near what is now the Service

Center. She said the wardrobe trailer

was parked in the back. The actors and

extras had lunch under a big cotton-

wood tree. ‘I don’t know if it’s still

there,’ she said.

Nasewytewa said her best friend

was Hayes’ cousin and “every time I

went to their house he would be lying

on his bed listening to a little transistor

real close to his head.”

Patsy (Miles) (Birdinground)

Smith, D6, who also appears in the

photo, when contacted by phone said

she signed up to be an extra in the

movie. “But it was so hot, I didn’t keep

up with it,” Smith said. And “I re-

member his black platform shoes.

They must have been three inches

high,” she said.

Both Nasewytewa and Smith said

the actors donned heavy winter coats

despite the fact that filming was done

SACATON-During a special GRIC council meeting on

Thurs, Sept. 30, an impeachment hearing was held for Dis-

trict 5 Councilman Franklin Pablo Sr. The D5 council-

man stood trial for four counts of improper conduct

stemming from a narcotics investigation that involved his

stepdaughter, Renee Johanna Cannon.

The investigation was an undercover operation that

took place in the Community on behalf of the GRIC

Strategic Enforcement Unit with support from the U.S.

B.I.A. drug unit. Prosecution in this case is being handled

by Jennifer E. Green, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of

Arizona, Phoenix.

After testimony was presented from witnesses on be-

half of both the plaintiff and the defendant, GRIC Com-

munity Council motioned to impeach Councilman Pablo

based on the four charges of improper conduct against

him. According to the GRIC constitution, Article XII –

See Impeachment page 7

See Tony Curtis page 16

D5 Councilman PabloSr. impeached on chargesof improper conduct

Passing of Tony Curtis leaves behind legacy ofIra Hayes on the silver screen

See Lawsuit page 6

L to R: Job Hayes and Nancy (Whitaker) Hayes, parents of Ira H. Hayes,Tony Curtis, Vivian Nathan, and unnamed male actor. Photo taken by Uni-versal Pictures on location in Casa Blanca, D5 while filming The Outsider(1961) directed by Delbert Mann. Photo courtesy of Sharon and LarryCook.

See Gila River Voter’s Guide &2010 General Election Ballot Meas-

ures on Pages 8 and 9

Page 2 Gila River Indian News October 2010

October 2010 Gila River Indian News Page 3

William R. Rhodes, GovernorJoseph Manuel, Lt. Governor

Gila River Indian CommunityP.O. Box 97

Sacaton, AZ 85247520.562.9500

www.gilariver.org

Arthur Felder, Tribal Treasurer Linda Andrews, Community Council

Secretary

LETTERS POLICY: GRIN welcomes lettersand columns from readers. Letters should belimited to 200 words and be in good taste.Material that could be libelous or slanderous isnot acceptable. All letters or columns shouldbe signed with the writerʼs true name, addressand telephone number in the event GRIN mayneed to contact the writer. Only the name ofthe writer will be printed in the paper. Letters orcolumns without a complete signature, name,address or phone number will not be accept-able to GRIN for publication. GRIN reservesthe right to edit submitted materials for gram-mar, spelling and content.

Write to:Editor, GRINP.O. Box 459

Sacaton, AZ 85247

Published letters or columns do not necessarilyreflect the opinion of the editor or Gila River In-

dian Community.

District #1: Arzie HoggAugustine Enas

District #2: Jewell Whitman

District #3: Rodney JacksonMyron Schurz

District #4: Barney B. Enos Jr.Rebecca RoweChristopher MendozaJohn Antone

District #5: Brenda RobertsonBrian DavisDelane Enos

District #6: Anthony VillarealAlbert PabloTerrance B Evans

District #7: Martha Miller

Material published in the Gila RiverIndian News may not be reproduced in

any form without consent from theGila River Indian Community.

Gi la River IndianNews

MIHIO [email protected] Managing Editor

(520)562-9718

JERI [email protected] Office Manager

(520)562-9717

GINA [email protected]

Receptionist(520)562-9715

ROBERTO A. [email protected]

Reporter(520)562-9719

Fax: (520)562-9712Email: [email protected]

www.gilariver.org/index.php/news Gila River News

Letters

Date: September 29, 2010

To the Community, Members and Familiesof Gila River Indian Community:

My name is Ms. Molly Ryan and I amthe principal at Skyline D5, Gila River Mid-dle School located in District 5 at Preschooland Casa Blanca Road.

Skyline has been instructing studentsfrom your community for three years. Un-fortunately, during the past 3 years the schoolhas been grossly vandalized over 4 times. Itseems that the vandalism to the school is get-ting worse each time the school is hit. Thelast incident occurred a week ago and theschool windows and doors were destroyed byindividuals with a baseball bat. These indi-viduals were on the school security camerahowever, they hid their faces so they werenot able to be identified as yet.

This past vandalism is going to cost theschool over $10,000.00 which at this time wedo not have available. In the meantime, theschool appearance is embarrassing with win-dows and doors boarded. The school has anappearance of an abandoned building. Thestudents are aware when vandalism occurs ittakes money away from them. The studentmorale is low as well as the staff and teach-ers and the community as this is depictingour culture.

Skyline D5 Gila River is a charter thatthe tribe does not recognize for additionalfunding. The school funding is limited andvandalism that occurs is costly to the school.Money that is designated for student activi-ties and promotions now has to be utilized topay for damage repairs. We need two thingsfrom the community. Donations to help uswith the vandalizing and donations and in

kind gifts to secure fencing and a camera sys-tem more advanced that what we have now.

I am asking for any donations. Theschool is in need of new glass for the doorsand windows. The community needs to beaware of the vandalism that takes place at ed-ucational facilities can happen anywhere onthe GRIC Community. Unfortunately, it isthe students who end up losing.

Should you have any donations eithermonetary or materials please contact me atthe telephone number listed.

Thank you.

Molly Ryan, M.Ed.PrincipalSkyline District 5

In Loving Memory of

Everett L. Howard

2/06/43-10/03/06

Each person that knew him on a personal

level called him “Moon”, we as his children

called him “Dad. Our Dad had many posi-

tions in his lifetime, all of which kept him

busy. Some of the things he did included:

being a marriage & family counselor, a Pres-

byterian-Lay Commissioned Preacher, a col-

lege graduate, a member of the Parent

Advisory Committee for boarding school stu-

dents, one of the chapter founders of the

Sacaton Alcoholics Victorious, one of the

founders of the O’otham Ne’edam Choir, and

a member of the archeology crew at Snake-

town. He also received many awards and cer-

tificates: the most memorable ones were the

Akimel O’otham Youth Council-“Elder of

the Year Award”, and the Russell Moore Fes-

tival-“Lifetime Achievement Award in

Music”. Our Dad enjoyed singing and trans-

lating church hymns into the O’otham Lan-

guage.

Four Years have gone since the day he

left us, and our tears are slowly drying. But

we still continue to have those days when the

loss of him is still hard to bear. Thanks to the

support of our faith, family and friends – we

are able to face each day. The impact he has

made in our lives and others has been a true

blessing. His voice and his ministry are trulymissed.

From: His wife Barbara, his kids; Joey,

Elaine, Korn, Arlene & Liz and the grand-

children.

In Loving Memory of My Beloved Son Ed-

ward Daniel Osife Siquieros “Eddie”

June 5, 1987 – October 29, 2006

My son it’s been four years

since you left us. It doesn’t seem

like you’re gone. We keep your

memory alive with us each

and every day. There isn’t a

day that goes when we don’t

think of you. We remember

your smile, your voice,

everything about you. Son we

all love you and miss you so

very much. Nothing has been the

same since you left us. There’s been

so many hurt feelings and pain for every-

one you left behind. We were like a chain

hooked together for life. But now it’s broken

because you had to leave us. You were the

one that was holding us together for life. But

now it’s broken because you had to leave us.

I t

w i l l

never be the

same again because no one can ever take

your place as we go on with our lives. We

keep you in our hearts always. Son you’ll

never be forgotten, we’ll always be loving

you but God loves you more, he has called

you home, where we will all meet again

someday. Then the chain will be re-

connected for everlasting life. We

all love and miss you so very

much. Eddie you’re forever in our

hearts. Your memory lives on –

Never forgotten.

Love always,

Your Mom Edwardine Osife Reyes,

and sisters Rachael Enos, Marisol Osife

and your nephews and niece.

Rest in Peace Alana Teresa PrestonAugust 4, 2009-October 4, 2009

My sweet little girl…

My sweet little girl, I know it’s been a

year I’ll always remember that dreadful day

I had to shed a tear. I’ll always ask the Cre-

ator why you couldn’t be by my side? I won-

der if he knows how much pain and sorrow

he caused me inside? My sweet little girl,

you don’t know how much of an impact you

made in my world. Though it was short

lived, even though the Creator decided he

needed you more then Me and your Mom!

My sweet little girl, I remember the day

your mom told me that she was carrying you.

I was full of excitement. I had so many plans

for you. But when you left us, part of me

went with you. I would picture you in my

mind, your smile, your laugh. Everythang

about you! I would think how would you be?

How everything would turn out? But then

the Creator reminded me of what life was all

about!

My sweet little girl, I asked the Creator

why? But I was so mad and sad that I had to

cry!! I know you want us to be strong for

you, so in my mind/heart that’s something I

plan to do. I know you were with us in such

a little time span. But within that time you

really brought me happiness. And in the end

it’s nothing but sadness.

My sweet little girl, you know Alana, I

love you and I miss you so much… I’ll never

stop loving you and I know your mom feels

the same way too.

My sweet little girl, I know da Creator is

taking good care of you up above. I just

wanted you to meet your older brother and

your sisters! But now I guess we’ll all wait to

meet up until that day comes. And I know

when you see me, you’ll smile with open

arms, and say “Welcome home Dad…”

My sweet little girl, in this message that

I’m sending you, I know there’s a lot of “I’s”

in it, but I know it’s not about me! Its about

you!!! I love you, my daughter, Alana Teresa

Preston, My sweet little girl…

Forever your Dad,

Mr. Curry Jay Preston

Casa Blanca

In Loving Memory of My Beloved Son Edward Daniel Osife Siquieros

Rest in Peace -Alana Teresa Preston

In Loving Memory of Everett L. Howard

Vandalism carries heavy price to students


Submitted by the TCRP Task Force

In accordance with its Action Plan, the

Tribal Constitution (TCRP) Task Force pre-

sented the Final Draft of the Constitution to

the Community.

The first presentation was made to the

Akimel O’otham Pee Posh Youth Council in

July and subsequent meetings were held

throughout the districts during August and

September. The presentation consisted of 3

parts. The first part was a 7-minute video

which gave an overview of the major

changes in the draft. A Summary of Pro-

posed Changes and an overview of the Sec-

retarial Election in PowerPoint format were

also presented.

The TCRP Task Force traveled to San

Francisco on September 11 and Los Ange-

les on September 17 & 18. The urban mem-

bers asked questions and voiced their

concerns on the critical issues to Gila River

members. They stated that although they

live in the cities, they would like to be in-

formed and were grateful for the presenta-

tions. Councilman John Antone, District

Four accompanied the Task Force to the Cal-

ifornia meetings.

Overall, the response and feedback

from the community on the Final Draft is

positive. The majority of the comments and

feedback indicated that although they do not

agree with every proposed change, the com-

munity is in favor of the amendments within

the Draft.

At each of the presentations, a survey

was distributed which consisted of two

questions:

1) Overall, do you think the changes in the

Final Draft Constitution meet the needs of

the Community?

2) If the elections were held today, would

you vote to approve the Final Draft of the

Community’s revised constitution?

The comments received were as follows:

1) Yes. Our community should strive on this

constitution reform.

2) Yes. Because this demands our people in-

volved in voting. Youth Council

1) God Bless GRIC. We need changes.

2) YES D-#6

1) Yes, it is clearly worded where we can un-

derstand this and is truly updated.

2) YES, it is something we can finally read

to our understanding and I’m a person who

didn’t have much schooling. Very informa-

tive. Thank you. UMA

1) Yes

2) Yes. Look into further tribal membership,

specific to Pima/Maricopa and some other

tribe. Disagree that Treasurer should be ap-

pointed by Governor. D-#1

1) Yes the explanations were beneficial—a

PowerPoint printout would be good as a

handout.

2) Yes. I await to be contacted to vote.

Thank you for coming. The ethics element

needs to be included. Urban centers is a

helpful outreach. San Francisco

1) No. I believe in lowering the bloodline

to 1/8.

2) No. Same reason as above. San Fran-

cisco.

1) Yes. Find an answer for degree blood. 2)

Yes. I agree with the off reservation rule, I

agree with the changes. Los Angeles.

1) Yes. With a couple of changes: 1. Extend

# of days to file statement of justification

from 10 to maybe 20 days under Article

XVII, Sec 4 (b) and 2. Inclusion of Chief

Judge and Associate Judges under Article X,

Sec. 1. 2) Yes. Per above. D-#5

The TCRP Task Force would like to

thank all those who attended the meetings

and to those who submitted feedback. The

Task Force would also like to thank Edit

Box Productions for the production of the

video.

The TCRP Task Force awaits a decision

from the Legislative and Government and

Management Standing committees to move

the Final Draft to the Community Council

and request a Secretarial Election.

For further information and continuing

updates, please contact your district repre-

sentative or call (520) 562-9759.

TCRP Task Force presents final draft to Community

MARICOPA-The Community’s dedication

to public safety extends well beyond Com-

munity boundary and into the surrounding

municipalities. This became evident when

the City of Maricopa recognized GRIC for

their contribution, in the form of a grant

award, toward an emergency command cen-

ter to be utilized the public safety divisions

of the city.

During a city council meeting on Tues,

Oct. 5, Maricopa Mayor, Anthony Smith ac-

knowledged GRIC’s generous contribution

of approximately $200K.

Maricopa’s Chief of Police, Kirk Fitch

said the command center, which was parked

outside the council meeting, was the culmi-

nation of several years effort and a generous

donation from GRIC.

Present at the council meeting was

GRIC Chief of Staff, Greg Mendoza who

commented that the Community was very

happy to assist Maricopa in establishing the

mobile command center. Mendoza told the

city council that GRIC Governor William R.

Rhodes extended his appreciation for the

city’s gratitude and hopes that Maricopa and

GRIC will continue to support each other’s

community services.

Mayor Smith said, “This council and

previous councils have been blessed in our

relationship with GRIC.”

The mobile command center has al-

ready been used on a few crime scenes and

major city events. Maricopa Fire Chief,

Wade Brannon noted that the fire depart-

ment will use the vehicle for fires and spe-

cial events as well.

The command center boasts a camera

telescope that can be hoisted up 30 feet in

height. This gives the public safety divi-

sions an extended field of view when moni-

toring crime scenes or patrolling special

events. The command center has multiple

rooms which the police department can use

for on-site meetings or briefings.

GRIC’s commitment to public safety assists Maricopa’s mobile command

GRIN/Mihio Manus

By Mihio Manus, GRIN Managing Editor

Left: GRICʼs contribution of $200K helped the City of Maricopa afford and establish a mobile command center for their public safety departments. Right: (L to R) GRICChief of Staff, Greg Mendoza stands next to Maricopa Police Chief Kirk Fitch and Maricopa Fire Chief Wade Brannon inside the mobile command center.


A full year has turned since the incep-

tion of the Governor’s Employee of the

Month program. September marked our 13th

recipient in David Huerta, Carpenter Helper

from the District 7 Service Center. It has

been great seeing us showcase some of our

very best.

Mr. Huerta was hired as a laborer at

District 7 in 2007 and promoted to Carpen-

ter Helper in 2008. Mr. Huerta is noted by

his peers as an humble man but enthusiastic,

selfless, and a hard working employee. This

is the case when he is first to volunteer for

District 7’s annual events.

Notably, this past April marked the

143rd Anniversary of the 5 Tribes Peace

Agreement commemorated at District 7.

The event commemorates the peace agree-

ment of 1863 among the Maricopa, Pima,

Yuma, Hualapai, and Chemehuevi. There

David is given to doing some of the impor-

tant preparatory work as well as engaging in

the ongoing and sustaining program mainte-

nance making this an especially memorable

and fun filled time for everyone.

At the “Mustering In Day” event held

annually in September; David on a weekend

has also been available and ready to repeat

his assistance to make this equally memo-

rable, fun and safe. Mustering In Day com-

memorates the Pima and Maricopa Army

volunteer’s contributions to the Apache In-

dian wars. This is an important historical

event for the community and especially to

the descendants of those volunteers.

David’s weekends are also often spent

pitching tents for burials to shade the fami-

lies who have come to bid a loved one

farewell. Continuing outside of his regular

duties as a carpenter, David assists with a

food delivery route for the homebound eld-

ers and the disabled. In all respects David

does not limit himself to his daily housing

and property work orders. Instead, he stands

ready to serve the community in his quiet

and reserved manner, nonetheless showing

his dedication and concern for the wellbeing

of the Gila River Indian Community.

David Huerta was born in Los Angeles

and moved to the Phoenix area in 1985. His

family is composed of his own Hispanic her-

itage and his wife Anna Marie Penn-

Huerta’s Akimel’O’odham ancestry. Mr. and

Mrs. Huerta have four daughters and two

sons ranging from age 7 to 21 years of age.

Employees from the departments of

Public Works, Education (Head Start, Li-

brary), Social Services, Police, DRS,

H.R./Insurance, Facilities Maintenance,

PMIP, MIS and now District 7 have been

honored in this program thus far.

Governor’s Employee of the Month

for September 2010, David Huerta

Submitted by Joel Orona, EAP Specialist

CHANDLER-Wild Horse Pass Hotel &Casino was the site for this year’s NativeAmerican Bar Association of Arizona’s(NABA-AZ) Seven Generations AwardsDinner and Silent Auction.

Native American attorneys, judges, lawstudents and distinguished guests convenedon September 25, 2010 to recognize theachievements of three honorees and also toraise funds for NABA-AZ, a non-profit or-ganization. Proceeds from the silent auc-tion will go toward scholarships to NativeAmerican law students.

The honorees included Judge WilliamC. Canby Jr, lifetime achievement award;Dr. Clinton Pattea, community serviceaward; and Kerry Patterson, member of theyear.

In 2007 a group of local Native Amer-ican attorneys noticed a disparity in net-working opportunities for Natives in lawparallel to other races, and in September ofthat year NABA-AZ was established to pro-mote legal, social and cultural issues perti-nent to Native Americans.

Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, NABA-AZBoard President and member of the Pointe-au-Chien Indian tribe, welcomed guests andhighlighted some of their recent communitywork which included a food & toy drive,golf tournament and the awarding of fourscholarships to Native American law stu-dents.

Mr. Alan Bayham, President of theState Bar of Arizona, offered welcoming re-marks on behalf of the State Bar and fondlyrecalled the pleasure of visiting the GRICcourt in Sacaton. “I was impressed then andI remain impressed,” he said.

The lifetime achievement award wasgiven to 9th Circuit Judge, William C.

Canby Jr., for his substantial contribution tothe practice and administration of Indianlaw in the state of Arizona. Judge Canbywas noted for his extraordinary expertise inNative American law cases, tranquil de-meanor and deadpan sense of humor. ToIndian law professors, Judge Canby’s workis always present and he was extremelygrateful for the honor. Judge Canby said hewas delighted to follow in the footsteps inCommunity member Rod Lewis who waslast year’s recipient.

Dr. Clinton Pattea, President of theFort McDowell Yavapai Nation, was rec-ognized with the community service awardfor his years of leadership and contributionto the Native American community. Dr.Pattea was introduced by Dr. Peterson Zah,Special Advisor to the President on Ameri-can Indian Affairs, who recalled the dayswhen the two were young schoolmates.

Dr. Pattea who has devoted much ofhis career to the welfare of People of theFort McDowell Yavapai Nation, acceptedthe award on behalf of the those he servedfor over 40 years.

Kerry Patterson, counsel in Lewis andRoca’s Tribal Affairs and Gaming practicegroup, said she was very humbled to benamed NABA-AZ member of the year.Patterson was a founder member of theNABA-AZ and served as the organization’sfirst president. During her acceptance shesaid that it was an honor and a privilege towork with such an outstanding Indian Lawcommunity.

Special thanks, for the event, wasgiven to APS, Sacks Tierny, and the CanbyLaw Clerks – 1980-2010 for their generoussponsorship.

NABA Present Honors at Seven Generations Awards Dinner Seven Generations Awards Dinner yielded 3 recipients who were honored by the NABA of Arizona. Left to Right: Dr. Clinton Pattea, Judge William C. Canby Jr., and KerryPatterson were recognized at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino. The event also included a silent auction to aid Native American law students.

GRIN/Roberto A. Jackson


By Roberto A. Jackson, GRIN Reporter


“As Americans, we can reasonably

expect justice,” Water R. Echo-

Hawk

“Most Americans equate our legal system with justice

with a good moral compass. Justice occurs when the law re-

flects and protects the widely held needs and values of all

segments of society.” Eloquent words spoken by Walter R.

Echo-Hawk before a small crowd gathered at the Heard Mu-

seum recently.

The Heard Museum was the setting for esteemed and

prolific author Walter R. Echo-Hawk to share his latest

book, In the Courts of the Conqueror, the 10 Worst IndianLaw Cases Ever Decided.

Echo-Hawk is newly retired from the Native American

Rights Fund located in Boulder, Colorado. After 35 years of

advocacy, Echo-Hawk is considered a pioneer and icon of

Indian law.

Echo-Hawk said he penned In the Courts in an effort to

give back to the profession and graciously credited legal

scholars in the field saying, none of the opinions in the book

are original thoughts.

The title is partly attributed to Supreme Court Justice

John Marshall (1755-1835) who was “the definer of our na-

tion and widely considered the most influential chef justice,

kind of like Elvis,” Echo-Hawk mused the audience gath-

ered in the atrium of the Steele Auditorium.

Echo-Hawk said that Marshall ominously described the

American judicial system as ‘the Courts of the conqueror’ in

Johnson v. M’Intosh (1823) wherein the Supreme Court

handed down a sweeping opinion that appropriated legal

title to the United States, even though most of the continent

was still owned and occupied at the time by Indian tribes.

In the Courts succinctly restates history that escapes

school books and the knowledge of many.

That during the Colonial Era (1492-1960) nations of

Europe competed to conquer, colonize, and Christianize the

rest of the world and embedded into American law doctrines

of discovery, religious intolerance, and guardianship, which

provided the source for plenary or absolute power of Con-

gress over Indian people and their property.

American conquest also impacted indigenous people of

the Philippines, Guam, Hawaii, and other territories.

The legal opinions of the day were persuasive, eloquent,

and supported with legal authority with convincing results,

Echo-Hawk said.

“The law at its worst can become a perversion of jus-

tice,” Echo-Hawk said. “As a man-made institution, the law

is imperfect, and sometimes the law falters and falls short of

the mark with a double-edged sword with two sides of the

law,” he said.

“At its worst, we can look at world history and try to

fathom the amazing capacity of the law to bring great harm

to people,” Echo-Hawk said. “The law was used as a tool of

evil when judges, prosecutors, and law professors were will-

ing instruments of the Natzification of Germany. The war

crime trials of World War II were compromised and the law

was an instrument of terror and coercion,” he said.

Echo-Hawk said at its finest, the law can stir the heart,

such as in the case of Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

which struck down the legal underpinnings of segregation

and the Jim Crow laws and culminated several decades of

social movement.

Legal scholars note that the same good/dark phenome-

non occurred with federal Indian law cases. The law com-

ports with prevailing politics of the day.

Echo-Hawk said there are shining stars in the horizon

that can strengthen federal Indian law. Notions of colonial-

ism have become repudiated as repugnant. Tribes are firmly

embedded and have more resources than ever, he said.

“The passage in 2007 of the United Nations Declara-

tion is the new order of the day. The courts need to mature

to a more just culture. Millions of people need government

protections against crimes of society,” Echo-Hawk said.

Echo-Hawk said he purposely set out to examine the

far reaching cases. Of the ten cases he examined, “I tried to

chart a middle ground,” he said. And when asked which case

is the worst, Johnson v. M’Intosh (1823) bodes first on his

list.

In the Courts of the Conqueror, the 10 Worst IndianLaw Cases Ever Decided is published by Fulcrum Publish-

ing. [email protected]

Echo-Hawk has been the recipient of numerousawards including the “Spirit of Excellence Award”from the American Bar Association and the “CivilLiberties Award” from the ACLU.

In the Courts of the Conqueror

GRIN/Jeri Thomas

By Jeri Thomas, GRIN Staff


clear evidence that the proper procedure for creating an

Indian casino has been sidestepped. I’ll leave the legal

wrangling to the lawyers, but in the 21 months since our

sister tribe surprised us with plans to build a casino on our

aboriginal lands, our community has learned more about

legal loopholes, PR spin and shading the truth than we

would care to. The surprises have continued to come, and

so have the disappointments, especially where our sister

tribe is concerned.

In the past, our community and the Tohono O’odham

Nation have lived side by side and mutually benefitted

from our entwined cultures and interests. There’s no bet-

ter example than the Indian gaming compacts ratified by

Arizona voters in 2002. Proposition 202, supported by 17

tribes statewide, including the GRIC and the TON, cre-

ated a sound but delicate balance, a promise, that kept

casinos out of urban neighborhoods, gave much-needed

revenue to the state and created an economic engine to lift

every tribal community. To see that balance upset and that

promise broken – and to see one tribe use secrecy and

legal maneuvering to benefit at the expense of every other

tribe and our state – is difficult to comprehend, let alone

stand for in silence.

Thus, the Gila River Indian Community took our case

to federal court. Our first goal is to force the federal gov-

ernment to apply federal gaming laws evenly. Never be-

fore has a tribe been allowed to “shop” for reservation land

half a state away from its homeland, then open a casino on

the newly created “pocket reservation.” That not only flies

in the face of federal gaming law, but in the face of every

Arizonan’s vote for Proposition 202.

As for our sister tribe, I know our disagreement is

temporary. Himdag has a place of supreme importance in

their culture, too. I would like to believe that their leader-

ship will rediscover their way soon enough. I believe we

can achieve more together than apart, and that greed

should never be allowed to trump respect for all things.

Lawsuit from Page 1

Lt. Gov. Joseph Manuel with

GRFD Chief Thomas Knapp

during a tour of the new fire sta-

tion in Sacaton. The building

was made to be cost effective

with an emphasis on reducing

operational costs and mainte-

nance. The building is

equipped with energy saving

lights and some of the hallways

are naturally lit with daylight.

The flooring was made from

river bed rock harvested locally

for concrete. The bathrooms

were upgraded to cultured mar-

ble over torrazo at about 1/3 of

the cost. The new station also

has low water flow which was

estimated to be 45% less water

usage compared to an average

building of similar size. The

grand opening is tentatively

scheduled for mid-November

when the building will be pre-

pared for operation.

New GRFD building utilizes green aesthetic


A day of Native American celebration was observed at

Gila Crossing Community School on September 16, 2010.

Students, faculty and families joined in a morning of song,

acknowledgment and high spirits that overflowed the ener-

getic gymnasium. Beginning at eight o’clock in the morn-

ing, the elementary and middle school’s student bodies

attended along with families to welcome guests as they

shared their admiration and love for Native American her-

itage. Gila Crossing’s previous Native American Celebra-

tion Day had separate festivities for elementary and middle

school at their respective campuses. “We are uniting as a

school,” said co-master of ceremonies Scott Garcia. Jolyana

Bitsuie partnered with Garcia and participated in the event

with the sharing of a song.

The cultures of Native American people were brought

together as well as representations of O’odham and Pee Posh

culture from local Community members. “This is really

good for the kids, promotion of the culture is everything,”

said James Mercado, D7, who performed traditional songs

as a soloist for the delighted crowd.

Several pageant winners also attended the celebration

including Miss Indian Arizona 2009-2010 Daryl Lynn Jay

and 2010-2011 Arizona State University Indian Royalty

Cher Thomas and Dave Nezzie. High school royalty from

Betty Fairfax and Cesar Chavez High School’s visited to ad-

dress and interact with the students.

In the spirit of Indian Day exhibitions of neighboring

tribes were shared with the students. Navajo songs, Yaqui

deer dancers, Apache crown dancers provided a welcoming

atmosphere for the students and families. Basket songs were

performed and a special Pima basket dance performance by

the Co-Op Basket Dancers and Gila Crossing Community

School Dancers drew rave applause. Several items were do-

nated to provide gift baskets for the dancers and singers.

The presence of families added a sparkle to the event as

Fernando Madrid, Acting Interim Middle School Principal,

said that families are the most important part of a learning

community. “The foundations of learning start at home,”

he said.

Madrid, D6, also exclaimed the importance of uniting

the various tribes for events especially in a state such as Ari-

zona with our 21 federally recognized Native American

communities. “Every community has to bring the cultures

of the Native American people together.”

Credit was also extended to Executive Director Joe Fra-

zier who Madrid distinguished as being very supportive on

parental involvement. “It’s the parents that make the key

and the difference.”

Before the lunch hour the Middle School students were

transferred back to their campus and lunch was served for

the students and visitors.

Co-Op Basket Dancers joined the Gila Crossing Community School Dancers on stage during the Native AmericanDay Celebration at Gila Crossing Community School. In addition to Oʼodham and Pee Posh showpieces therewere exchanges from Apache, Navajo and Yaqui. Donations were made for all the visitors who participated in thecelebration and food was provided for all the families and guests that supported the students.


Removal from Office, Section 2, if a councilman is found

guilty of improper conduct they can be expelled by an affir-

mative vote of no less than 12 favoring expulsion. The con-

stitution also provides that the accused official shall first be

given the full and fair opportunity to reply to all charges at

a designated council meeting.

The motion to impeach Councilman Pablo Jr., was car-

ried with a vote of 13 in favor and three in opposition.

Legal counsel on behalf of GRIC contended that Coun-

cilman Pablo Sr., used his political clout in meeting with

three high-ranking officers of the Gila River Police Depart-

ment to influence the disclosure of confidential information

while discussing the arrest of his stepdaughter.

Based on communication protocol set forth by Gover-

nor Rhodes and presented to GRIC community council in

July ’09, to control the flow of information between Com-

munity department directors and the Executive and Leg-

islative branches of government, any request for information

or meetings between councilmen and department directors

must first be met with concurrence of the Governor.

It was the opinion of GRIC legal counsel that Council-

man Pablo Jr. circumvented the chain of command and vio-

lated protocol by not seeking authorization to meet with

high-ranking GRPD officers although he was aware of the

policy. Accordingly, in seeking and obtaining confidential

information, Councilman Pablo Sr. compromised the best

interest of the Community and the integrity of the investi-

gation.

In his defense and during his testimony, Councilman

Pablo Jr. said that he met with high-ranking GRPD officers

‘as a parent and not as a councilman’. Pablo also said the al-

leged confidential documents in question were actually

copies of the search warrant and an affidavit that were pro-

vided to his stepdaughter’s roommate during the time that

the warrant was served. Pablo contended that these docu-

ments were given to him by his stepdaughter’s roommate

and not acquired through meeting with GRPD.

Pablo Sr. also addressed jurisdictional concerns regard-

ing GRPD serving a warrant in the town of Maricopa. Ac-

cording to Pablo, these concerns were the basis of his

meeting with GRPD officers.

“What if it was your child? You would be concerned

too,” he said. “I didn’t demand anything. I got answers. I

left. I was there no more than ten minutes”

In closing arguments, GRIC legal counsel reiterated that

by meeting with GRPD officers and inquiring about infor-

mation surrounding a confidential investigation, Council-

man Pablo Jr. put employees in jeopardy and compromised

the investigation. They also contended that Pablo Sr. did

not meet with GRPD officers as a concerned parent but as a

councilman on behalf of the Governor.

Russell C. Ray, Legal counsel on behalf of Councilman

Pablo Jr., stated that the councilman never asked for, or re-

ceived, any confidential documents and that there were nu-

merous inconsistencies and contradictions presented in the

testimonies of the plaintiff’s witnesses.

After hearing arguments on behalf of both GRIC legal

counsel and the defendant, GRIC community council mo-

tioned to deliberate in caucus for 30 minutes. Upon recon-

vening from caucus, Councilman Jewel Whitman, D2, spoke

on behalf of the community council in voicing their deci-

sion.

GRIC community council motioned to impeach Coun-

cilman Pablo Sr. for the four charges against him. The coun-

cil found him guilty of improper conduct. As stated

previously, the motion was carried with a vote of 13 yay and

three nay.

Impeachment from page 1

By Roberto A. Jackson, GRIN Reporter

Native American Day at Gila Crossing bring spirit of unity to students




PRESCOTT-Navajo Code Talker Marine

Sgt Allen Dale June, age 89, passed away on

Sept. 8 , 2010 in Prescott, Ariz. at the Veter-

ans Administration Hospital after being ill

for an extensive period. American Legion

Posts 51 and 84 participated as honor guards

on Wed, Sept. 15.

Sgt. June was one of the original 29

who trained at Camp Pendleton, CA in 1942.

These individuals developed the original

framework for the secret military code

which was used in battlefields. After com-

pletion at Camp Pendleton, they were sent

to Marine units throughout the Pacific.

Ironically, just days prior to June’s pass-

ing, an article about the three survivors of

the original 29 was published in the Starsand Stripes, a worldwide military newspa-

per.

Navajo Code Talkers participated in

every Pacific Island campaign from 1942 to

1945 including Guadalcanal, Tarawa,

Peleliu and Iwo Jima.

In addition to the original 29, it is esti-

mated that 400 recruits were trained as Code

Talkers for Marine Corps. Not all were de-

ployed overseas. It was stated by Major

Howard Connor, 5th Marine Division signal

officer, “were it not for the Navajos, the

Marines would never have taken Iwo Jima.”

All Code Talkers were sworn to secrecy

about their duties until 1968 when the Code

was declassified.

June’s funeral procession began in

Flagstaff at 5:30 a.m. with the Navajo-Hopi

Honor Riders and the Arizona Highway Pa-

trol leading the procession to Page. Over

300 individuals attended the church serv-

ices.

Ira H. Hayes Post 84 stood as honor

guard during viewing and Haskell Osife An-

tone American Legion Post 51 served as

honor guard when leaving the church for the

procession to Kaibeto for internment.

Military honors were conducted by ac-

tive duty members of the U.S. Marine

Corps, 6th Engineer Support Battalion sta-

tioned at Luke Air Force Base.

After burial, dinner was provided. Sgt.

June’s wife, Virginia, family members, four

Navajo Code Talkers, and other dignitaries

told stories about Sgt. June’s life.

In attendance was Peter MacDonald,

former Navajo Nation Chairman and Marine

Code Talker himself, said he remembered a

conversation with Sgt. June about the land-

ing on the Island of Peleliu on Sept. 15,

1944. June described the machine gun fire

right above their heads. Sgt. June, in recall-

ing the Battle of Bloody Nose Ridge said,

“what I read in the Bible about Hell is para-

dise compared to Peleliu.”

MacDonald also said he remembered

reading an article in 1968 after declassifica-

tion, which called them “Code Talkers.”

Prior to that, they had always considered

themselves as being “Radiomen.”

While the World War II Code Talkers

are widely familiar, other native languages

was used by the Army during both World

Wars.

Several times throughout the services

the Gila River Indian Community was cited

not only for honoring its own veterans such

as Ira H. Hayes, but also for the support pro-

vided to other veterans such as Sgt. Allen

Dale June. May he rest in peace.

Submitted by Gerry Gall, Post HistorianIra H. Hayes American Legion Post 84

Navajo Code Talker, Sgt. Allen Dale June passes away at age 89

A local dentist has redefined the phrase “put

your money where your mouth is.” This

Halloween, trick-or-treaters can bring their

excess candy to Impressions Dental in Casa

Grande and receive $1 per pound. Dr.

Kelly B. Wettstein and Dr. Spencer Weed

are leading this anti-decay movement by

giving away dollars and glowing electric

toothbrushes in exchange for cavity-pro-

voking candy.

“Ditch the candy, that’s what we’re saying.

Visiting your dentist twice a year and

brushing daily are great preventative meas-

ures, but doing away with excess sweets al-

together would really give your teeth a

healthy boost,” said Dr. Wettstein of Im-

pressions Dental. “Kids can still have all

of the fun of trick-or-treating, and now their

piggy banks will benefit as well.”

All candy donated to Impressions Dental is

donated to the U.S. troops in Iraq and

Afghanistan through Operation Gratitude.

“We have been holding this event for 3

years and collected over 750 pounds of

candy last year alone. That made a lot of

Christmas baskets for our troops”, said Dr.

Weed.

Global sugar consumption by kids in-

creases by about 2% annually and currently

sits at 50 million tons per year, which

means parents need to be sure their chil-

dren’s teeth are being cared for more than

ever. Candy, as well as hurting teeth, can

lead to hyperactivity and weight gain. “In

some cases, the wrong types of candy can

also lead to broken teeth and damaged

braces” adds Dr. Weed.

Candy will be collected at Impressions

Dental the day after Halloween only, Mon-

day, November 1st from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The candy must be unopened. Please no

bites! It will then be shipped to troops over-

seas.

Impressions Dental is a private-practice lo-

cated at 442 W. Kortsen Rd #104 in Casa

Grande (NW corner of Pinal Ave and Kort-

sen Rd.). Impressions Dental emphasizes

general family dental care as well as cos-

metic procedures. Dr. Wettstein and Dr.

Weed are available to provide more infor-

mation on the Candy Buy Back at 520-374-

2400, or visit Impressions Dental online at

www.ImpressDentalCG.com.

Cash for Candy, Local dentist takes astand against sweets this Halloween

Left: American Legion Post 84 escorting the casket of Code Talker Sgt. Allen Dale June. Ron Enderle leads the front of casket with Robert Delsi at the back of casket andLeonard Enos holding Marine Corps Flag. Right: Ira H. Hayes Post 84 from Gila River Indian Community is the lead Honor Guard with Ute Mountain Ute Honor Guard fromTowaoc, Colorado standing behind them.

The Haskell Osife Antone Post 51 of Blackwater, reenacted the raising of the Amer-

ican Flag on Mount Surabachi, Iwo Jima on the lawn of the Heard Museum to

kickoff the festivities for the Native American Recognition Days on Oct. 1, 2010.

GRIN/Jeri Thomas

Iwo Jima Flag Raising Renactment kicksoff NARD


Physical activity is one of the most important

ways that an individual can lead to a healthier

lifestyle. Maintaining an ideal weight and being

physically active on a regular basis helps reduce

the risk of many diseases. In order to promote

physical activity and provide an opportunity for

the community to continue along the path of

healthiness, or to take the next step to lead health-

ier lives, we launched our “Workout for the Health

of It” campaign. Every year during the month of

July, the campaign takes place at both the Sacaton

Wellness Center and the Komatke Fitness Center.

We offer our health informational booth, which

promotes physical activity, we provide one on one

health education and we raffle off fitness prizes to

the workout participants. In the past, the event was

held every week, Monday through Friday from 11

am to 1 pm. Participants were entered into a raf-

fle drawn from both locations totaling a number

of eight (8) winners. This year we had a success-

ful outcome and we would like to take this oppor-

tunity to congratulate and recognize all eight (8)

winners for participating in this year’s “Workout

for the Health of It” campaign 2010.

“Workout for the Health of It” - 2010




The cool weather is finally upon us and

with the cool down comes parades and

rodeos and of course the Arizona State Fair!

It’s important that families continue to have

fun together through the entire year and not

just during the fair.

Arizona is a very diverse state and chil-

dren can learn a lot while they are having

fun with their family. Having a good time

as a family doesn’t have to cost a lot of

money so here are some suggestions on

how to have fun without having to spend a

lot.

Fishing, Hiking and Outdoor Activi-

ties: The Gila River Indian Community

lands are beautiful and our children should

learn to appreciate and enjoy them. During

the cooler months families can take their

children for walks in the dry Gila River bed

and look for migrating birds and other

wildlife. To make it an even more memo-

rable experience, consider packing a picnic

lunch with some of your children’s favorite

foods. They will enjoy the exercise they get

while being able to spend time with their

family.

Educational Activities: Arizona has nu-

merous activities for children to do while

learning and having fun at the same time.

Locally, Ira Hayes Memorial Library hosts

various activities for young children and

their families. In most cases, these activi-

ties are free to the public and allow kids the

opportunity to use their imaginations. If you

are looking to head to Phoenix or Tucson,

consider checking out some of the muse-

ums designed especially for children. Some

of the most popular are:

1. The Tucson Children’s Museum

2. Children’s Museum of Phoenix

3. The Phoenix Zoo

Just Plain Fun: If you are looking for

something fun your kids will remember, try

visiting one of these locations:

1. Red Rock State Park

2. Castles N Coasters

3. Water World

Remember that in most cases, planning

fun activities with your children can take

some time and preparation. For those activ-

ities that require traveling or even entrance

fees, plan ahead and set aside a little bit of

money at a time. Most importantly, your

children will remember the fun you have

with them as long as you are enjoying your-

self as much as they are. Take time to have

fun with your children year-round.

If you would like more information

about early childhood development and

health, please feel free to contact Cathy

Thornton, Regional Coordinator at (602)

771-4991or via email at cthorn-

[email protected].

Submitted by First Things First,

GRIC Regional Partnership Council

Family Fun All Year Round


Written by Taylor Alakel

Heartland Ranch Elementary

September has and still is a busy month here at Heart-

land Ranch Elementary. We have just received student coun-

cil election results. Our winners are, for President Britney

Vasquez, our Vice President is Armando Robles, our Secre-

tary is Jana Bowles and our Treasurer is Anissa Andujar.

My school had an assembly presented by the third

graders September 24th. Every assembly we have is pre-

sented by a grade level. We also present awards for certain

categories. The people that get the awards work hard for

them. That’s what mostly goes on at Heartland Ranch’s as-

semblies.

Next, on September 10th we had bus drills. We always

want to do bus drills in case of an emergency on the bus. We

learned how to exit the bus, and which door to use in case of

an emergency. We learned how many doors there are to exit

a bus. There are 6 exits in a bus. That is what we learned

about bus drills and safety on the bus.

Also, we had a PTO meeting on September 16th. Our

PTO meetings are sophisticated. At the meeting we talked

about things that you wonder about. PTO meetings here talk

about your kids’ learning and questions about the school.

The meetings almost always give you answers on what they

know is going on. That is the PTO meetings here at Heart-

land Ranch.

Finally, we are really looking forward to October. Also

parent teacher conferences on 10/13-10/14. That is what

goes on here at Heartland Ranch Elementary.

Written by Miranda Enos

Heartland Ranch Elementary

September has and still is a busy month here at Heart-

land Ranch Elementary. We had an assembly on September

24th and the third graders performed. At the assembly they

passed out awards for student of month and Wildcat Awards.

We had bus drills on September 10th. We had to jump out of

the bus where the door is and if you don’t have a backdoor,

you have to jump out of the side door to get out of the bus.

After that you have to sit down where the cars park and then

you go back to class. Parent teacher conferences are coming

up in October. That means teachers meet parents and par-

ents meet teachers to see how the students are learning in

class. Progress report cards came out on September 10th. If

you have an A plus you did a great job on your work.

We had some guests come visit all the 5th grade classes

and they were talking about the Constitution. They were

dressed in costumes and they were talking about the making

of the Constitution.

That is all that we did in September. Like I said, parent

teacher conferences are coming so you better do good on

your grades so you can have a good time with your family

and you don’t get in trouble and they might say you did a

good job on your stuff.

21st Century Comes to Hohokam Middle School

By Joshua Alakel

21st Century is a free after-school tutoring program for

students who need educational assistance. The program of-

fers many classes that are filled with fun activities to help

motivate the student with challenging games and learning

strategies. The classes are being taught by great teachers,

among them are: Mr. Bruno, Mr. Herrera, Mrs. Holland,

Mrs. Jensen, Mrs. Timmons, Mrs. Ukat, Miss Cullen, Mr.

Schoefield, and the program coordinator for Hohokam, Mrs.

Arrants.

The first session begins on October 4, 2010 and runs to

December 21, 2010. The second session begins on January

3, 2011 and runs to April 27, 2011. The times for these

classes are 7:15 am to 7:45 am and 3:15 pm to 5:15 pm. The

morning sessions are offered for students who might have a

conflict in schedules with after school practice activities.

There will be a late activity bus at 5:30 for those students

who normally ride the bus.

The classes the program offers are: Art, Drama,

Computers/Journalism, Spanish, Agriculture/gardening with

the emphasis being in Math and Reading. This promises to

be a fun and rewarding experience for all the students who

participate.

Mountain Vista Student Council

Written by Taliah Rodriguez

This year student council is panning lots of events and

hopes to take lots of action in the benefit of our school. We

have covered a lot of material in the two meetings that we’ve

had and it looks like we have put together a very hardwork-

ing group of officers and representatives and officers.

The officers and representatives are very interested with

the idea of fundraising and we’ve thought of some very in-

teresting ideas. This year is going to be a great one if our

firm group continues its great way of working together. We

will have a very successful school year.

Some of the fundraising events we have planned in-

clude selling items after school on half-day Wednesdays and

on Fridays. We also would like to host a Fall dance. These

are a few of the subjects that have been addressed so far.

Thank you for your time.

Still Undefeated

Written by Angelica Morales

The Lady Wolverine softball team remain undefeated!

We have beaten all of the teams we have played twice now

throughout the year. We are heading off into playoffs, which

will be held at Mt. Vista on Monday, October 4th at 4:15pm.

If we are lucky enough to play that game and win we will

compete in the league championship game on Wednesday. If

we win that game we will be league champs and undefeated

for the second year in a row.

This year we have improved so much as a team. We

have fabulous pitchers and players backing her up each

game. We have to say a big thank you to the coaches. With-

out all three of them we would not have won all of the games

this season. Thank you Ms. Tomerlin, Ms. Sorace, and

Robert.

Please come out on Monday and root on your Lady

Wolverine Softball team at Mountain Vista Middle School!

San Tan Heights Elementary

By Kody Swencki and Nick Umali

San Tan Heights Elementary is very excited to share

some upcoming events with you. The first is the Great

American Fundraiser starting October 6th thru October 19th.

It will have lots of interesting items. Some of which are

candy, magazines, Christmas wrapping paper, and jewelry.

Please help us raise money for our school by purchasing

some of these items. We also have our October Fest coming

up on October 28th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This will be held

at our school and is open to the public. Come join us for

games, food, costume contest, and much more. Wrist bands

to enter cost $4.00, which includes all the games and trick-

or-treat lane to get candy.

We would like to remind everyone that parent teacher

conferences are coming up. They will be on October 13th

and 14th and both days are half days. Look for a letter from

your teacher coming home soon. After conferences we hope

you will be excited for a little break. We will have our fall

break Friday October 15th thru October 18th. Have a Happy

Fall Break!

West School

Mercedez Madril

5th Grade

At West School we are learning how good character is

important. In October we will learn about respect. We will

work hard at treating others the way we want to be treated.

In October there will be a door decorating contest and an as-

sembly about respect.

In school we are working on writing fiction stories with

good ideas and organization. In math we are working on

fractions and learning about folktales from other countries in

reading. In Science we are working in teams to create a vol-

cano, and learn about the changes in the earth.

At West School we have traditions like student of the

week every Friday; we play the song “Eye of the Tiger” as

the school song during Friday’s announcements. Soon we

will be starting Tiger Tech- our after school program to help

anyone needing help with their school work. I enjoy being

at West School because I like the teachers, they are helpful.

Mr. Streit our Principal and Ms. Williams the Assistant Prin-

cipal are helpful with the students at West.

West Elementary

ByElysia Burgos

I would like to give a big tiger welcome to all of the

new teachers and students to West Elementary School. The

new teachers to West School this year include: Delicia Gar-

cia, Dianna Snurpus, Therese Langlois, Christine Cooper,

Nicole hall, Marlene Capron and Dan Herrera. As a new

student at West Elementary, I particularly like the activities

and extra programs that allow students to get involved with

the school and to help us with our school work. Teachers

and students are working hard on reading and math.

At West we are learning about the school’s traditions.

We have learned the school mascot is the TIGERS and the

school colors are blue and orange. During the morning an-

nouncements on Fridays we play the school song “Eye of

the Tiger”. Everyone is encouraged to wear their school col-

ors on Friday or their tiger shirt to show their school spirit.

Every week the teachers pick their students of the week and

they are recognized.

Character counts at West School. The character trait for

October is responsibility. On October 22nd the school will

hold a character counts door decorating contest and the stu-

dents will put on an assembly for others about responsibil-

ity. Red ribbon week will be the week of October 25-29.

During Coolidge days the winners of the character poster

contest will participate on the float for West School. We

would like to thank Ms. Dobbins for being our Student Gov-

ernment sponsor and helping our school.

Coolidge Schools Media Project, Students submit stories on daily lifeSubmitted by Rachel Broadley, Assistant Principal, Hohokam Middle School


Grant and Tristan Paul created ‘Rocket Robot Pumpkin’ as a part of the Ira H.

Hayes Memorial Library Fall Fun Activity Days. The activity days are part of

the library’s fall programming that will go until Christmas.

Photo Courtesy of Jolene Holgate/ Ira H. Hayes Library

Fall Activities at Ira H. Hayes Libraryduring the summer months.

When asked about his recollections of

the Tony Curtis movie, Rodney B. Lewis,

longtime general counsel said, “The movie

gave the Pima people a great sense of pride

because Ira was finally being recognized as

a hero even if it was through exploits.”

A few people pointed out that The Out-

sider contained factual errors and when

asked about the errors, Larry Cook chalked

them up as deliberate and for entertainment

purposes. “I don’t remember my mom (the

late-Sara Bernal) ever saying he ran for

council. He was real quiet.”

Cook chuckled when he remembered

patches of snow in the movie.

In life, Schwartz served as a US Navy

signalman aboard the submarine USS Pro-

teus during World War II. Proteus was in

Tokyo Bay in 1945.

The battleship USS Missouri sup-

ported the Iwo Jima invasion.

It is reported that Schwartz witnessed

the formal surrender of Japan on Septem-

ber 2, 1945, through a pair of binoculars.

The formal surrender ceremony by the

Japanese aboard the USS Missouri marked

the end of World War II.

Movie critics say Curtis’ portrayal of

Cpl. Hayes in The Outsider was one of Cur-

tis’ few dramatic roles and that Curtis

should have won an Oscar for his stellar

performance.

News accounts say Curtis was laid to

rest on Oct. 4 with several of his favorite

possessions–a Stetson hat, an Armani scarf,

driving gloves, and an iPhone.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Assistant Secre-

tary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk today

announced that the Bureau of Indian Affairs

(BIA) Office of Justice Services (OJS) will

conduct tribal consultation with the feder-

ally recognized tribes throughout the month

of October, 2010. A letter announcing the

meetings was sent to tribal leaders on Sep-

tember 17, 2010.

“The input from tribal leaders is cru-

cial to ensuring safety in Indian Country,”

Echo Hawk said. “It is among my top pri-

orities to move forward to develop the most

effective policies and procedures in law en-

forcement so that the American Indian and

Alaska Native people can benefit from this

landmark legislation.”

The President signed the Tribal Law

and Order Act of 2010 (“TLOA”) into law

on July 29, 2010. Among other provisions,

TLOA provides Tribes with the opportunity

to exercise enhanced sentencing authority,

requires BIA - OJS to collect and report ad-

ditional data to Congress regarding public

safety in Indian country, and directs BIA to

establish certain policies, procedures and

guidelines in consultation with tribes.

The BIA is committed to ongoing and

meaningful consultation with tribal nations

to implement TLOA and ensure utilization

of effective public safety strategies.

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of

Health Services and the Maricopa County

Department of Public Health confirmed on

Mon, Oct. 4, the first flu case of the season;

an unvaccinated woman in her early 30’s

who recovered at home.

“And it starts again,” said Dr. Bob

England, director of Maricopa County De-

partment of Public Health. “The good news

is that this woman did not have H1N1; the

bad news is that this woman did not have

H1N1. We just don’t know which strain of

the flu will dominate our flu season this

year which is why I can’t stress enough for

everyone to get their flu vaccine.”

This year, for the first time, the Centers

for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

recommends that everyone 6 months and

older get the flu vaccine. As always, this

year’s flu vaccine protects against three dif-

ferent flu viruses; an H3N2 virus, an in-

fluenza B virus and the H1N1 virus that

caused so much illness last season.

Last year Arizona had 13,032 flu cases

and at least 122 deaths, almost all due to the

H1N1 pandemic strain.

“No one should have to get sick with

influenza this year. There is plenty of vac-

cine across the state and finding a shot is al-

most as easy as going to the ATM,” said

Will Humble, director of the Arizona De-

partment of Health Services. “If your doc-

tor doesn’t have any, there are clinics and

mini-clinics. Plus if you don’t like shots,

you can get the nasal spray!”

Preparation includes getting the flu

vaccine and being vigilant in good hygiene

— covering our cough in our sleeves, wash-

ing our hands frequently and staying home

when we are sick.

For more information about the flu in

Arizona or where to get flu vaccine, please

visit StopTheSpreadAz.org.

For more information, please contact:

Jeanene Fowler, Maricopa County

Public Health: 602-506-4926

Laura Oxley, Arizona Department of

Health Services: 602-542-1094

Flu Season Begins Again in Arizona Maricopa County Confirms its First Case of the Season Submitted by Maricopa County, Dept. of Public Health

Echo Hawk Announces Tribal Consulta-tion on Tribal Law and Order Act

Tony Curtis poses with Kenneth G. Hayes, the sole survivor of the late-Jobe and

Nancy Hayes, and brother of Ira H. Hayes. The Cooks say Kenny Hayes is often

overshadowed by his brother’s fame but that Kenny served in the US Army and is

a medal recipient for his bravery in the Korean War Conflict (1950-1953).

Photo Courtesy of The Cook Family

Tony Curtis from page 1

L to R: Tony Curtis, Arlene Miles, PatsyBirdinground, Peggy Feather, and JuliaNasewytewa


PHOENIX, Ariz.— On Fri, Oct. 1, a

federal judge granted a request by the

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to re-

move the desert nesting bald eagle

from the endangered species list unless

and until the Center for Biological Di-

versity successfully challenges the

agency’s February 2010 decision tak-

ing the species off the list.

On July 9, 2007, the Bush admin-

istration overruled Fish and Wildlife

Service biologists, ordering the agency

to remove the desert nesting bald eagle

from the endangered species list. It had

been on the list since the 1970s. The

Center filed suit and on March 6, 2008,

U.S. District Judge Mary H. Murguia

struck down the delisting decision and

ordered the agency to return the bald

eagle to the endangered species list.

On Feb. 24, 2010, the Obama ad-

ministration issued a new decision also

removing protections from the eagle.

This new decision uses the same

flawed logic as the 2007 Bush-era de-

cision and also involved agency bu-

reaucrats overruling agency scientists.

The Center had asked the judge to

keep the species on the list until the

new decision was legally challenged

and resolved. The judge denied that re-

quest, telling the Center it first needed

to file suit and prove the new decision

is illegal.

“The Obama administration’s de-

cision earlier this year was just as po-

litically tainted as the Bush decision in

2007,” said Dr. Robin Silver of the

Center. “We look forward to proving

that in court in a suit we plan to file

shortly.”

For more than three decades,

every recognized bald eagle expert has

acknowledged the fact that the desert

nesting bald eagle is unique and im-

portant to the species as a whole. But

on July 18, 2006, Fish and Wildlife

Service career administrators gave

their staff “marching orders” to

abruptly reverse their opinion and “to

find an analysis that works.”

On March 5, 2008, Judge Mur-

guia called the agency actions “arbi-

trary and capricious.” She ordered the

agency to issue a new evaluation, and

issued an injunction against lifting pro-

tection for the eagle in the interim.

On Dec. 9, 2009, after agency

bald eagle experts again reinforced

their opinion that the desert nesting

bald eagle is unique and important to

the species as a whole, career adminis-

trators again ordered the eagle experts

to reverse their position, saying, “My

staff will work with you on develop-

ment of the revised version of the find-

ing.”

The biggest threats to the eagle

are increasing habitat destruction and

human harassment — and the judge’s

protective order had been the only law

protecting eagle habitat. Today’s order

also removes the requirement for

mandatory mitigation funding of the

NestWatch program.

NestWatch provides on-site pro-

tection for the most threatened eagle

nests beginning in the middle of De-

cember of each year. Between 1983

and 2005, NestWatch rescued 9.4 per-

cent of all young eagles fledged in Ari-

zona, including up to 50 percent of a

given year’s reproduction. Until this

ruling, agencies such as the Salt River

Project, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of

Reclamation and Department of De-

fense had been required to contribute

yearly money to the NestWatch pro-

gram to make up for destruction of

habitat and harm to eagles.

Court Removes Protections From Desert Bald Eagle Lawsuit Seeks to RestoreProtection for DesertNesting Bald Eagle

Submitted by Dr. Robin Silver,

Center for Biological Diversity,

Submitted by Dr. Robin Silver,

Center for Biological Diversity,

PHOENIX— The Center for Biological Diversity and

Maricopa Audubon Society filed a lawsuit on Tues, Oct. 5,

2010, to reinstate Endangered Species Act protection for

desert nesting bald eagles. The suit seeks to return pro-

tections removed last week by U.S. District Court Judge

Mary H. Murguia.

“With only about 50 breeding pairs left, and facing

increasing habitat threats this bird desperately needs fed-

eral protection in order to survive,” said Dr. Robin Silver

of the Center. Murguia on Fri, Oct. 1, granted a request

by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove the desert

nesting bald eagle from the endangered species list but did

not examine the agency decision itself. The Maricopa

Audubon Society’s lawsuit challenges the basis of the

agency’s February 2010 decision to remove protections

from the eagle.

For more than three decades, every recognized bald

eagle expert has acknowledged the fact that the desert

nesting bald eagle is unique and important to the bald

eagle species as a whole. But on July 18, 2006, Fish and

Wildlife Service career administrators gave their staff

“marching orders” to abruptly reverse their opinion and

“to find an analysis that works.” That decision was final-

ized July 9, 2007.

On March 5, 2008, Judge Murguia called the agency

actions “arbitrary and capricious.” She ordered the agency

to issue a new evaluation and issued an injunction against

lifting protection for the eagle in the interim.

On Dec. 9, 2009, after agency bald eagle experts

again reinforced their opinion that the desert nesting bald

eagle is unique and important to the species as a whole, ca-

reer administrators again ordered the eagle experts to re-

verse their position, saying, “My staff will work with you

on development of the revised version of the finding.”

“Hopefully today’s suit will put science, not politics,

front and center in determining the fate of this eagle,” Sil-

ver said.

The biggest threats to the eagle are increasing habitat

destruction and human harassment. The Endangered

Species Act is the only law protecting eagle habitat.

Without Endangered Species Act protection, eagle

habitat-destroying grazing and ORV abuse can resume,

and the mandatory requirement for agency funding of the

NestWatch program will no longer be necessary. Nest-

Watch provides onsite protection for the most threatened

eagle nests and has rescued 9.4 percent of all young eagles

fledged in Arizona between 1983 and 2005, including up

to 50 percent of a given year’s reproduction.

Contact: Dr. Robin Silver, Center for Biological Diversity,

(602) 799-3275


WASHINGTON – Assistant Secretary-In-

dian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk announced

the second competition for students attend-

ing high schools and tribal colleges funded

by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)

that will promote careers in the fields of

green and renewable energy. This year’s

competition will be looking for designs of a

conversion process that will change

biomass into diesel fuel. The Indian Ed-

ucation Renewable Energy Challenge is

being sponsored by the BIE in partnership

with the Indian Affairs Office of Indian En-

ergy and Economic Development (IEED)

and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ar-

gonne National Laboratory (ANL).

“I am pleased to see this partnership

provide such wonderful opportunity for stu-

dents to design an innovative process that

will convert biomass into diesel fuel,” Echo

Hawk said. “Our BIE students are incredi-

bly talented, and this is an opportunity to

take on a real world challenge to demon-

strate a renewable energy and technology

process that tribes can use to promote eco-

nomic self-sufficiency in Indian Country.”

The challenge is designed as a two-part

competition. During Phase I, each school

and college will establish a team of students

to process designs for converting biomass to

diesel fuel using any raw biomass material

they wish, and must indicate how their

process design ensures safety in view of the

flammable product and the properties of any

chemicals that may be used in the produc-

tion. Five high school and five college de-

sign teams with the best submissions will

receive $3,500 apiece to construct proto-

types of their inventions. In Phase II, the

teams will be provided with a diesel-pow-

ered generator so that each team can conduct

performance data collections to submit,

along with detailed reports and videos of

their prototypes in operation, to ANL for

evaluation by a team of judges. There are

eight requirements to be met for Phase II of

the challenge in order for the judges to view

the final submissions:

1) A narrated video showing the process

by which bio-diesel fuel has been made

from biomass material.

2) A narrated video showing the gener-

ator in operation fueled by the bio-diesel and

powering some appliance.

3) A 100 milliliter sample of the pro-

duced bio-diesel fuel, to be shipped in a con-

tainer

provided by Argonne National Labora-

tory.

4) Chemical equations showing the re-

actions used to convert the biomass material

to bio-

diesel fuel. Include a per cent yield cal-

culation for your process.

5) A flow chart for your process.

6) A specification sheet for the bio-

diesel showing generator fuel consumption

versus output power.

7) A written discussion of the safety is-

sues associated with your process and with

generator

usage and the specific procedures that

have been followed to ensure safe operation.

8) PowerPoint slides that will comprise

a poster that will be displayed in Washing-

ton, D.C.,

in the event that your team wins the

competition.

One top project will be selected from

the high school teams and one from the col-

lege teams. The two winning teams will see

their projects prominently displayed in

Washington, D.C., where they also will have

the opportunity to meet with senior Interior

Department officials and attend a reception

to be held in their honor.

Design proposals for the Indian Educa-

tion Renewable Energy Challenge must be

submitted to the ANL by November 30,

2010. The 10 teams whose projects have

been selected will be notified by December

15, 2010. The submission deadline for final

projects is May 1, 2011. Winners will be an-

nounced shortly after the final submissions.

For further information and application

forms visit the Argonne National Labora-

tory’s website at http://www.dep.anl.gov/in-

dianed_energychallenge/.

Echo Hawk Announces 2nd Year Indian Education Renewable EnergyChallenge for BIE High School and Tribal College Students

BIE-IEED-ANL sponsored competition to promote careers in the green and renewable energy professions

WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2010 – Agricul-

ture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Attorney

General Eric Holder today announced the

settlement of a class action lawsuit filed

against USDA by Native American farmers

alleging discrimination by USDA. The set-

tlement ends litigation concerning discrimi-

nation complaints from Native Americans

generally covering the period 1981-1999.

“Today’s settlement can never undo

wrongs that Native Americans may have ex-

perienced in past decades, but combined

with the actions we at USDA are taking to

address such wrongs, the settlement will

provide some measure of relief to those al-

leging discrimination,” Vilsack said. “The

Obama Administration is committed to clos-

ing the chapter on an unfortunate civil rights

history at USDA and working to ensure our

customers and employees are treated justly

and equally.”

“The settlement announced today will

allow USDA and the Native American farm-

ers involved in the lawsuit to move forward

and focus on the future,” said Attorney Gen-

eral Holder. “Under the process established

in this agreement, Native American farmers

who believe they suffered discrimination

will have their claims heard. The Depart-

ment of Justice is proud to partner with

USDA in the agency’s effort to ensure fair

and equitable treatment of its clients.”

Under the settlement agreement an-

nounced today, $680 million will be made

available to eligible class members to com-

pensate them for their discrimination

claims. Two payment “tracks” are avail-

able. Under the first track, persons who

meet the class definition and provide sub-

stantial evidence of discrimination to an im-

partial adjudicator will receive a uniform

settlement of up to $50,000. The second

track is for those persons who meet the class

definition and believe they have stronger ev-

idence of economic losses caused by dis-

crimination. This track requires a higher

evidentiary standard and damage awards are

capped at a maximum of up to $250,000 per

individual. Actual monetary awards are sub-

ject to reduction based on the amount of

available funding and the number of merito-

rious claims.

The Judgment Fund maintained by the

U.S. Departments of Justice and Treasury

will fund any monetary awards provided

under the settlement. USDA will provide up

to $20 million to administer the settle-

ment.

In addition to the monetary award, the

agreement provides up to $80 million in

debt forgiveness to successful claimants

with outstanding USDA Farm Loan program

debt. Also, a moratorium on foreclosures of

most claimants’ farms and a moratorium on

accelerations and administrative offsets of

class members’ farm loan accounts will be

put into place until after claimants have gone

through the claims process or the Secretary

of Agriculture has been notified that a claim

has been denied.

The settlement also provides a broad

range of programmatic relief for Native

American farmers, including creation of a

new Federal Advisory Council for Native

American farmers and ranchers that will in-

clude Native American representation from

around the country as well as senior USDA

officials. Meanwhile, a new Ombudsman

position will be created to address farm pro-

gram issues relating to Native American

farmers and ranchers as well as all other so-

cially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

The Department will also offer Native

American farmers enhanced technical assis-

tance services through the establishment of

a network that provides intensive instruction

to recipients concerning financial, business

and market planning skills and supports the

deployment of tribal agriculture advocates

and third party outreach and education

providers.

This lawsuit, Marilyn Keepseagle et al.,

v. Vilsack (Civil Action No. 99-3119

(D.D.C.)), was filed on November 24th,

1999. The settlement will not become final

until it is formally approved by the U.S. Dis-

trict Court for the District of Columbia.

Under Secretary Vilsack’s leadership,

USDA is working to address past civil rights

complaints and today’s announcement is a

major step in that effort. The Secretary and

his leadership team are committed to ad-

dressing allegations of discrimination, and

shortly after he took office he sent a memo

to all USDA employees calling for “a new

era of civil rights” for the Department. In

February 2010, Secretary Vilsack an-

nounced the Pigford II settlement with black

farmers; the Keepseagle settlement contin-

ues as part of that new era. Meanwhile, Sec-

retary Vilsack continues to pursue the

resolution of all claims of past discrimina-

tion against USDA, including claims from

women and Hispanic farmers. Additional

information on the efforts undertaken by the

Secretary and USDA management is avail-

able at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/.

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Settlement Agreement with NativeAmerican Farmers Who Claim to Have Faced Discrimination by USDASettlement Addresses Discrimination Claims Made Over Farm Loan Programs


34th Annual Pueblo Grande Museum Indian Market, Sat

and Sun, Dec. 11 & 12, 2010

Phoenix, AZ-The 34th Annual Pueblo Grande Museum Indian

Market, named one of the “top 10 Indian Markets in the country”

returns to its original site, the Pueblo Grande Museum and Ar-

chaeological Park on Saturday and Sunday, December 11 and

12, 2010. More than 200 artists participate in this major cultural

event.

Tribally enrolled artists are encouraged to visit the website

www.pgindianmarket.com for an application and corresponding

regulations and guidelines. To be eligible for a discount on booth

rental fee, applications must be postmarked no later than Sep-

tember 30, 2010.

The only five-time World Champion Hoop Dancer, Derrick

Suwaima Davis (Hopi/Choctaw), will perform each day. The

daily entertainment schedule of traditional and contemporary

musicians, singers and dancers features violinist Arvel Bird

(Paiute) who studied classical music at ASU.

The museum offers an award-winning video presentation

on the Hohokam early civilization, plus fully accessible trail

leading to an ancient platform mound and ballcourt. The public

is encouraged to use the metro light rail which stops within easy

walking distance of the event site.

Admission fee is $5 per person and children under 12 are

free. Admission fee includes free admission to the museum dur-

ing the annual Indian Market weekend. Pueblo Grande Museum

address is 4619 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034. The

event takes place rain or shine. For more information, call 602-

495-0901.

CONTACT: Isaac Curley, Market Director

September 22, 2010 Pueblo Grande Museum

602-495-0901

7th Annual National “Fatherhood is Leadership Conference”

The 7th Annual National Fatherhood is Leadership conference

will be held November 3—5th, 2010 at the Phoenix Marriot

Mesa Hotel by the nationally recognized Native American Fa-

therhood and Families Association (NAFFA). The conference

will cover principals of fatherhood and their roles in strengthen-

ing themselves, their family and cultural values. Credible stud-

ies have showcased the NAFFA owned Fatherhood is Sacred

program as the number one Native American Fatherhood pro-

gram in the country. The three day conference will provide

unique workshops and a look into the Native American family

structure. NAFFA welcomes anyone interested in learning of

Native American fatherhood roles when it comes to Education,

Criminal Justice and Health and Human Services to register. For

registration cost and conference information please contact the

Native American Fatherhood and Families Association at

[email protected], call 480-833-5007 and visit their website at

www.nativeamericanfathers.org.

Who: Native American Fatherhood and Families Association

What: Annual “Fatherhood is Leadership Conference”

Where: Phoenix Marriot Mesa Hotel

When: November 3—5th, 2010

Why: Strengthening Native American Families

Contact Information:

Kumen Louis, Public Relations Officer

Native American Fatherhood & Families Association

123 N Centennial Way, Ste 116

Mesa AZ 85201

Office: 480-833-5007

Upcoming Events

CORRECTION

It has been brought to the attention of GilaRiver Indian News that there was a nameerror on page 20 of the August 2010issue. We identified Miss Sherman on theright-hand side of the picture as LatanyaNelson. The correct name is ToshinaShawray John. She is Miss Sherman2010-11. Toshina is member of theYakama, Nez Perce & Navajo Tribes.Toshina is in her Senior year at Shermanand will be graduating in May 2011.

We extend our apologies to Ivan ʻRockyʼWhitman and Toshina Shawray John forthe incorrect identification.


Public NoticeAC-

TION SHEETCommunity Council; PO Box 2138; Sacaton AZ 85147; Phone (520) 562-9720; Fax: (520) 562-9729CALL TO ORDERThe First Regular Monthly Meeting of the Community Council held Wednesday, September 1, 2010, 9am, CommunityCouncil Chambers, Governance Center, Sacaton, Arizona was called to order by presiding Chairman Governor WilliamR. Rhodes at 9:02 a.m.INVOCATIONFloyd Johnson, Community MemberROLL CALLEXECUTIVE MEMBERS PRESENTGovernor William R. RhodesCOUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENTD1—Augustine Enas, Arzie Hogg; D2—Jewel Whitman; D3—Myron G. Schurz, Rodney Jackson’ D4—-ChristopherMendoza, Barney Enos, Jr. (9:04), John Antone, Rebecca Rowe; D5—Delane Enos, Franklin Pablo, Sr., Brian Davis,Sr.; D6—Anthony Villareal, Sr., Albert Pablo, Terrance B. Evans (9:07)EXECUTIVE OFFICERS ABSENTLt. Governor Joseph ManuelCOUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENTD7-VacantAPPROVAL OF AGENDAAPPROVED AS AMENDEDSWEARING-IN CEREMONY FOR NEWLY ELECTED COUNCIL MEMBERD7-Martha Miller sworn into office15-minute reception followed; reconvened @ 9:20EXECUTIVE MEMBERS PRESENTGovernor William R. Rhodes; Lt. Governor Joseph ManuelCOUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENTD1—Augustine Enas, Arzie Hogg; D2—Jewel Whitman; D3—Myron G. Schurz, Rodney Jackson’ D4—-ChristopherMendoza, Barney Enos, Jr., John Antone, Rebecca Rowe; D5—Delane Enos, Franklin Pablo, Sr., Brian Davis, Sr.; D6—Anthony Villareal, Sr., Albert Pablo, Terrance B. Evans; D7—Martha MillerREPORTS1. Casa Blanca Community School 3rd Quarterly Progress ReportPresenter: Patty K. CookREPORT HEARD2. Ira H. Hayes High School 3rd Quarterly Progress ReportPresenter: Presenter: Jeff ThornburgREPORT TABLED3. Department of Transportation Report FY10Presenter: Douglas TorresREPORT HEARD4. Grand Opening of the District One Multipurpose BuildingPresenter: J. Andrew DarlingREPORT HEARD5. 2010 Annual Report – NIDDK National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and KidneyPresenter: Clifton BogardusREPORT HEARD6. Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Inc. Monthly Report (Executive Session)Presenter: Harold Baugus & Board of DirectorsMOTION WAS MADE AND SECOND TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSIONREPORT HEARD IN EXECUTIVE SESSION[Lunch break]7. Gila River Gaming Commission General Report – July 2010 (Executive Session)Presenter: Courtney Moyah / Scott SandersonREPORT HEARD IN EXECUTIVE SESSION8. FY 2010 July 31, 2010 Month End Financial Reports (Executive Session)Presenter: Arthur Felder / Lupita Martinez / James JenkinsREPORT HEARD IN EXECUTIVE SESSIONMOTION WAS MADE AND SECOND TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSIONRESOLUTIONS1. A Resolution Eliminating the Gila River Education Affordability Program and Rescinding Resolutions GR-47-98 and GR-59-05 (ESC forwards to Council with recommendation for approval; G&MSC concurs)Presenter: Executive TeamAPPROVED2. A Resolution Approving Supplemental Agreement No. 19 to Lease No. B-GR-61 between the Gila River Indian Com-munity, as Lessor, and Lone Butte Industrial Development Corporation, as Lessee (EDSC motioned to forward resolutionto Council with recommendation of approval)Presenter: Esther Manuel & Christina WaquieTABLED; NO MATERIAL3. A Resolution Authorizing the Gila River Department of Environmental Quality to Submit a Grant Application for the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service FY2011 Tribal Wildlife Grants (TWG) Program on Behalf of the Gila River Indian Community(NRSC forward to Council with recommendation for approval; G&MSC concurs)Presenter: Margaret CookAPPROVED4. A Resolution Authorizing and Approving the Assignment of a Parcel of Community Land Located in District Six of theGila River Indian Reservation to the Gila River Fire Department for Use as a Fire Station as Shown in Drawing #30608-0358A (NRSC forward to Council with recommendation for approval)Presenter: Dante NashAPPROVED5. A Resolution Authorizing the Gila River Indian Community to Apply for a Multi-Year Grant for FY2011-2015 from the InterTribal Council of Arizona, Inc., Area Agency on Aging (HSSC motioned to forward to G&M with recommendation of approvaland to Community Council; G&MSC concurs)Presenter: Stephanie GouletteAPPROVED6. A Resolution Authorizing the Gila River Indian Community Children’s Court to Accept the 2010 National CASA New De-velopment Grant Award and Authorizing a Community Court Appointed Special Advocate Program (HSSC motioned to for-ward to Council with recommendation of approval; LSC concurs)Presenter: Jan Morris & Kami HartAPPROVED7. A Resolution Approving an Agreement with the City Of Chandler and the Gila River Indian Community and Gila RiverHealth Care for Waste Water Treatment Regarding the Southeast Ambulatory Care Center (HSSC motioned to forwardto Council for approval)Presenter: Linus EverlingAPPROVED8. A Resolution Approving the Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Inc. Operating Budget and Capital Projects Budget For Fis-cal Year 2011 (G&MSC forwards to Council with recommendation for approval)Presenter: Harold Baugus & Board of DirectorsAPPROVED9. A Resolution Approving the Gila River Indian Community’s 2010 – 2011 Tribal Membership in the National Congressof American Indians (G&MSC forwards to Council with recommendation for approval)Presenter: Linda AndrewsDelegates designated: Martha Miller, Christopher Mendoza, Myron G. Schurz, and Terrance B. EvansAPPROVED10. A Resolution Approving the Petition for the Enrollment of Tomas Albert Joseph into the Gila River Indian Community(LSC forwards to Council with recommendation for approval)

Community Council action sheets for GRIC councilmeetings held on Wed, Sept. 1 & Wed, Sept. 15, 2010.

CCSO Action Sheets continued on page 21


Presenter: Francisco OsifeTABLED; NO MATERIAL11. A Resolution Approving the Relinquishment of Kelly Ann Buckley from the Gila River Indian Community MembershipRoll (LSC forwards to Council with recommendation for approval)Presenter: Francisco OsifeTABLED; NO MATERIALORDINANCESUNFINISHED BUSINESS1. RTC Update – Action (HSSC motioned to forward to Council with the five (5) recommendations listed for approval)Presenter: Linus EverlingAPPROVEDNEW BUSINESS1. Vechij Himdag MaschchamakuD Alternative Inc. SY2010/2011 Written Plan (ESC forwards to Council with recom-mendation for approval)Presenter: Kim FranklinAPPROVED2. Special Report of Audit – Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority (Executive Session) (G&MSC motions to for-ward this report to regular Council meeting of September 01, 2010, under New Business, and to recommend to Councilto accept the audit report and to forward It to the Bureau of Investigation for review of possible criminal prosecution; andto direct the Law office to institute exclusion of Christina Levenson from the Community; EDSC Concurs)Presenter: Robert Keller / Penni McCabeMOTION WAS MADE AND SECOND TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSIONREPORT HEARD IN EXECUTIVE SESSIONMOTION WAS MADE AND SECOND TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSIONMOTION TO ACCEPT REPORT; FORWARD TO FBI; & EXCLUDE CHRISTINE LEVINSONMOTION TO REMOVE GRICUA BOARDMOTION TO PLACE GRICUA UNDER BUSINESS OWNERS TEAM3. Revenue/Internal Audit Department 3rd Quarter Report – FY 2010 (Executive Session) (G&MSC Forwards to Councilin Executive Session under New Business)Presenter: Robert Keller / Penni McCabeMOTION WAS MADE AND SECOND TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSIONREPORT HEARD IN EXECUTIVE SESSIONMOTION WAS MADE AND SECOND TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION4. Review of Gila River Farms Board Applicants (G&MSC Forwards to Council the (5) applicants for consideration of ap-pointment)Presenter: Robert StoneAPPLICANTS APPROVED BY ACCLAMATION5. Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 (G&MSC forwards to Council under New Business with recommendation for the as-signment Ms. Patterson and Ms. Hall as project leads)Presenter: Rebecca Hall / Kiyoko PattersonKIYOKO PATTERSON & REBECCA HALL ASSIGNED6. Schedule Work Session with Department of Environmental QualityPresenter: Community CouncilMEETING SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 227. Appointment of Interim General CounselPresenter: Community CouncilLINUS EVERLING APPOINTEDMINUTES*1. April 21, 2010APPROVED*2. July 21, 2010TABLEDANNOUNCEMENTSADJOURNMENTMOTION WAS MADE AND SECOND TO ADJOURNMeeting adjourned at 5:35 P.M.* Denotes TABLED from previous meeting(s)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ J ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ACTION SHEETCOMMUNITY COUNCIL; PO BOX 2138; SACATON AZ 85147; Phone: (520) 562-9720; Fax: (520) 562-9729CALL TO ORDERThe Second Regular Monthly Meeting of the Community Council held Wednesday, September 15, 2010, 9am, Commu-nity Council Chambers, Governance Center, Sacaton, Arizona was called to order by presiding Chairman GovernorWilliam R. Rhodes at 9:00 a.m.INVOCATIONCouncilwoman Rebecca RoweROLL CALLEXECUTIVE OFFICERS PRESENTGovernor William R. Rhodes; Lt. Governor Joseph ManuelCOUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENTD1—Augustine Enas, Arzie Hogg; D2—Jewel Whitman; D3—Myron G. Schurz, Rodney Jackson; D4—ChristopherMendoza, John Antone, Rebecca Rowe; D5—Delane Enos, Franklin Pablo, Sr., Brenda Robertson, Brian Davis, Sr.;D6—Anthony Villareal, Sr., Terrance B. Evans; D7—Martha MillerCOUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENTD4—Barney Enos, Jr. (Travel); D6—Albert Pablo (Travel)APPROVAL OF AGENDAAPPROVED AS AMENDEDPRESENTATIONS1. Farewell Address by Daryl Lynn Jay, Miss Indian Arizona 2009-2010(15-Minute reception to follow in Council Chambers lobby)INTRODUCTIONS1. Casa Blanca Community School—Eric James, Assistant PrincipalPresenter: Darren C. PedroTABLED AT APPROVAL OF AGENDA2. BIA Staff MembersPresenter: Superintendent Cecelia MartinezREPORTS8. Litigation Update (Executive Session)Presenter: Thomas MurphyMOVED TO #1 AT APPROVAL OFAGENDA;MOTION MADE AND SECOND TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSIONREPORT HEARD IN EXECUTIVE SESSIONMOTION MADE AND SECOND TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION*1. Ira H. Hayes High School 3rd Quarterly Progress ReportPresenter: Jeff ThornburgREPORT HEARD2. Bi-Annual Report of the Caring House Presenter: Bonnie Lyons & Mark KleinREPORT HEARD3. Community Wildlife and Managing Today for Wildlife Tomorrow (PowerPoint Presentation)Presenter: Margaret CookREPORT HEARD/POWERPOINT NOT USED4. Pecos Road Landowners “City Concept” and Loop 202 Santan Freeway Alignment OptionPresenter: Nathaniel Percharo

CCSO Action Sheets continued from page 20

CCSO Action Sheets continued on page 22

Statement by the Press Secretary

On Tuesday, October 12, 2010, the Presi-

dent signed into law:

H.R. 2923, the “Combat Methamphetamine

Enhancement Act of 2010,” which requires

retail sellers of products containing pseu-

doephedrine, ephedrine, and phenyl-

propanolamine that are precursors for

methamphetamine to submit to the Depart-

ment of Justice a self-certification that in-

cludes a statement that the seller

understands and agrees to comply with the

legal requirements with respect to these

products;

H.R. 3553, the “Indian Veterans Housing

Opportunity Act of 2010,” which makes

changes to certain Native American hous-

ing assistance programs by disregarding as

income benefits received for disabilities re-

sulting from military service;

H.R. 3689, which extends the authority of

the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc.,

to construct a visitor center at or near the

Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Federal

land in the District of Columbia;

H.R. 3980, the “Redundancy Elimination

and Enhanced Performance for Prepared-

ness Grants Act,” which requires the Fed-

eral Emergency Management Agency

(FEMA) to submit reports to Congress on:

(1) plans to eliminate redundant reporting

requirements imposed by FEMA on State,

local, and tribal governments in connection

with the awarding of homeland security

preparedness grants; and (2) efforts to

measure and assess the performance of the

programs funded by the grants;

S. 1132, the “Law Enforcement Officers

Safety Act Improvements Act of 2010,”

which (1) specifies that current and former

law enforcement and police officers of the

executive branch of the Federal Govern-

ment and current and former law enforce-

ment officers of the Amtrak Police

Department and the Federal Reserve may

generally be exempted from State laws pro-

hibiting the carrying of concealed weapons;

and (2) makes various other amendments to

the requirements for exemption of current

and former law enforcement officers from

such State laws; and

S. 3397, the “Secure and Responsible Drug

Disposal Act of 2010,” which Provides au-

thority for ultimate users who have lawfully

obtained controlled substances to deliver

those substances for disposal to entities, in-

cluding long-term care facilities, authorized

to engage in drug disposal in accordance

with regulations issued by the Department

of Justice to prevent diversion of the con-

trolled substances.

President signs Indian Veterans Hous-ing Opportunity Act into Law


TABLED AT APPROVAL OF AGENDALunch break until 1:30Reconvene: 1:305. Gila Crossing Community School Elementary & Middle School 3rd QuarterProgress ReportsPresenter: Ronald Stiffarm / Joe FrazierREPORT HEARD6. Gila Crossing Community School Elementary & Middle School Annual Reports2009/2010Presenter: Ronald Stiffarm / Joe FrazierREPORT HEARD7. Gila Crossing Community School Feasibility StudyPresenter: Ronald Stiffarm / Joe FrazierREPORT HEARD9. Progress Report for the Gila River Water Storage, LLC (Executive Session)Presenter: Michelle BowmanMOTION MADE AND SECOND TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSIONREPORT HEARD IN EXECUTIVE SESSIONMOTION MADE AND SECOND TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION10. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP – Status Update on All Pending Mat-ters – FY 2010 Contract (Executive Session)Presenter: Don Pongrace & Rod LewisREPORT TABLED AT APPROVAL OF AGENDARESOLUTIONS*1. A Resolution Approving Supplemental Agreement No. 19 to Lease No. B-GR-61 between the Gila River Indian Community, as Lessor, and Lone Butte Indus-trial Development Corporation, as Lessee (EDSC motioned to forward resolutionto Council with recommendation of approval)Presenter: Esther Manuel & Christina WaquieAPPROVED*2. A Resolution Approving the Petition for the Enrollment of Tomas Albert Josephinto the Gila River Indian Community (LSC forwards to Council with recommen-dation for approval)Presenter: Francisco OsifeAPPROVED*3. A Resolution Approving the Relinquishment of Kelly Ann Buckley from the GilaRiver Indian Community Membership Roll (LSC forwards to Council with recom-mendation for approval)Presenter: Francisco OsifeAPPROVED

4. A Resolution Approving the Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Inc. OperatingBudget and Capital Projects Budget for Fiscal Year 2011 (G&MSC forwards toCouncil with recommendation for approval)Presenter: Harold Baugus & Board of DirectorsAPPROVED5. A Resolution Approving a Memorandum of Agreement between the Gila RiverIndian Community and R. Eugene and Delphia M. Anderson of Coolidge, Ari-zona, for the Replacement of Certain Irrigation Ditches within the Newly AcquiredRight-of-way along the Pima Lateral Canal East of the City of Coolidge (NRSCforwards to Council with recommendation for approval; G&MSC concurs)Presenter: David DeJongAPPROVED6. A Resolution Approving The Gila River Indian Community Internal Audit De-partment’s Annual Audit Plan For Fiscal Year 2011 (G&MSC Forwards to Councilwith recommendation for approval; to include Finance as a priority and discus-sion in Executive Session with Council members, Mr. Bob Keller, Governor, Lt.Governor)Presenter: Robert KellerAPPROVED7. A Resolution Authorizing the Finance Department of the Gila River IndianCommunity to Write Off Outstanding Accounts in Fiscal Year 2010 for IndividualsWho are Deceased (G&MSC Forwards to Council with recommendation for ap-proval)Presenter: Arthur Felder / Lupita Martinez / James JenkinsAPPROVEDORDINANCESUNFINISHED BUSINESS1. Department of Community Housing Monthly Report – August 2010 (G&MSCForward to Council under Unfinished Business)Presenter: Nellie GilmoreREPORT ACCEPTEDNEW BUSINESS1. Ira H. Hayes High School 2010/2011 Written Plan (ESC forwards under Coun-cil with recommendation for approval)Presenter: Jeff ThornburgAPPROVED2. Gila Crossing Community School 2010/2011 Written Plan (ESC forwardsunder Council with recommendation for approval)Presenter: Ronald Stiffarm / Joe FrazierAPPROVED3. Request to Declare Vacancy – Gila River Gaming Enterprises Board of Direc-tors (G&MSC forwards to Council with recommendation to approve declaration ofvacancy; to have resumes and letters of interest to be submitted by October 14,2010 by noon and appointment to be made at the regular Council meeting of Oc-

tober 20, 2010)Presenter: Kenneth ManuelVACANCY DECLARED; APPOINTMENT ON OCT 20, 20104. Request to Attend the 67th Annual NCAI Conference (G&MSC forwards toCouncil with recommendation to open to Council with a deadline date of October1, 2010 to submit request to attend)Presenter: Brenda RobertsonOPENED TO ALL COUNCIL; OCT 1 DEADLINEMINUTES*1. July 21, 2010APPROVED2. February 2, 2010APPROVED3. August 4, 2010APPROVED4. August 24, 2010APPROVED5. February 5, 2009APPROVEDANNOUNCEMENTS> 4 Tribes Meeting at Salt River 9-1> G&M holding a special meeting tomorrow on the Water budget; all Council wel-come> Indian Day holiday on Friday> Meeting with the Renewable Areas Team at 1p> WHPDA Board meeting Monday; 7am.ADJOURNMENTMOTION MADE AND SECOND TO ADJOURNMEETING ADJOURNED AT 4:36 p.m.* Denotes TABLED from previous meeting(s)

CCSO Action Sheets from page 21

U.S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE NOMINATES SIX

INDIAN COUNTRY LAW ENFORCEMENT OF-

FICERS FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE

PHOENIX – The U.S. Attorney’s Office has nominated six

officers from throughout Arizona for the Indian Country Po-

lice Officer of the Year Award that will be given by the In-

ternational Association of Chiefs of Police in October. This

award provides international recognition of Police Officers

having demonstrated exceptional valor in service, thereby

exhibiting the highest traditions of law enforcement.

Nominees eligible for this award have distinguished

him/herself through their heroic acts and/or outstanding

courage while completing a task or assignment. They have

also gone out of their way to encourage and demonstrate an

effective use of the culture and traditions of indigenous peo-

ple in crime prevention and community oriented projects.

“We appreciate all of the hard work and commitment

these officers have displayed throughout the past year,” said

U.S. Attorney Dennis K. Burke. “ Their hard work has paved

the way to many successful prosecutions in Indian Country

and we will continue to work together in pursuit of public

safety in the tribal nations of Arizona.”

Nominations

Special Agent Tracie Keegan of the Federal Bureau of

Investigation has been nominated for her tireless efforts in

investigating assaults, sex crimes and other crimes of vio-

lence to protect the Colorado River Indian Tribes, Fort Mo-

jave and Hualapai Indian communities. She has recently

distinguished herself while serving as the case agent in an

assault case on the Colorado River Indian Tribes Indian

Reservation, U.S. v. Calvin Evanston. Throughout the case,

Keegan’s work ethic far exceeded what is expected of a fed-

eral agent and her efforts have been critical every step of the

way.

Detective Manuel Rodriguez of the Tohono O’odham

Police Department has been nominated for his involvement

in prosecuting an Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Minor

case. Detective Rodriguez worked tirelessly to prepare the

case for prosecution and he developed a relationship with

the family, which was essential to a successful prosecution.

Without Detective Rodriguez’s dedication, perseverance and

professionalism the government would not have been able to

convict the defendant.

Sergeant Matthew Hall, supervisor of the Anti-Violent

Unit of the Tohono O’odham Police Department has been

nominated for his organized and coordinated investigation

into a cocaine distribution ring in Sells, Ariz. Through an

investigation lasting several months, Tohono O’odham

police officers along with agents from the Bureau of Indian

Affairs were able to identify 10 targets who were dealing

cocaine to tribal members. Officers obtained and executed

search warrants for seven residences and arrest warrants for

10 subjects. The subjects were indicted and are currently

awaiting trial. Sergeant Hall’s efforts to coordinate opera-

tions with different agencies and to plan and prepare the

searches and arrests in this matter were exceptional.

Detective Wenona May of the Tohono O’odham Police

Department has been nominated for her hard work and pro-

fessionalism through multiple child sexual abuse cases. In

each case she has gone above and beyond to develop crucial

relationships with the victim’s families. Her grasp on the is-

sues pertaining to each case has been supe-

rior.

Special Agent John Anderson of the Federal Bureau of

Investigation has been nominated for the Peace Officer of

the Year Award because of his efforts to investigate violent

crime and child molestation offenses on the Navajo Indian

Reservation. His assigned communities have crime rates be-

tween 6 and 20 times higher than the national average. SA

Anderson’s caseload has at times averaged 50 violent crime

and child molestation cases. The number of violent criminals

that he removes from those communities improves the qual-

ity of life.

Special Agent Andrew Smith of the Federal Bureau of

Investigation has been nominated for his efforts in American

Indian law enforcement. SA Smith’s investigations relate to

violent crimes — including homicide, aggravated assault

and sexual abuse cases — that occur within the Gila River

Indian Community. The positive relationship that SA Smith

has forged with tribal law enforcement as well as tribal and

federal prosecutors assists in the successful prosecutions of

crimes that occur in Indian Country. He exemplifies the team

working concept by his unselfish assistance to all of those he

serves.

SAN CARLOS MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO

ARSON

PHOENIX - Marty Charles Randall, 20, of San Carlos,

Ariz., pleaded guilty to Arson, in federal district court in

Phoenix.

On October 30, 2009, Randall, a member of the San

Carlos Apache Indian Tribe, while intoxicated, intentionally

set fire to a Pontiac Grand Prix automobile and a residence

located on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. The

residence was occupied by Randall’s father and sisters. A

San Carlos Police Officer saw the resulting fire, responded

to the residence and removed the occupants. The San Car-

los Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished

the fire. While the Pontiac and a portion of the residence

were destroyed by the fire, no one was injured.

A conviction for Arson carries a maximum penalty of

life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both. In determining

an actual sentence, Judge Frederick J. Martone will consult

the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate

sentencing ranges. The judge, however, is not bound by

those guidelines in determining a sentence.

Sentencing is set before Judge Martone on January 10,

2011.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Bu-

reau of Indian Affairs, San Carlos Police Department and

the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The prose-

cution is being handled by Thomas C. Simon, Assistant U.S.

Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

THREE LIFE SENTENCES FOR BRUTAL

MURDER IN GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMU-

NITY

Man sentenced for first degree murder and kidnapping

PHOENIX – Eugene Joseph Escalanti, 34, of Tucson, Ariz.,

was found guilty by a federal jury on June 25, 2010 of First

Degree Murder, Kidnapping and First Degree

Murder/Felony Murder. He was sentenced on Monday by

U.S. District Judge Susan R. Bolton to three concurrent life

sentences in a federal prison.

“This was a senseless and brutal act of violence,” said

U.S. Attorney Dennis K. Burke. “Marshaling the evidence

necessary to convict this defendant took an extraordinary

amount of time, effort and old-fashioned police work on the

part of law enforcement. I want to thank the Tucson Police

Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and, par-

ticularly, the Gila River Police Department and its Detec-

tives who worked tirelessly to bring this man to justice. ”

The evidence at trial showed that on July 19, 2009, Es-

calanti, an enrolled member of the Quechan Indian Tribe,

was negotiating the sale of a recreational vehicle with the

victim when he began assaulting the victim with a pair of

pruning shears. Escalanti then bound the victim’s hands to-

gether and directed a witness to drive them to a remote area

of the Gila River Indian Community. Once on the reserva-

tion, Escalanti beat the victim with a wrench and slit his

throat killing him.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Gila

River Police Department, the Tucson Police Department and

the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was

handled by Brian E. Kasprzyk and Thomas C. Simon, As-

sistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

Press Releases From the USAttorney’s Office, District of

Arizona



Documents

Tribal Lawsuit: A Matter of Respect and Principle