Governor Gregory Mendoza taking the Oath of Office
Before a great crowd rejoicing in a moment of unity and optimism, GRIC inaugurated Governor Gregory Mendoza and Lieutenant Governor Stephen Roe Lewis under the theme, "A New Generation for the People" -a reference to the administration's spirited outlook and determination. 
Jan. 7, 2012 will go down as a memorable day for those in the Akimel O'otham Ballroom at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa. While the spotlight was on GRIC, several distinguished and notable guests attended and offered support to the new administration and all the judges.
Master of Ceremonies Randy Ruiz welcomed the crowd prior to the posting of the colors followed by an extensive procession headed by Gov. Mendoza and Lt. Gov. Lewis.
District 5 Council Representative Brenda Robertson provided the invocation. Lorena Clashin, Miss Gila River 2011-2012 and Lisa Hendricks, President of the Akimel O'odham/Pee Posh Youth Council each gave a welcome address.
U.S. Rep. David Schweikert said he was honored to give the opening remarks, and is looking forward to working with Gov. Mendoza and Lt. Gov. Lewis.
Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne's general remarks touched on the permanence of GRIC's ancestral roots. "You treasure and revere your history and your ancestors, and for that I applaud you," Horne said.
In a special videotaped message, Gov. Jan Brewer recognized former GRIC Gov. William R. Rhodes for his accomplishments and congratulated Gov. Mendoza, Lt. Gov. Lewis and the judges. "As Arizona enters into its second century in this centennial year, I wish you well on your journey in public service and I trust that you will carry the torch and with it light the way to a great future for the Gila River Indian Community," said Gov. Brewer.
In her keynote address, Diane Enos, President of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) pointed out the close ties between GRIC, SRPMIC, The Tohono O'odham Nation, and the Ak-Chin Indian Community. "We are family," President Enos said.
The governor's inaugural address was awakened by the occasion to bring the Community together not just for one magical evening, but for the breadth of his term and beyond. "I am truly humbled by the privilege I have been given to partner with the people towards a new era of prosperity and a new generation of leadership restoring governance to the people," said Gov. Mendoza.
Gov. Mendoza's said that major issues were greater transparency, accountability and creating, "a user-friendly GRIC."
Gov. Mendoza outlined a 100-day plan and the 12 initiatives toward building cohesion and support. The initiatives were Financial Stability, Tribal Constitution, Communications, Protect and Promote Sovereignty, Health Care, Housing, Public Safety, Natural Resources, Education, Youth and Elderly, Economic Development and Infrastructure.
Gov. Mendoza said that hardcopies of his plan would be available soon, and also via email and online.
A particularly touching moment came when Gov. Mendoza paid tribute to his late mother, Brenda Mendoza. "She was a true inspiration and my first teacher and while she is no longer with us, her influence is profound and lasting."
In his conclusion, Gov. Mendoza acknowleded the challenges ahead, but at the same time he anticipates many opportunities. "I will look forward to collaborating with you to restore confidence in government and to create the quality of life that each of you are deserving of and can truly become a reality."
Following his speech Gov. Mendoza called out to Lt. Gov. Lewis who was seated in the audience and asked him if he was, "ready." Lt. Gov. concurred and the two shook hands before the audience.
"Today we stand united," Lt. Gov. Lewis opened in his remarks. Services for GRIC veterans, children and elders are a priority of great importance, Lt. Gov. Lewis emphasized.
Lt. Gov. Lewis said he was particularly inspired during the campaign by letters from GRIC students. One young student was keen to point out that as Lieutenant Governor he should not forget about the people; especially the elders. He responded, "I promise you, I will not."
Lt. Gov. Lewis also quoted from, "A Pima Remembers," written by the late George Webb noted Community author. "Many moons, many suns have come and gone since our forefathers here on this same ground, toiled and struggled so that we might enjoy life today." Adding to this Lt. Gov. said, "Let us all strive together to make this a better day for our families, for our districts, our community and our country."
The oath of offices for Chief Judge Anthony Hill and Associate Judges Harriett Allison-James, Donna Kisto-Jones, Lucinda Oliver, Lucille Antone-Morago were likewise integral to the inauguration highlighted by traditional social dancing, a fireworks show, an O'otham social giveaway and an inaugural dance.
Jan. 7, 2012 will go down as a memorable day for those in the Akimel O'otham Ballroom at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa. While the spotlight was on GRIC, several distinguished and notable guests attended and offered support to the new administration and all the judges.
Master of Ceremonies Randy Ruiz welcomed the crowd prior to the posting of the colors followed by an extensive procession headed by Gov. Mendoza and Lt. Gov. Lewis.
District 5 Council Representative Brenda Robertson provided the invocation. Lorena Clashin, Miss Gila River 2011-2012 and Lisa Hendricks, President of the Akimel O'odham/Pee Posh Youth Council each gave a welcome address.
U.S. Rep. David Schweikert said he was honored to give the opening remarks, and is looking forward to working with Gov. Mendoza and Lt. Gov. Lewis.
Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne's general remarks touched on the permanence of GRIC's ancestral roots. "You treasure and revere your history and your ancestors, and for that I applaud you," Horne said.
In a special videotaped message, Gov. Jan Brewer recognized former GRIC Gov. William R. Rhodes for his accomplishments and congratulated Gov. Mendoza, Lt. Gov. Lewis and the judges. "As Arizona enters into its second century in this centennial year, I wish you well on your journey in public service and I trust that you will carry the torch and with it light the way to a great future for the Gila River Indian Community," said Gov. Brewer.
In her keynote address, Diane Enos, President of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) pointed out the close ties between GRIC, SRPMIC, The Tohono O'odham Nation, and the Ak-Chin Indian Community. "We are family," President Enos said.
The governor's inaugural address was awakened by the occasion to bring the Community together not just for one magical evening, but for the breadth of his term and beyond. "I am truly humbled by the privilege I have been given to partner with the people towards a new era of prosperity and a new generation of leadership restoring governance to the people," said Gov. Mendoza.
Gov. Mendoza's said that major issues were greater transparency, accountability and creating, "a user-friendly GRIC."
Gov. Mendoza outlined a 100-day plan and the 12 initiatives toward building cohesion and support. The initiatives were Financial Stability, Tribal Constitution, Communications, Protect and Promote Sovereignty, Health Care, Housing, Public Safety, Natural Resources, Education, Youth and Elderly, Economic Development and Infrastructure.
Gov. Mendoza said that hardcopies of his plan would be available soon, and also via email and online.
A particularly touching moment came when Gov. Mendoza paid tribute to his late mother, Brenda Mendoza. "She was a true inspiration and my first teacher and while she is no longer with us, her influence is profound and lasting."
In his conclusion, Gov. Mendoza acknowleded the challenges ahead, but at the same time he anticipates many opportunities. "I will look forward to collaborating with you to restore confidence in government and to create the quality of life that each of you are deserving of and can truly become a reality."
Following his speech Gov. Mendoza called out to Lt. Gov. Lewis who was seated in the audience and asked him if he was, "ready." Lt. Gov. concurred and the two shook hands before the audience.
"Today we stand united," Lt. Gov. Lewis opened in his remarks. Services for GRIC veterans, children and elders are a priority of great importance, Lt. Gov. Lewis emphasized.
Lt. Gov. Lewis said he was particularly inspired during the campaign by letters from GRIC students. One young student was keen to point out that as Lieutenant Governor he should not forget about the people; especially the elders. He responded, "I promise you, I will not."
Lt. Gov. Lewis also quoted from, "A Pima Remembers," written by the late George Webb noted Community author. "Many moons, many suns have come and gone since our forefathers here on this same ground, toiled and struggled so that we might enjoy life today." Adding to this Lt. Gov. said, "Let us all strive together to make this a better day for our families, for our districts, our community and our country."
The oath of offices for Chief Judge Anthony Hill and Associate Judges Harriett Allison-James, Donna Kisto-Jones, Lucinda Oliver, Lucille Antone-Morago were likewise integral to the inauguration highlighted by traditional social dancing, a fireworks show, an O'otham social giveaway and an inaugural dance.
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