The Official Homepage of the Gila River Indian Community

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On Thurs, Mar. 20, the 13^th Annual Unity Run stopped at the Governance Center in Sacaton. The relay style run was a celebration of culture uniting members from all related O’odham tribes. Starting in Chehthagi, Mexico the trek made it way through the nations of the Tohono O’odham, Ak-Chin, Gila River and ended in Red Mountian on the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community.

The run was a spiritual and traditional offering where participants were taught about the culture and history of the O’odham people. Runners ranged in age from 50 down to the youngest participant who was three years old.

As the runners walked the cul-de-sac in front of the Governance Center, they were greeted with a group singing traditional songs.

Governor Rhodes addressed the runners as they were offered water to hydrate themselves from the long road and afternoon skies. He recounted the historical offerings of the Gila River and how it gave the Community life by providing it with the resource of water. He also elaborated on how the Community should be proud of their history and contributions to the historical development of the Phoenix Metro area through irrigation.

Lt. Governor, Jennifer Allison-Ray also spoke to the runners. She told them, “Look how far back our songs have come and how far our songs have brought us. Know the importance of who you are as family and as people. We need each other to move into the future.”

For 13 years, the Unity run has taken place, growing and gaining support with each year. It started as a means for the O’odham tribes on both sides of the Mexican border to unite and share their culture and traditions.