Youth in rapt attention during general assembly of the 22nd Annual Gila River Youth Conference. Over 300 participants bonded during the two day conference to learn how to apply culture and leadership skills while building stronger communities.
News
Youth Conference builds leadership
Remembering Russell “Big Chief ” Moore
Russell Moore
Drug Abuse Resistance Education Recognizes Gila River Corp. George Osife
Officer George Osife
2010 Census
Agie Hart presents a plaque to GRIC Chief of Staff Greg Mendoza on behalf of the US Census Bureau recognizing GRICʼs effort in participating in the 2010 census via GRICʼs Complete Count Committee.
Graffiti Busters program made possible through generous donations
Above: Community entities pose with donated vehicle dedicated to combating graffiti in Gila River. The truck has been patroling areas with volunteers and using equipment and material that was also freely offered to stamp out the vandalism of spray painting rogues.
SACATON- A vehicle dedicated to buffing graffiti is hitting the Community. Vandals seem to have the upper-hand in their assault on buildings and property but the flagship vehicle of the Graffiti Busters Program is making the rounds to contend with the reckless spray painters.
Houses, monuments, religious institutions and tribal facilities have all been marked by graffiti that is either gang related or the work of graffiti crews. The gangs will use graffiti to indicate their activity in a particular community. To the individual layman, the gang related spray painting may seem esoteric but to the gangster it sends clear messages to rival gangs and police about their presence. The spray painting could specify gang territory, but can also be related to drug sales and perpetual rivalries with enemy gangs.
American Indian Stories
Stephanie Duckworth and Jana Mashonee
Duckworth, 37, is a walking anomaly. At 6’1,” she commands attention. Duckworth is the CEO of Wampum Books, the first Native-owned book publisher in the country. Duckworth is a member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah, whose present day territory lies at the southwestern tip of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.
Duckworth authored Poneasequa, Goddess of the Waters. During an interview, Duckworth said the book is biographic. Like the protagonist, McKenzie Jones, Duckworth’s journey of life thus far has led her through a maze of perseverance and self-discovery.
Congratulations to ‘Beneath the Waves’ art contest winner, Sunny Pratt
Sunny Pratt
On the Bridge to College
Tia Benally and Tia Echevarria
Firefighter Paramedic Kiohud Sanderson Aces of Hearts Honoree
Firefighter Paramedic Kiohud Sanderson
Sanderson is a firefighter paramedic with the Gila River Fire Department. Sanderson was vetted from roughly 145 paramedics and 150 emergency medical technicians who use
Three Time Scholar Recipient Charisma Quiroz
Charisma Quiroz, 6th Grader
Quiroz entered Blackwater Community School in 2002 and has excelled each year since. Recently, Layla Turner, Quiroz’ 5th Grade Teacher in a written statement said, “I have rarely encountered a student with Charisma’s consistently positive and kind demeanor.” And, “Academically she was superior to most students her age.”
Quiroz was also recognized as 2010 Student of the Year by the National Indian School Board Association. The honoree is selected based on nominations from teachers. The award was received in front of an audience at the Fort McDowell Radisson Resort.
Last but not least, Quiroz is also the 2010 Governor’s Scholar recipient which recognizes students for academic achievement, citizenship, attendance, and leadership.
Governor’s Employee of the Month for July, Keith Franklin
July 2010 Employee of the Month - Keith Franklin with Lt. Governor Manuel
Mr. Franklin provided superior support to the Revenue and Internal Audit Department during a very sensitive and critical audit directed by the Community Council. Mr. Franklin’s services involved extremely long hours and holidays to provide critical email downloads for the
Six plead guilty to crack and meth dealing in GRIC
Federal-Tribal Task Force targeted "crack houses" and meth dealers for two years in Sacaton
PHOENIX – Gail Natalie Kyyitan, 35, of Sacaton, Ariz. and a member of the Gila River Indian Community, pleaded guilty yesterday to Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine Base with the Intent to Distribute after undercover agents bought crack cocaine from her in fall 2009. In June 2010, three other defendants selling cocaine base on the Gila River Indian Reservation in Sacaton, Ariz., have pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine Base with the Intent to Distribute: Molly Danielle Norris, 34; James S. Zamorano, 30; and Susanna Dominga Mendivil, 31. Two defendants, Renee Johanna Cannon, 32, of Bapchule, Ariz., and Maryalice Reed, 40, of San Tan, Ariz., pleaded guilty in June 2010 to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.“
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PHOENIX – Gail Natalie Kyyitan, 35, of Sacaton, Ariz. and a member of the Gila River Indian Community, pleaded guilty yesterday to Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine Base with the Intent to Distribute after undercover agents bought crack cocaine from her in fall 2009. In June 2010, three other defendants selling cocaine base on the Gila River Indian Reservation in Sacaton, Ariz., have pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine Base with the Intent to Distribute: Molly Danielle Norris, 34; James S. Zamorano, 30; and Susanna Dominga Mendivil, 31. Two defendants, Renee Johanna Cannon, 32, of Bapchule, Ariz., and Maryalice Reed, 40, of San Tan, Ariz., pleaded guilty in June 2010 to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.“
Education honors latest graduates
High school graduates line up before their names are announced to receive certificates. GRIC honored high school, GED, and higher education grads.
Students that matriculated through a GED program, high school, college, vocational institution or, university were honored before Lt. Governor Joseph Manuel, Community Council, the Education Standing Committee members, staff of the Tribal Education Department and staff of the Community Technology Center.
Completion of Phase II brings traffic improvements on 51st Avenue
Mary Rose Wilcox, Maricopa County Supervisor for District 5, cuts the ceremonial ribbon along with GRIC Lt. Governor, Joseph Manuel and D6 Councilman Albert Pablo.
The District 5 supervisor praised the existing cooperation and teamwork, which served as the basis of a partnership between GRIC and Maricopa County that brought about the traffic safety improvement projects along 51st Avenue.
August 2010 Gila River Indian Newspaper
aug-grin
Firefighter Paramedic Kiohud Sanderson Aces of Hearts Honoree
Three Time Scholar Recipient Charisma Quiroz
Department of Interior confirms Tohono O’Odham Nation’s right to take land into trust
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More Articles...
- Department of Community Housing Information
- Health project demonstrates measurable progress in helping victims of domestic, sexual violence in Indian Country
- First Things First Continues Arizona’s Commitment to youngest kids
- Singer/songwriter Bob Villa sings national anthem for NARD Dbacks game
- Behavioral Health Services Ensuring Quality
- WIA participants participate in WRT
- Governor Rhodes signs historical contract to demolish 13 houses
- GRIC teams build on NABI experience
- Regional Census Bureau Visits GRIC
- GRPD touts new point of pride
- Vechij Himdag Graduation Celebration a Special Day for All
- Nation Building for Native youth focuses on building leadership skills for VHM students
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