Native American fitness community flourishes, inspires via social
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“ S e r v i n g a l l s eve n d i s t r i c t s o f t h e G i l a R ive r I n d i a n C o m m u n i t y ” B l a c k wa t e r - H a s h e n Ke h k - G u U K i october 18, 2013 - S a n t a n - C a s a B l a n c a Ko m a t ke - M a r i c o p a www.gilariver.org/news By Joshua Jovanelly Gila River Indian News my hands back until I’m standing upright; rise, repeat), Pahona does more than cheer me on. He is right next to me, demonstrating the correct form with ease, dutifully doing each rep and each set that he asks me to do. In other words, Pahona is doing what he’s done best of late: He’s leading by example. -Pahona is the man behind “Healthy Active Natives!!!,” a Facebook group page that encour- ages Native Americans to swap stories and dish out motivation for exercising and living healthy lifestyles. The online forum has caught on like wildfire and is growing exponentially. This week, it reached over 8,000 members, more than double what it had two months ago. The description on the Facebook page reads: “Please join me as we work to get more of our Native People healthy and active in our communities. I created this group Vol. 16, No. 16 for Natives to share and encourage one another…we are considered alcoholics and lazy but we are NOT LAZY!!!” The page, which is diligently policed by Pahona and his friends Eddie Ayala and Eric Hardy, bans negative comments and solicitation of diet pills. Pahona envisions it as a space where Natives welcome people of all fitness levels and use positive reinforcement to pick one another up when that road to the gym seems impossible to traverse. Typical posts include people telling other members about the workouts they finished — “6.2 miles three days in a row…got it done!” — or posting photos of their toned bodies on “Flex Fridays.” What started as a small group between Pahona and a handful of friends has become a budding global community, spanning at least 27 U.S. states and three countries, with followers checking in from places as disparate as Breme D’or, France; Okinawa, Japan; and Saskatchewan, Canada. Typical stories on HANs (as it is commonly known among members) are tales of transformation. The majority of members I spoke with had made huge health strides in the last few years, often drop- Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Sacaton, AZ Permit No. 25 Joshua Jovanelly/GRIN Waylon Pahona encourages thousands of people to live a healthy lifestyle with his popular Facebook group page. C o l o ny Gila River Indian News P.O. Box 459 Sacaton, AZ 85147 Change Service Requested Native American fitness community flourishes, inspires via social media It’s less than five minutes into my workout with Waylon Pahona and my lungs are already heaving. We haven’t even touched any gym equipment at the District 6 fitness center yet — the only evidence of our activity is a growing puddle of sweat on the rubber floors and the ever-rising numbers on the heart rate-monitoring watches Pahona put on each of our wrists. Pahona wears black shorts streaked with lightning red on the sides and a black tank top to match his long jet-black hair, which is tied up behind his head. He has a spiky goatee, wears small ring earrings and sports tattoos of his Hopi tribal clan (a spider) and of his children’s hands on his solidly built upper body. There is an authority in his voice, the steady encouraging patter of a personal trainer — “Good job!” “Two more!” — that provides a constant soundtrack to the workout. As I struggle through the warm-up exercises (walking out with my hands into a plank position, then walking - ping scores of pounds and replacing them with loads of self-esteem. The 34-year-old Pahona (who is half Hopi and whose mother is from Gila River Indian Community District 7) is one of these success stories. In 2008, he would get a gigantic breakfast burrito every day before work at his former job at GRIC’s Workforce Investment Act (WIA) office. His weight had ballooned to 260 and he wasn’t exercising much. Continued on Page 8 Pink is in for cancer awareness GR Farms By Roberto A. Jackson Gila River Indian News In October we are used to the leaves turning brown for autumn, and during this month we’ve come to expect another color change. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, pink ribbons and t-shirts flourish to raise concern about a disease that, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, will be diagnosed in one in eight women. The National Breast Cancer Foundation also estimates that 220,000 women die each year in the United States from breast cancer. The grim facts about breast cancer can be avoided with early detection. The fight against breast cancer came to Gila River as Gila River Health Care hosted the “National Breast Cancer Awareness Celebration” at the Komatke Health Center in District 6. The Oct. 11 event was followed up by another breast cancer awareness event in Sacaton on Oct. 18. Folks gathered in Komatke to participate in the Fun Run/ Walk at 7 a.m. The other event activities started at 9 a.m., which was led in a prayer by Tim Terry Jr. Several booths and informa- Continued on Page 5 Roberto A. Jackson/GRIN Cancer Case Manager Ditas Fallis, RN, wears a pink ribbon t-shirt to promote breast cancer awareness on Oct. 11. IN the GRIN Health & Wellness......Page 7 Letters & Opinions......Page 3 Education.....................Page 8 Community Updates..Page 5 Action Sheets..............Page 9 Culture & History........Page 6 Announcements/Notices..Page10 shoots for more growth By Mikhail Sundust Gila River Indian News The O’odham people put the culture in agriculture. When European colonists, gold seekers and new Americans Mikhail Sundust/GRIN passed westward through the Gila River valley in the arid Sonoran A Gila River Farms worker uses an automated GPS tractor to form desert they were astonished to find borders for what will be a field of barley in District 4. a thriving society of farmers who GRIC land. The four main crops more. had formed a relationship with the they produce are alfalfa (hay), cot“We’re looking at a few vegseemingly uncompromising land ton, corn and barley (wheat) and in etable options,” Garner said in rethat allowed them to mold it to their 2012 fiscal year they brought gards to expanding their crop optheir will and produce more crops in a profit of just under $2 million. tions, like sweet corn, pumpkins, of corn, squash, melons, grains and The Farms receives no finan- squash and maybe even broccoli. beans than they had need for. And cial support from the tribe despite He also hopes to increase the acrethe “Indians” shared the surplus being owned by the tribe. “We’re age Farms manages. with the rugged travelers. a standalone financial enterprise of As the days shorten, autumn Today, Gila River Farms is the the Community,” said Comptroller falls like a feather on the Gila River business entity of the Gila River In- Tiffany Turner, and “we anticipate fields and the men who work the dian Community that carries on the increased profits moving forward.” land start wearing jackets in the tradition of plowing, planting and Just half way through its 2014 early morning chill. The cotton producing great crops. fiscal year, which began in April to bowls have all broken open, re“Our main goal is to make accommodate the cotton season, vealing their fresh, white locks of a satisfactory profit for the Com- the Farms has already matched fibrous treasure. Next week, Gila munity and to offer employment their FY12 total profit and is look- River Farms will begin picking and opportunities for Community ing at a potential of more than $3 ginning. members,” said Farms’ Human million by next March. Farming is a year round proResources Administrator Kim EchGila River Farms General cess. As the cotton fields near the everria in an email. Manager Jerry Garner said that end of their crop cycle, the Farms Gila River Farms, established while the business is on a fairly will soon begin planting barley for in 1968, employs 126 people and steady rebound, leadership is seek- harvesting next spring. works more than 13,000 acres of ing to grow its enterprise even Little Dragons in LA, Page 3 GRIC Youth wins NCAI award in Tulsa, Page 4 Halloween GRIN KIDS, Page 7 www.AZDentalHeights.com FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY (480) 525-6000 Elliot Power Rd Free GIFT Warner Every New Patient Receives A FREE GIFT The Tohono O’odham Nation's proposed Glen ndalle casino threatens Trribal gaming throughout Arizona. Iff built, Tohono O’odham's off-reservation casin no willl enc croa ach on th he aboriginal lands of the Akimel O'odham and put at risk k every y Trribes s' exclusive right to operate casinos in the Sttate e. Because Tohono O’odham's propose ed cas sin no threatens all Trib bal gam ming it will severely damage our and everry other Trribes' ec con nomies, leadin ng to reduced members services and job opportunitie es. That’s why we need H.R. 1410. That’s s why we need your help p. H.R. 14 410, The Keep The Promise Act, wiill hold every Tribe to the promise of lim mited gaming as approved by Tribes and Arrizona a voters in 2002. This meas sure will re estrict casinos to tra aditional trib bal lan nds and keep the pro omis se of no o additional casinos in the Phoenix area. On Octo oberr 31s st, stop by the H.R. 1410 Education Tab ble e in n th he Gov vern nance Cente er. Learn n more about how you can contact th he U.S S. Sen nate and deman nd a fairr he earing for H.R. 1410. Our Education table willl have all th he tools s you u need to take action. You CAN make the diffe ere enc ce. You can help protec ct Triba al Gamin ng not only for our Community y, but for all of Arizona! October 18, 2013 Page 3 Letters & Opinions other tribal members were unable to make the trip. However, all of the students competed well and for the team’s efforts, the Little Dragon Martial Arts Program was presented with a “Top Ten” team award. There were over forty teams represented at this festival with thousands in attendance throughout the day. Along with the team award, Sifu John Fullen received a gold medal from Abbot Shi Yong Xin for winning First Place in the Long Weapons Adult Division. Sifu John’s First Place earned him a trip to China to train at the Shaolin Temple for two weeks. Sifu’s son Gaston Fullen also fared well by receiving a third place medal Photo Courtesy of the Little Dragon Martial Arts Program for his Open Hand Self Defense Front row left to right: Mercedes Lane, Steven Lane Jr., Jayden Fahnholz. Middle row left to right: Lyndsey Wyrybkowski, Alec Form. Little Dragon Martial Arts Borden, Megan Fahnholz, Jenny Stoner. Back Row: Sifu John Fulhas been involved in the Comlen, Nicholas Peters, Gaston Fullen, Donald Fahnholz, Steve Lane munity for over six years and is Sr. working with several departments The Little Dragon Martial from Arizona were given this to bring martial arts to as many Arts Program that has served the special invitation. The other team members as possible. The theme children and adult students in the was from Tucson. of Little Dragon Martial Arts is Gila River Indian Community The Little Dragon Martial to develop the spirit of “justice, for the past six years was given a Arts Program carried a twelve harmony, and peace.” Classes are special invitation to participate in member team that included sevforming now so look for flyers the first North American Shaolin eral community members: Donwith times and location. Kung Fu Tournament in Los An- ald, Megan and Jayden Fahnholz. geles, California. Only two teams Due to scheduling conflicts, five Little Dragons compete in Kung Fu tournament in Los Angeles Governor Gregory Mendoza Lt. Governor Stephen Roe Lewis Community Council Representatives District #1 Arzie Hogg Cynthia Antone District #2 Carol Schurz District #3 Dale G. Enos Carolyn Williams District #4 Barney B. Enos, Jr. Jennifer Allison Norman Wellington Monica Antone District #5 Robert Stone Franklin Pablo, Sr. Annette J. Stewart Janice Stewart District #6 Anthony Villareal, Sr. Albert Pablo Terrance B. Evans District #7 Devin Redbird Robert Keller, Tribal Treasurer Jacqueline Thomas, Community Council Secretary Gila River Indian News Zuzette Kisto [email protected] CPAO Director (520) 562-9851 Roberto A. Jackson [email protected] Managing Editor (520) 562-9719 Gina Goodman [email protected] GRIN Secretary II (520) 562-9715 Mikhail Sundust [email protected] Community Newsperson (520) 562-9717 Joshua Jovanelly [email protected] Community Newsperson (520) 562-9718 Write to: Editor, GRIN P.O. Box 459 Sacaton, AZ 85147 Published letters or columns do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editor or Gila River Indian Community. LETTERS POLICY: GRIN welcomes letters and columns from readers. Letters should be limited to 200 words and be in good taste. Material that could be libelous or slanderous is not acceptable. All letters or columns should be signed with the writer’s true name, address and telephone number in the event GRIN may need to contact the writer. Only the name of the writer will be printed in the paper. Letters or columns without a complete signature, name, address or phone number will not be acceptable to GRIN for publication. GRIN reserves the right to edit submitted materials for grammar, spelling and content. Gila River Indian Community P.O. Box 459 Sacaton, AZ 85147 (520)562-9715 www.gilariver.org/index.php/news Material published in the Gila River Indian News may not be reproduced in any form without consent from the Gila River Indian Community Congratulations Congratulations to Alexine Morales for her graduation from Pima Medical Institute. Alexine received her certification as a Veterinary Assistant on September 27, 2013. We know you worked hard and we are so proud of you! Grandma Rita Burnett and mother, Alexandria Cisneros Thank you I recently lost my son Ronald Joseph Apkaw on July 17, 2013. My daughter, Cynthia Apkaw, and myself (Patsy Johns) have been incarcerated with the Arizona Department of CorrectionsPerryville. Unfortunately, we could not be there with our family to help lay our precious Ronald to rest. Therefore, we would like to thank both sides of the family for being there to make arrangements. Thank you “Lou Lou,” Rodney, Rosie, Brenda, Tricia and Robert “Mon” in your part. As well as the Apkaw and Lewis families. I’d also like to thank the grave diggers, District 3 Service Center, District 5 Service Center, Upper San Tan Presbyterian Church, all choirs and drum groups. Thank you to all who gave my family support, it is still very hard for us, considering our situations, but I understand Ronald wasn’t only my child, he is God’s as well. He’s gone on to be with his dad, Dale Apkaw, and grandpa (my dad), Patrick S. Johns Sr., as well as his grandma, Amanda Ramon. Thank you all once again, Sincerely, Patsy Johns & Cynthia Apkaw Public Notification JUVENILE PROCEEDINGS: 1. GAIL BROWN Review Hearing Case#: J-10-0121/0122 Court Date: November 27, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. in Courtroom #4, 2ND FLOOR. LOCATION OF COURT: SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY COURT 10,005 E. Osborn Road Bldg. 23 Scottsdale, Arizona 85256 Elderly Nutrition Program The Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP) serves a hot meal Monday—Friday to eligible participants that meet the recommended daily allowance (RDA), and special diet needs. The goal is to increase or maintain the diet of elder individuals to ensure that 1/3 of their dietary needs are met. The program serves District 1-7 within the Gila River Indian Community. Eligibility Requirements • Meals provided to any person 55 and over and/or to a spouse under age 55 living in the same household. • Meals provided to handicapped or disabled program participants under are 60 who live in congregate housing facilities occupied primarily by the elderly. • Meals provided at home to persons who have demonstrated a need to be home bound. Meal Referral: Referrals can be made by a family member, family friend or health care professional. Referrals are submitted to ENP where it is reviewed for approval or disapproval. CORRECTIONS In an Oct. 11 submission by Mr. Billy Allen, The GRIN erroneously included a book listing that was not intended to be in the final print. The GRIN encourages comments and suggestions about content that warrants correction or clarification. To report an error call (520)562-9719 or email [email protected] 170 W. Pima Street P.O. Box 956 Sacaton, AZ 85147 Phone: 520-562-9696 Fax: 520-562-9697 E-mail:: [email protected] Page 4 Gila River Indian News October 18, 2013 Heard Museum screens unique version of ‘Star Wars: Episode IV’ Mikhail Sundust/GRIN Sci-fi fandom was on full display at the Heard Museum’s showing of the Diné translated version of Star Wars. By Mikhail Sundust Gila River Indian News A COUPLE WEEKS AGO IN A CITY NOT SO FAR, FAR AWAY – Over two hundred patrons filed into the Heard Museum Steele Auditorium in Phoenix Oct. 6 to watch the 1977 seminal space saga, “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope,” in the Diné language. The free screening was the first museum showing in the Arizona Valley, according to Heard Museum Communications Manager Debra Krol after the presentation. “It not only fits in with our mission of showcasing arts and life ways of indigenous peoples but it’s also a way for us to engage new audiences.” That’s exactly what the project was intended to do. The Star Wars franchise has long been a pop culture icon and the new translation, the first major motion picture to be translated into Navajo, promotes the Navajo language through a fun and accessible medium. “We needed a way to preserve our culture,” Manuelito Wheeler, director of the Navajo Nation Museum and the man whose cultural zeal was the force that got the project off the ground, told National Public Radio’s Robert Siegel June 5. “Language is at the core of a culture,” Wheeler said. “And I felt we needed a more contemporary way to reach not just young people but the population in general. And so, that’s when the idea of translating a major movie into the Navajo language came up.” Wheeler chose Star Wars for its universal appeal. The translation aims to bring a timeless language to a young, new audience and a classic film to a generation of Diné elders who speak nothing but their traditional language. “I think Native languages in general are in the same predicament,” said Wheeler back at the Heard while the Star Wars theme played over running credits behind him. “We’re at a tipping point where we’re either going to continue our languages or lose them.” The idea for the project began several years ago but the translating, recording and dubbing all took place earlier this year, beginning in April. A team of five fluent Navajo speakers spent 36 hours over three days translating the film. The Navajo Nation Museum worked with Lucasfilm Limited, LLC to make the translation possible. One hundred fifteen Navajos auditioned for the main characters in May and the film premiered at the Navajo Nation Fair in Window Rock, Ariz., during the July 4 weekend. Wheeler said some of the obstacles in creating the new translation included finding funding and navigating the film industry but added that once he made contact with Lucasfilm, they were very helpful. The greatest challenge, however, was “coming up with similar lines if they don’t translate word for word” from English to Navajo, said Wheeler. “Something in English might be shorter or it might be longer when you translate it into Navajo.” For example, Wheeler’s wife Jennifer, one of the adaptation’s translators, explained to NPR: “‘R2-D2’ would be the short metal thing that’s alive.” Robot might be “a machine that thinks for itself,” said Wheeler in a separate interview. Back at the Heard this month, the small auditorium erupted in hollers and applause when the famous opening script began scrolling up, up and away toward the stars – all in Navajo, of course. The energy emanating from the mostly Navajo crowd must have been as strong as what the Jedis felt in the Force, that which gives a Jedi his power, the “energy field created by all things” which “surrounds us and penetrates us” and “binds the galaxy together,” as Obi Wan Kenobi explained. The crowd, which also included several die-hard Star Wars fans who could not understand a word of Navajo but showed up wearing alien costumes and X-wing pilot suits, laughed and cheered at such famous lines as “May the Force be with you,” or, “Ats’áhoníyéé’ nił hólǫ́ǫ doo.” Several of the voice actors showed up at the Heard Museum screening. “It’s just been a great experience portraying the actor’s voice for the movie and I’m glad that I was a part of this project,” Terry Teller, who provided the voice for Luke Skywalker, told Channel 12 News in his Jedi Knight garb. Geri Hongeva-Camarillo, the voice of C-3PO, showed up in a shiny golden dress with a Navajo bent in the woolen patterned top and a large circular belt resembling her on-screen al- ter ego’s midsection. “Everyone was encouraged to dress their character but I knew I couldn’t squeeze into that metallic body,” she said with a laugh. She designed the dress herself, she said, and it was assembled by local Flagstaff clothier Sharon Hongeva. Hongeva-Camarillo auditioned for the voice of C-3PO partially because “Princess Leia was the only female character … so there were a lot of people auditioning for [her]” but also because the obliviously hilarious android is “my personal favorite character of the movie, which I felt like I could relate to.” “He’s always trying to supervise people and … in a way he’s always kind of the mother figure to R2D2,” Hongeva-Camarillo said. The Navajo Nation Museum dusted off its land speeder and is now on a tour across the U.S. to promote its project. Upcoming screenings of the translation include one at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kan., on Oct. 25 and another at the University of Oklahoma/Sam Noble Museum in Norman, Okla., on Oct. 27. For a more complete list of upcoming venues visit the Navajo Nation Museum’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook. com/NavajoNationMuseum. It remains to be seen if and when the translation will be available on DVD. Joshua Jovanelly/GRIN GRIC youth wins big award at NCAI annual convention in Tulsa TULSA, Okla. — Akimel O’odham/Pee Posh Youth Council President-elect Tyler Owens celebrates receiving the 2013 NCAI Youth Leadership Award on Oct. 15 at the National Congress of American Indians annual convention. From left, Owens is joined by Councilman Frank Pablo Sr. (D5), Youth Council Coordinator Michael Preston, Councilwoman Carol Schurz (D2), Youth Council member Ashley Pasqual, Gov. Gregory Mendoza, Councilman Devin Redbird (D7) and Youth Council members Learall Jackson and Alex Pablo. Councilmembers Robert Stone (D5), Anthony Villareal Sr. (D6) and Carolyn Williams (D3) — not pictured — joined GRIC leaders at the conference, which addressed national issues affecting Indian Country, such as implementing new tribal legislation like VAWA and TLOA, an upcoming Supreme Court case that could affect offreservation gaming and a controversial WWII monument planned for Washington D.C. October 18, 2013 Gila River Indian News Community Updates by GRIN STAFF Page 5 Here are some regular updates on the on-going issues pertaining to the Gila River Indian Community. Deal reached to end partial shutdown through Jan. 2014 Earlier this week, Pres. Barack Obama signed a bill into law that ended the government shutdown, provided a federal budget and raised the federal debt ceiling. The U.S. Senate drafted and passed the bill 81-18 Wednesday and within hours it passed through the House of Representative and was on the president’s desk. The bill provides a budget to federally funded programs that rely on federal funding like Women Infant and Children and Head Start. It will reopen national parks and put furloughed government employees back to work. It also incorporates back pay for furloughed federal workers. But the new law only funds the government through Jan. 15, 2014 and raised the debt ceiling through Feb. 7 leaving the questions: Will we see a similar situation in only three months? And if there is another shutdown, how will federally funded programs react or plan ahead differently? When the democratic process of debate and compromise stalled in the nation’s capitol Oct.1, members of both parties grinded their padded feet and hooves into the dirt and painted their conflicting fiscal priorities firmly in the ink of newspapers across the country without signs of retreat. The resulting partial government shutdown lasted 15 days and, as time bore on, began to increase the burdens on state and local governments whom volunteered to sustain federally funded operations and programs such as health care and public safety services as well as education and public assistance programs. Gov. Gregory Mendoza of the Gila River Indian Community released a statement Oct. 1 saying, “at this time the Community will continue funding federal programs with Community funds, to the extent there are no federal funds, until there is a federal appropriation bill/Continuing Resolution, especially essential services like health care, law enforcement, elderly services, emergency services, housing and education.” The Community, like many other state and local governments, did this at the risk of zero compensation from the federal government. The state of Arizona, for example, dished out $93,000 a day this past week to re-open the Grand Canyon National Park. It is uncertain whether or not the state will be reimbursed. The silver lining is that such efforts, combined with prudent financial planning and stashes of contingency funds, mitigated the impact felt on most Americans, which could be a good takeaway lesson in case the government nears another shutdown on another budget debate in future months. Mary Tatum is the community nutrition program manager of Gila River’s Nutrition Assis- tance program – which oversees the Community’s Women, Infant and Children’s program, its Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations program (commonly known as Commodity Foods) and a couple other community service programs. She said that while the prospect of a sustained stalemate in Washington D.C. did hold the potential to freeze up her department’s operations down the line, her team was ready to weather the early winter for at least a few more weeks. “We’re federally funded but the tribe also supplements,” Tatum said about GRIC WIC, a program that serves over 1,200 clients throughout Gila River. “When I heard that we didn’t have a budget (from the federal funds), there was concern but I wasn’t as concerned because I knew that we had the tribal budget that we could work off of for right now,” Tatum said. Not all WIC offices around the country are so lucky. Various tribal- and state-run WIC programs in states throughout the union saw their programs begin to falter. The North Carolina program shut down completely for three days. The tribe furnishes approximately half of what it costs to operate WIC in Gila River but it’s important to note that none of the tribal funds go directly to supplying the clientele with food credits. Tatum explained, “The tribal money goes just for office support here, it goes to staff salaries, supplies that we need. So it doesn’t go to the bank” and it doesn’t help WIC clients cash their vouchers. GRIC WIC works with the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona to pass food credits to clients. WIC gives the clients the vouchers and when the clients use them at the grocery store, ITCA backs the checks with the WIC dollars it receives from the federal government. That cash stopped flowing as soon as the budget deadline passed Oct. 1 but ITCA had its own cache of money that it was able to use to meet demands through early November. Tatum’s department also operates Gila River’s FDPIR program, which provides food from a vendor directly to needy families. The money to purchase that food has already stopped rolling in but Tatum pointed out that “as good practice, we’re supposed to have at least a month and a half worth of food,” which they did. Because of its forward thinking, FDPIR could have operated through mid-November. The Tribal Education Department, which manages nearly a dozen schools on the Gila River Indian Reservation and also relies on federal funding for some of the programs and services it offers, also planned ahead. They didn’t have too many problems when the government shut down because they operate a “forward funded” budget system, which promises the schools money ahead of time. “More than likely [the government] would have dispersed it to us already,” said TED Director Mario Molina. A lot of the time, schools receive their money for the school year on a 50/50 split at the beginning of each semester. He called the budget issue more of an annoyance than any- thing but he added that if the federal debt limit is not raised, that could affect the department’s operations. But it’s hard to tell how until it happens. “We continue to plan ahead,” said Molina. We always try and look, not just at the road, but at the curves in the road.” This time, the impacts of the congressional quarrel on most Americans were cushioned by contingency funds and small government involvement but it became clear that the longer the shutdown was dragged out, the thinner emergency money grew and the more strained public services became. Meanwhile, two northern Arizona tribes capitalized on a golden lining about the dark cloud that was the federal shutdown. The Antelope Canyon and Grand Canyon West tourist destinations – owned by the Na- vajo Nation and Hualapai Tribe respectively – saw a giant boost in their rates of visitors when the Grand Canyon closed earlier this month. Grand Canyon West features the popular horseshoe-shaped allPlexiglas structure that enables guests to walk out over the edge of the Grand Canyon and marvel at its beauty in all encompassing vistas. “Tourism is the backbone of the tribe,” Havasupai Vice Chairman Matthew Putesoy told KJZZ’s Fronteras Desk Oct. 9. “We really don’t have any other economic development.” Antelope Canyon is known for its high, color-burst flowing sandstone walls, narrow passageways and transcendent beams of sunshine that illuminate the canyon corridors and make for fantastic photographic opportunities. Breast cancer awareness Continued from Page 1 tional exhibits like the West End Cancer Support Group and other health related programs lined the interior of the health center for guests to visit. Just outside the entrance, chairs were set up for speakers, raffles and singers. “We’re trying to open up as many portals as we can to provide education and self breast exams,” said Dr. Noel Habib, Women’s Health Medical Director for GRHC. Visitors could get exams on site and learn more about ways to detect breast cancer. “The best thing that we can do especially for women is come in for an annual mammogram,” said Ditas Fallis, RN, Canter Case Manager for GRHC. Governor’s Employees of the Month for Aug. and Sept. Mikhail Sundust/GRIN Governor Gregory Mendoza with Damon Sanderson August Employee of the Month Damon Sanderson has been a member of the Fire Department since October of 2006. He came to the Fire Department a veteran of the United States Marine Corp. and an experienced mechanic. In April of 2012 Damon was promoted from Fire Mechanic to Senior Fire Mechanic. Since that time Damon has carried the responsibility of keeping the fleet in a ready state single handedly. Damon has made himself available 24-7-365 to diagnose and repair mechanical problems, pre-inspect trucks for deployments or address any other fleet related emergency in order to keep our vehicles in a safe and ready condition. Damon is unassuming, quiet and a little shy about recognition but having worked with Damon for the past 6 years and witnessing his integrity and commitment to keeping all of us safe, Community and responders alike, nominating Damon Sanderson for Employee of the month is very easy. Mikhail Sundust/GRIN Governor Gregory with Sonia Duarte Mendoza September Employee of the Month Sonia Duarte has worked at her position with the Residential Programs for Youth for 11 years. RPY has faced many obstacles, but through it all Sonia has remained hard working, dedicated, and has outperformed the majority in her field. One example of Sonia’s generosity is that she uses her free time to volunteer away from her family. She gives so much to the youth that she will always be considered a part of RPY family. She has excelled in all areas of her job. She started from the “bottom” and now is the Lead Youth Development Specialist II. As a Gila River Indian Community member, she has been a positive example to our youth. She has encouraged them to excel in diverse circumstances, and overcome what most people would say is too much. RPY commends Sonia for her passion, and hopes that they can continue to receive many more employees with the same drive and dedication. Page 6 October 18, 2013 Octoboer 2013 Culture & History Chu:chkud Ha Thash Word Match 6PDUW3DUHQWV6PDUW%DELHV. Toddlers! Prior to 1990, electronic waste was virtually non-existent. Today, it is currently the fastest- growing waste stream in the world. In one way or another, it is a central part of everything we do and own: TVs in our homes, cell phones and MP3 players in our ears, video games in our hands, and computers in our laps and on our desks. The electronic industry generates nearly $2 billion a year, and Americans own nearly 3 billion electronic products. For each new product that comes along, one or more becomes outdated or obsolete. Consequently, we’re storing or discarding older electronic products faster than ever. In 2005, used, unwanted or obsolete electronics amounted to over 2 million tons. Of that, approximately 1.5 mil- Resources: 2. 3. 4. 5. Heidi Bruder Teen Parent Case Manager Active Play! D.Craft & C. Toddler 411 D. Fields & A. Brown Be consistent. Have the same consequence for undesirable behaviors. Act immediately. Your child won’t remember what they did 5 minutes later. Don’t yell, but change your voice. It’s not the volume but the tone that gets your point across. Catch your child being good. Praise the good behavior. Remind your child that you love her! Paper Plate Scooters Paper plates make great pretend scooters in this easy activity. Children love pushing the plates all over. Older, taller children may find this activity harder than it is for their younger, shorter playmates. Contact BabySmarts Materials: Sturdy paper plates, one per child. Objects – popsicle sticks, small stuffed animals, small toys, small balls. Home Visiting Coach Catherine Thomas Instructions: Choose a carpeted area large enough for children to freely scoot around safely. Let each child select a paper plate to push. Have children place both hands on their plates and begin pushing. Tell them to keep their knees off the floor. (520)562-3321 Ext. 7137 Heidi Bruder Give this activity a purpose. Have kids place small objects on their plate and have them carry the object on their plates from one side of the room to the other. Try carrying small toys to a toy basket or carry socks to their room. Giving your child a “job” will make them feel important and helpful around the house. The result, a well-behaved and happy kiddo! Give it a try! Teen Parent Case Manager (520)562-3287 lion tons were disposed of in landfills. Electronics placed in landfills can potentially release toxic chemicals and harmful metals, therefore it is important that these materials be removed from the waste stream for the protection of our natural resources and human health! In response to the growing problem of electronic waste, and in honor of National Recycling Day, the GRIC Department of Environmental Quality is coordinating with the GRIC Department of Public Works to host a free electronic waste disposal event to be held at the DEQ office (see map In honor of America Recycles Day, the Department of Environmental Quality & the Department of Public Works for directions). We will will be hosting an electronic waste collection event. also provide general inElectronic waste includes: formation on recycling Computer Equipment (including printers) as well as waste reducTelephones/cellphones tion strategies for the Fax machines Community. TV’s, DVD’s & other audio equipment Please join us for Small Kitchen Appliances this important event, and help protect the - NO MICROWAVES - NO AIR CONDITIONERS natural resources in our Refreshments and GREAT door prizes will be available! Community! For any further questions or information call GRIC/DEQ 520.562.2234 Toddler Tips: 1. Author, Electronic Waste – A National Dilemma Submitted by Department of Environmental Quality What to do with those terrible twos?? Toddlers are busy and full of energy! Toddlers need a variety of opportunities to run off their energy. The more active and involved your child is, the less of those “terrible two” behaviors you will see. Below is an active play game that you can do with your 1-5 year old child. Simply gather up some paper plates and small toys or objects and you will have all you need for this fun activity! Volume 1, Issue 4 Chu:chkud Word Ha Match S-he:pijig Mashath translates to Ha Thash Chu:chkud Thash Word Match the “cold month” and notes the arrival ge'e soa:m ha:l of cooler weather and windy days. soa:m ha:l This ge'emonth, the ge'eko:ko’i soa:m ha:l (rattlesnakes) retreat to their dens for thok’thod . ki: the winter sleep. This is the time of ki: year whenthok’thod they . are very dangerous, thok’thod. ki: and may strike without sounding their rattles. In winter Ko:ko’i ha ki: chu:chkud . ha-ki: (Rattlesnake House) chu:chkud . ha-ki:is a dangerous place and when we were young we chu:chkud . ha-ki: were told to stay away from this place nanak’mel lest the rattlesnakes find our tracks nanak’mel and come to our home next spring. nanak’mel This month, we will experience ho’ok hithodakud . ho’ok hithodakud colder weather and . during school days our parents would remind us that ho’ok hithodakud . “S-he:pith ‘o ch ‘ep heved jek’ked, va:pkiñ heg e’ va:p’thalik!” (It’s cold s-chuk mithol s-chuk mithol and windy outside, put your coat/ s-chukready mithol jacket on!) As we would get us’kuanakud . for school mom would remind us “Pi us’kuanakud . gamo shai va:pkiñ heg e’ ka’akvodk shashliv, hegi mo che’echev us’kuanakud kak’kiyo. chukud . chukud shashliv am thabo va:p!” (Don’t wear . Solutions on Page 9 your shorts, wear your long pants!) chukud After breakfast we would all .head breakfast would always be a treat out the door to the bus stop and mom for us before heading to school. would remind us “Piamo’o vash’shol In the fun of Chu:chkud Ha Thash heg e’ va:pthalik, vamtho shoshmai!” (Halloween) we have a spooky word (Keep you coats/jackets on, or you match to get you ready for those will catch a cold!) Hot chocolate at trick-or-treaters coming to your door. What’s New at the Office of Emergency Management? Gila River Office of Emergency Management (OEM) understands that being prepared is key when it comes to your safety. OEM has implemented a mass notification system that allows you to be notified of emergency situations due to flash floods, wild fires or other hazards almost immediately. The notification system will call your home phone and deliver a recorded message telling you of the situation and what you can do to keep safe or provide needed information. When you get a call please listen to the entire message or it will continue to call you. Everyone with a listed phone number on the GRTI system will automatically be included in the messaging Wellness TribalwRecreation Program system. If you do not have service with GRTI or wish Center to be n&otified ith an additional number or want your P.O. Box 324 unlisted number included, please call 520-‐562-‐7198 to make the request. In addition, if you wish to be taken Sacaton, Arizona 85147 off the notification list, contact 520-‐562-‐7198. 520.562.2025/2026 office 520.562.3320 fax Be prepared to provide your name, phone Wellness number, Center and the &DTribal istrict Recreation you reside Program in to add additional numbers or P.O. Box 324 be taken off the list. Thank you and be safe. Wellness Center & Tribal Recreation Sacaton, Arizona 85147 Program P.O. Box 324 office 520.562.2025/2026 Wellness Center &up Tribal Recreation Program Sacaton!!! They It’s that time again!! The weather is cooler and the undead rise to take a run in downtown Sacaton, Arizona 85147 520.562.3320 fax P.O. Boxnot 324just don’t run without purpose though; the annual Trail of Doom happens for fun but to raise awareness of 520.562.2025/2026 office Sacaton, Arizona 85147 520.562.3320 Diabetes prevention. Join the Wellness Center and Tribal Recreation stafffax for the annual: 520.562.2025/2026 office 520.562.3320 fax It’s that time again!! The weather is cooler and the undead rise up to take a run in downtown Sacaton!!! They don’t run without purpose though; the annual Trail of Doom happens not just for fun but to raise awareness of Diabetes prevention. Joinweather the Wellness Center andundead Tribal Recreation staffafor It’s that time again!! The is cooler and the rise up to take runthe in annual: downtown Sacaton!!! They don’t run without purpose though; the annual Trail of Doom happens not just for fun but to raise awareness of It’s that time again!! The weather is cooler and the undead rise up to take a run in downtown Sacaton!!! They Diabetes prevention. Join the Wellness Center and Tribal Recreation staff for the annual: don’t run without purpose though; the annual Trail of Doom happens not just for fun but to raise awareness of Diabetes prevention. Join the Wellness Center and Tribal Recreation staff for the annual: 2013 TRAIL OF DOOM Thursday October 24, 2013 Sacaton Wellness Center 2013 TRAIL OF DOOM featuring Thursday October 24, 2013 2013 TRAIL OF DOOM Sacaton Wellness Center 2-mile October Zombie Walk 2013 Thursday TRAIL OF DOOM featuring24, 2013 Zombies on the Run 5K (pre-registration Sacaton Wellness Center Thursday October 24, 2013 required) 1-mile Senior Zombie Walk Sacaton Wellness Center featuring 2-mile Zombie Walk featuring Zombies on the Run5K5K (pre-registration required) starts at 5:45pm 2-mile Zombie Walk 1-mile Senior Zombie Walk starts at 5:45pm 1-mile Senior Zombie Walk 2-mile Zombie Walk startsWalk at 7:00pm 2-mile Zombies on the Run 5KZombie (pre-registration required) 5K starts at 5:45pm Zombies onpicked the Run 5K (pre-registration required) 1-mile Senior Zombie Walk Registrations for 5K can be 1-mile up Senior at the Sacaton Wellness Center, or call the Wellness Center at 520.562.2025/2026 to Zombie Walk starts at 5:45pm have a registration emailedat to you. 2-mile Zombie Walk starts 7:00pm 1-mile Senior Zombie Walk 5K starts at 5:45pm 2-mile Zombie Walk & 1-mile Senior Zombie Walk sign up on site. Zombie Walk starts Registrations for 5K can be 1-mile picked up Senior at the Sacaton Wellness Center, or callat the5:45pm Wellness Center at 520.562.2025/2026 to 5K starts at 5:45pm 2-mileAWARDS Zombie Walk starts at 7:00pm have a registration emailedCOSTUME to you. FOR BEST ZOMBIE 1-mile Senior Zombie Walk starts at 5:45pm 2-mile Walk starts atWalk 7:00pm 2-mile ZombieZombie Walk &D.J. 1-mile Senior Zombie sign up on site. music provided by Registrations for 5K can be picked up at the Sacaton Wellness Center, or call the Wellness Center at 520.562.2025/2026 to Russell Blackwater have a registration emailedCOSTUME to you. AWARDS FOR BEST ZOMBIE Registrations for 5K can be picked up at the Sacaton Wellness Center, or call the Wellness Center at 520.562.2025/2026 to have & aD.J. registration emailed you. sign up on site. music provided bytoWalk 2-mile Zombie Walk 1-mile Senior Zombie Russell Blackwater 2-mile Zombie Walk & 1-mile Senior Zombie Walk sign up on site. AWARDS FOR BEST ZOMBIE COSTUME AWARDSD.J. FOR BESTprovided ZOMBIE by COSTUME music Russell Blackwater D.J. music provided by Russell Blackwater October 18, 2013 Health & Wellness First Annual Survivors of Suicide Conference to be Held in Gila River participants can connect with fellow survivors, gain support in dealing with survivor grief, and explore opportunities for growth and healing. The theme of this year’s conference is “Healing Your Heart” – a day of healing for By Sandra McNally those who have lost a loved one to suicide. Prevention Manager, EMPACT-SPC Conference highlights include the following: Suicide is ranked as the eighth leading ●Survivor Panel Discussion: exploring cause of death for American Indians/Alaska answers to questions about coping with surNatives of all ages. Suicide is ranked as the vivor grief. second leading cause of death for American ● “The Art of Finding Hope” workIndian/Alaska Natives for those from age shop: using art to deal with survivor grief 10-34. The suicide rate for American Indi- and pain. ans/Alaska Natives is 10 times higher than ● “Find Your Vision” workshop: creatthe overall US rate. ing your own vision board as a way of generMany people in Native communities are ating hope and healing. uncomfortable talking about death, and their Sponsored by the Gila River Prevention discomfort is magnified when the death is a Coalition, this year’s conference is being suicide. The result is that survivors of Gila sui-River 562-5150from office held onCare Saturday, November 2,5202013 Health 520 371-0132 cell cide have little support from friendsFamily or the 8amMobile – 3pm at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Planning Medical community. They often experience a sense Clinic Casino. of isolation, shock, anger, guilt, depression, (Title X Funded) Although the conference is free for the and alienation due to the stigma OCTOBER attached community 2013 (individuals 18 years of age or Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursdaymust pre-register Friday to atto suicide. In addition, survivors of suicide older), participants 4 1 2 3 are at risk for engaging in suicidal behavior tend. For CENTRAL more information about registerVHM HIGH SCHOOL NO CLINIC ARIZONA NO CLINIC TEEN CLINIC COLLEGE themselves. ing for this conference please contact Sandra BY APPOINTMENT ONLY FAMILY PLANNING The Survivors of 8:30-2:00 SuicidePM(SOS) Day McNally at Sandra.McNally@empact-spc. CLINIC 7 is a one-day workshop 8 10 11 Conference where 9 com GRHC (WEST SIDE OF HOSPITAL) INSIDE MOBILE UNIT 8:00-2:30 PM AK-CHIN (MARICOPA) CLINIC INSIDE MOBILE UNIT 8:30-2:00 PM GRHC (WEST SIDE OF HOSPITAL) INSIDE MOBILE UNIT MondayPM 8:00-2:30 NO CLINIC GRHC (WEST SIDE OF HOSPITAL) INSIDE MOBILE UNIT 8:00-2:30 7 PM GRHC 28 (WEST SIDE OF NO CLINIC HOSPITAL) INSIDE MOBILE UNIT 8:00-2:30 PM VHMIRA HIGH SCHOOL HAYES TEEN SCHOOL CLINIC HIGH BY APPOINTMENT TEEN CLINICONLY 8:30-2:00 PMONLY BY APPOINTMENT 14 21 14 GRHC (WEST SIDE OF HOSPITAL) 08/28/2013 CG INSIDE MOBILE UNIT 8:00-2:30 PM 21 GRHC (WEST SIDE OF HOSPITAL) INSIDE MOBILE UNIT 8:00-2:30 PM 28 NO CLINIC 08/28/2013 CG 15 Tuesday 1 22 15 22 NO CLINIC NO CLINIC NO CLINIC Thursday 3 24 Friday 4 25 D1 (BLACKWATER) (Title X Funded) NEW HOUSING 8:30-12:00 PM D2 HOUSING Wednesday 12:30-2:30pm OCTOBER 2013 2 23 CLINIC D4NO (SAN TAN) SERVICE CENTER 8:30-2:30 PM 9 D5 (BAPCHULE) 30 BY HEADSTART D3 (SACATON) 8:30-11:30 PM BY BOY’S & GIRL’S PEDRO SITE CLUB 8:30-2:30 PM 12:00-2:30PM 18 NO CLINIC CLINIC NO D6 (KOMATKE) 31 BY KOMATKE HEALTH NO CLINIC CENTER 9:00-2:00 PM NO CLINIC CALL AND SCHEDULE YOUR FAMILY PLANNING APPOINTMENT TODAY J 16 D7 (Maricopa Colony) SERVICE CENTER 9:00-2:00 PM 520 562-5150 office 520 371-0132 cell CENTRAL ARIZONA SACATON COLLEGE OF DEPARTMENT FAMILY PLANNING REHABILITATION CLINIC SERVICES D1 (BLACKWATER) NEW HOUSING http://www.grhc.org/getpage.php?name=famplan&sub=Services 8:30-12:00 PM D2 HOUSING 12:30-2:30pm IRA HAYES HIGH SCHOOL TEEN CLINIC BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 8:30-2:00 PM 29 D6 (KOMATKE) BY KOMATKE HEALTH CENTER 9:00-2:00 PM Gila River Health Care Family Planning Mobile Medical 16Clinic 17 8:30-2:00 8 PM AK-CHIN (MARICOPA) 29 CLINIC D7 (Maricopa Colony) INSIDE MOBILE UNIT SERVICE CENTER 8:30-2:00 PM 9:00-2:00 PM NO CLINIC D5 (BAPCHULE) BY HEADSTART 8:30-11:30 PM PEDRO SITE 12:00-2:30PM 23 D4 (SAN TAN) SERVICE CENTER 8:30-2:30 PM 30 D3 (SACATON) BY BOY’S & GIRL’S CLUB 8:30-2:30 PM http://www.grhc.org/getpage.php?name=famplan&sub=Services 10 17 NO CLINIC 24 11 18 NO CLINIC 25 SACATON DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION SERVICES NO CLINIC 31 CALL AND SCHEDULE YOUR FAMILY PLANNING APPOINTMENT TODAY J NO CLINIC Page 7 Page 8 Tribal Education Department “Maschahamdud a Jeniktha” October 18, 2013 Healthy Active Natives Continued from Page 1 A doctor informed him that he had arthritis in his spine, while a physical therapist told him flat out, “there’s no way you can run.” Having people telling him he couldn’t do something, basically implying he should give up, lit a fire in Pahona. He decided on the spot to run a half marathon, and dropped about 40 pounds by the time he completed the 13.1 miles of the P.F. Chang’s race in Phoenix. Now a lead peer fitness coordinator for Gila River Health Care, Pahona sat in his Komatke clinic office after our hour-long workout. He is now a muscular 174 pounds. He smiled as he unfurled laminated beforeand-after photos of himself running at his heavier weight. The fuller-faced and wider man in the picture bears little resemblance to the fitness guru Pahona has become. “I’m just like everybody else, I used to be big,” Pahona said. “I’ve struggled with my weight.” After his own fitness makeover, Waylon found his calling as a personal trainer and enjoys his day job working with anyone from elders looking to stay active to the physically fit seeking a challenging new routine. But he wanted to share this newfound passion with other Native Americans, who he often saw represented as unhealthy and inactive. One night in March 2012, he was googling search terms like “healthy Native Americans” or “Native Americans working out” and hardly found anything besides a few videos on YouTube. That is when he decided to start the HANs Facebook group and invite about 50 close friends. “I just thought, you know what, I’m going to find people who share the same passion I do with exercise and for motivation,” Pahona said. Membership hovered at around 700 for most of 2012. Then at the beginning of this year, things just started to “blow up.” People were asking to be accepted at a breakneck pace and by the summer HANs was adding about 1,000 people to its membership every few weeks. (Pahona, Ayala and Hardy vet every person who requests access to the group, making sure they are not posting pictures of alcohol or drugs, soliciting things or saying inappropriate things.) Today, Pahona spends about three hours a night curating the posts on HANs, on top of his full-time responsibilities at work and at home. He lives in Tempe with his wife Janis (also a regular runner) and their two boys, Jayden, 13, and Kaiyou, 8. Pahona has done more than found a popular online forum that many members visit incessantly throughout the day. He’s created a palpable energy that Native Americans can harness, enhance and distribute. -Shortly after I posted on the HANs page asking for people who wanted to speak with the GRIN about their experiences, I received this message: “hello..my name is Joshua Longhat..im 33 and i live in Zuni NM..im a T5-6 paraplegic in a chair with wheels..ive had my injury for two years..i workout at least three times a week..i joined the HANs page to motivate and get motivated..to inspire and to be inspired..it helps a lot when i dont feel like working out to read the posts..then i want to post and be read about my workout…” Longhat had been rock climbing on a July 2010 afternoon that changed his life. It had just rained and the rocks were slick. Longhat slipped, fell nearly 20 feet and landed on his back, paralyzing him from the waist down. He had always been active before his injury and that wasn’t about to change. He took the initiative to learn to do things in new ways. He learned to drive his car with the pole of a Swiffer mop and an extendable claw grabber. He played golf, a game he excelled at in college, swooshing his swing from a sitting position in his chair. But the place where Longhat found solace was at his local wellness center. He toned his upper body, pumping up his biceps, triceps and shoulders. He heard about HANs through a friend and posted a picture showing off his ripped arms on a “Flex Friday.” Longhat’s photo got more Facebook “likes” than anything he had ever written before. “I’ve been active my whole life,” Longhat said in a phone interview. “And I wasn’t going to let me being in a wheelchair or having my injury stop me from doing whatever I used to do.” Charlene Fountain, 40, of the Karuk and Pit River tribes, had similar success against life-threatening obstacles. She survived ITP (immune thrombocytopenia), a blood disorder, and steroid-induced diabetes, which left her hospitalized for long periods of time. She couldn’t walk for very long without a lot of pain. She began to walk a block or ride a stationary bike for just 10 minutes at a time. “There were times I felt alone and wished I had support but was determined to do it no matter what,” Fountain wrote. “After 6 months I lost 35 pounds, got off half of my meds and in a little over a year was taken off all meds and cleared of all medical issues.” When she spoke on the phone from her current home in Cameron, N.C., Fountain was emphatic when I asked her how she pulled herself out of her debilitating health difficulties. “To me there’s no other option,” she said. “When you’re so far down the only way to go is back up. When everything is taken away from you, you want that back. You see how precious everything is.” Fountain joined HANs in May and started slowly shared her backstory with fellow members. She has committed to run a half marathon in late November, something which “I never thought in my life I would do.” Continued on Page 9 October 18, 2013 Gila River Indian News Page 9 Community Council Action Sheets Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013 ACTION SHEET Community Council; PO Box 2138; Sacaton, Arizona 85147; Phone (520) 562-9720; Fax (520) 562-9729 CALL TO ORDER The First Regular Monthly Meeting of the Community Council held Wednesday October 2, 2013, in the Community Council Chambers at the Governance Center in Sacaton, Arizona was called to order by Governor Gregory Mendoza at 9:07 a.m. INVOCATION Provided by Councilman Norman Wellington, Sr. ROLL CALL Sign-In Sheet Circulated 10 Council Members Present APPROVAL OF AGENDA APPROVED AS AMENDED REPORTS 1. Update Re: Lone Butte Departmental Relocation Presenters: David White, Kimberly Dutcher DISPENSED AT APPROVAL OF AGENDA 2. Gila Crossing Community School Final A/C Project Report Presenters: Dr. Jeff Williamson and Board of Trustees REPORT HEARD 3. 2012/2013 Head Start Program Information Report Presenter: Patricia Valenzuela REPORT HEARD 4. St. Peter Indian Mission School Tribal Allocation 4th Quarter Report Presenter: S. Martha Mary Carpenter REPORT HEARD 5. St. Peter Indian Mission School Tribal Allocation Annual Report 2012-2013 Presenter: S. Martha Mary Carpenter REPORT HEARD 6. Sacaton Elementary Tribal Allocation Annual Report SY2012-2013 Presenter: Leslie Rychel REPORT HEARD 7. Sacaton Middle School Annual Report SY2012-2013 Presenter: Philip Bonds REPORT HEARD 8. Gila Crossing Community School Tribal Allocation Annual Report SY2012-2013 Presenters: Jeff Williamson Board of Trustees REPORT HEARD 9. Gila Crossing Community School Board of Trustees 120 Day Review Presenters: Jeff Williamson and Board of Trustees REPORT HEARD 10. Blackwater Community School Tribal Allocation Annual Report SY2012-2013 Presenter: Jacquelyn Power [Governor Gregory Mendoza called for a 10 minute break Reconvened at 11:13pm] 11. Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority – Fiscal Year 2013 Quarter 3 (April 1, 2013 – June 30, 2013) Presenters: John Lewis and Leonard Gold REPORT HEARD 12. Tribal Social Services Assessment Action Plan Presenter: Gary Quinn TABLED 13. Follow-up on Crime Victim Services - On Call Presenter: Nada Celaya REPORT HEARD 14. Review of Community’s Indian Child Welfare Act Program In Light of Supreme Court Ruling Presenter: Claude Jackson REPORT HEARD 15. Gila River Gaming Commission – Report of August 2013 (Executive Session) Presenters: Courtney Moyah and Serena Joaquin MOTION MADE AND SECOND TO ACCEPT [Governor Gregory Mendoza called for a 1-hour lunch break Reconvened at 2:00pm] RESOLUTIONS 1. A Resolution Approving A One-Time Exemption To The Employee Policies And Procedures Reference Guide Permitting Annual Leave Carry-Over For Members Of The Enterprises Resources Planning Program Implementation Team (G&MSC forwards to Council with recommendation for approval) Presenter: Treasurer Robert G. Keller APPROVED 2. A Resolution Authorizing The Gila River Indian Fire Department To Submit A Grant Application To The Department Of Homeland Security FEMA Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant (G&MSC forwards to Council with recommendation for approval) Presenter: Chief Thomas Knapp APPROVED 3. A Resolution Approving and Authorizing An Agreement Between The Gila River Indian Community and Towers Watson Delaware, Inc. For Fiscal Year 2014 (G&MSC forwards to Council with recommendation for approval) Presenters: Sharon Harvier-Lewis and Treasurer Robert G. Keller APPROVED 4. A Resolution Rescinding Resolution GR-168-01 Which Approved A Fifty (50) Year Homesite Assignment Agreement, And Approving An Amended Fifty (50) Year Homesite Assignment Agreement For Monica Domingo, More Healthy Active Natives Continued from Page 8 But she stated in front of her fellow 8,000 members that she’s going to do it because “I believe you have to speak it [and] believe it to do it.” I asked her to visualize the moment she crosses the finish line in November, then asked how soon she will post a picture on HANs. “How soon? Within the first minute!” she said through giggles. -Getting healthy takes equal parts will power and resolve. Some HANs members have honed these tools into their health and fitness regiments, helping them overcome past problems with substance abuse and alcoholism. Leo Jim Jr. used to drink a lot when he lived on the Navajo Nation near Page, Ariz. “I had no interest in exercising or nothing, I was diabetic and I [had] high blood pressure,” Jim said over the phone. “And my marriage wasn’t working.” The day Jim got divorced in October 2010, he got drunk. He woke up the next morning with the pounding hangover that had become all too familiar for him. That morning, instead of grabbing another drink, he grabbed a pair of old tennis shoes and started running. He hasn’t had a drink since. Jim, 40, now lives in Portland, Ore., and raises three sons (his two daughters live in Navajo Nation with his ex-wife). At the L.A. Fitness gym he attends, he rarely sees any other Natives. About six months ago, he came across the HANs page and finally found a place where he could share his success stories with those that could understand. “I wasn’t happy inside before, that’s why I didn’t really care about anything,” Jim said. “Now…I feel great inside. People can see me, who I really am. This is who I am. So that’s the reason why I enjoy HANs because there’s some of the people on there that I can relate to.” Jim has dropped about 40 pounds and is focusing everyday on being a good example for his kids. Sam Taylor, a 32-year-old Hopi man, was in the Residential Treatment Center in Gila River just a few months ago. He checked in there because he was “tired of being sick and tired.” He was fed up with being miserable and wanted to change. “Everything — the drug use, the drinking, everything — was just getting old,” Taylor said in a phone interview. He met Pahona when the rehab center sent him and other residents to a workout at the Komatke clinic. There, Pahona “jumpstarted me on my fitness,” Taylor said, prompting him to drop from 326 pounds all the way down to 252. He found the HANs group and discovered that it served as instant inspiration. “I get all my motivation and support from that site,” Taylor said. “When I’m feeling lazy, I don’t want to go out, I just go on the site and hearing everybody’s stories motivates me.” Taylor currently works for Native American Connections in Phoenix as a recovery coach for adolescents. -In less than an hour, Pahona has proven his point to me: you don’t need a gym or an unreasonable amount of time to get fit. Located In District Six Of The Gila River Indian Reservation And Designated As Drawing No. 30613-0448 (NRSC forwards to Council with recommendation for approval) Presenter: Pamela Pasqual APPROVED ORDINANCES UNFINISHED BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS 1. Declarations of Vacancies (2) - Gila River Health Care Board ofCouncil Secretary Directors Jacqueline Thomas VACANCY DECLARED 2. Appointment of Appeals Court Judges Thomas Murphy (LSC forwards to Council for action) MOTION MADE AND SECOND TO APPROVE THESE RECOMMENDATIONS 3. Special Council Meeting Request – For Review/Presentation Health & Social Standing Of the Affordable Health Care Act Committee TABLED AT APPROVAL OF AGENDA 4. HR Assessment (Executive Session) Janice H. Moore (G&MSC forwards to Council in Executive Session) MOTION MADE AND SECOND TO DISCUSS AT THE WORK SESSION 5. Request for Direction Regarding Treatment of GRPD Michael Carter Landowner’s Investigation (Executive Session) (LSC forwards to Council for discussion) MOTION MADE AND SECOND TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION MOTION MADE AND SECOND COMMUNITY COUNCIL DIRECT THE LAW OFFICE AND LEGISLATIVE STANDING COMMITTEE TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF PROPOSED LANGUAGE STRENGTHENING OUR ELECTIONS CODE AND ORDINANCE MOTION MADE AND SECOND COMMUNITY COUNCIL DIRECTS GOVERNMENT & MANAGEMENT STANDING COMMITTEE AND TREASURER ROBERT KELLER TO BEGIN THE PROCESS FOR REVOCATION OF PANGEA’S COMMUNITY BUSINESS LICENSE 6. Sovereign Immunity Issues (Executive Session) Office of General Counsel DISPENSED AT APPROVAL OF AGENDA (To be added to the Work Session) MINUTES ANNOUNCEMENTS ADJOURNMENT MEETING ADJOURNED AT 2:32PM Over the course of 45 minutes, while using hardly any gym equipment other than a few medicine balls, some small dumbbells and a pull-up bar, our workout is complete. We hit the major muscle groups (chest, back and legs) while reaching about 85 percent of my target hear rate. As we sit and talk later about HANs, Pahona says he has been “overwhelmed” by all the support from the group members. “I’m really excited about it. I’m humbled by that whole experience, seeing things like that and helping people,” Pahona said. “It’s my purpose and that’s why I’m here, to help people.” Torri Benally, 29, a Navajo living in Silver City, N.M., made a video a few weeks ago compiling a series of pictures various HANs members have posted of their proud, healthy bodies. Set to Katy Perry’s “Roar,” the video is meant to debunk stereotypes of Native Americans. “We have such a stereotype of Natives that we’re lazy and we’re alcoholics and addicted to drugs and we’d rather stay home and stay in bed not doing anything,” Bena- lly said, “and so of course there’s a stereotype that I didn’t like being associated with. So I’m very proud to be a part of this group and of this movement.” The video ends with a photo of Pahona, his thumbs touching and his palms up in the shape of an “H,” his hands a symbol for HANs. He is the leader of the pack, ringmaster of the movement that grows more powerful with each shared story of perseverance and each heartening message of hope. Chu:chkud Ha Thash Word Match Page 10 Announcements & Notices October 18, 2013 Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority What’s New at GRICUA: Customer Survey Winners Thank you to all of our customers that participated in our customer service survey. The survey will provide us with valuable information on how we can continue to meet our customers’ expectations and improve our services. We selected from our participants five winners of a $50 VISA gift card. Pictured below are four of our winners. Not pictured is Denise Garay. Top to bottom: Jaina Allen (GRICUA Customer Service Rep) with Winner- Wilbert Jackson Winner- Verona Williams Winner-Everett Allen with GRICUA Finance Director Arnold Mejia Winner – Cyrus Johnson GRICUA System Improvement Activities The Casa Blanca circuit upgrade project will be completed by the end of September. GRICUA continues to propose and design circuit upgrade projects that will improve reliability in all Community Districts. The proposed projects are subject to SCIP approval and funding as well as the ability to obtain easements for these upgrade projects. GRICUA’s Restoration Process Please visit GRICUA’s Outage Center at http://www.gricua.net/ outage-center.html for safety tips and steps to take during an outage. You can also see our restoration process at http://www.gricua.net/ restoration-process.html. To report an outage – please call (520) 7960600, 24 hours a day. Conservation Tips-How to Read an Energy Guide Label 1. Key Features of the appliance are listed here, for easy comparison between models. 2. Appliance information like make, model, and size are listed to give basic information about the appliance. 3. The estimated cost to run the appliance is based on electricity use and national electricity prices. Compare the estimated energy cost as you would features of the appliance. 4. The cost range chart compares how much this appliance can potentially cost annually versus other similar models. 5. The annual estimated energy use based on average use. Simply multiply this number by the rate on your electricity bill and you will find the operating cost. 6. The Energy Star logo is visible when the appliance is Energy star rated. Know What to Look For It’s hard to tell from the outside how efficient an appliance is. The things that make it more efficient are on the inside-in the motors, compressors, pumps, valves, gaskets, seals or electronic sensors. Two appliances can look exactly the same on the outside but be very different on the inside. There are two things to look for when buying a new appliance: the Energy Guide label that tells you how much energy the machine will use, and the Energy Star symbol that tells you it is highly efficient. Always choose appliances rated by Energy Star. These meet energy efficiency standards far more strict than the minimums required by law. That increased efficiency is what leads to increased savings. Before you go to the store, find out if Energy Star certifies the type of appliance you need. Energy Star rates many appliances, including clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, room air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. You can tell how much energy an appliance will use, by looking for the yellow Energy Guide label. All appliances must have this label, except stove ranges and ovens. It will show you an estimate of how much energy the appliance uses, how much it will cost to operate, and how efficient it is compared with similar appliances. Call GRICUA at 520-796-0600 to report downed power lines or other outage-related problem. Reminders GRICUA District Days 2013 GRICUA will be at the Public Health Resource Center (433 W Seed Farm Rd in Sacaton) on the following days to accept payments from 10 AM to 3 PM. November 7 December 5 CALL BEFORE YOU DIG GRICUA is a member of Arizona Blue Stake. Please call 1-800-7825348 to request an underground line locate of both GRICUA and SCIP on reservation facilities. GRICUA welcomes your comments. You can email comments to [email protected]. You can also visit our website at www. gricua.net. GRICUA JOB OPENINGS GRICUA JOB OPENINGS CUSTOMER SERVICE REP – full-time position at the Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority. Candidates should have HS or GED, 2 yrs. relevant experience; good computer skills; knowledge of billing / bookkeeping; accurate alpha-numeric data entry. GIS ANALYST – full-time position at the Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority. Responsible for performing a variety of analysis utilizing GIS technology to ensure the data is up-to-date and accurate; collecting, validating and testing geographic data with the appropriate database; perform mapping, editing, data conversion, geocoding, and error reconciliation within established timelines; create and maintain GIS data layers for applications using GIS software and associated databases; interface with users to develop and gather system or project requirements ensuring they are transferred into design specifications and/or requirement documents to obtain, enhance, and develop GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software and specific applications, as assigned; implement feedback from users on GIS processes to aid improvement; prepare maps and presentation material; participate in the activities associated with a variety of departmental projects including preparing reports, material, documentation, and coordinating tasks. Master’s degree from an accredited university with major course work in geography or Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and prior electric utility experience is preferred. JOURNEYMAN LINE WORKER – full-time position at the Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority. Qualifications: Journeyman Lineman certificate required. Must have a thorough knowledge and familiarity with principles and practices of underground and overhead electric distribution construction, transmission construction, and system and substation maintenance. Able to make informed immediate decisions in emergency or highly stressful situations. A valid Arizona Class A CDL required. Must be able to successfully pass a skills and climbing test. Full job descriptions & applications are available at www.gricua.net. Please submit GRICUA application by fax (480-452-1429), email [email protected] or hand deliver no later than 11/01/13 at 4:00 PM. PLEASE NOTE: Resumes will not be considered without an official GRICUA application. Preference is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act. GRICUA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The New Kids on the Block in HR, GRHC By Le Trozzo Recruitment Specialist Isabel Gomez, Recruitment Specialist, 2013 “Izzie” Gomez, (GRIC) from District 5, just recently joined our recruitment team in early August. She brings with her years of experience from a private medical practice. Her education comes from Apollo College and has been attending Central Arizona College and will be completing her degree in the near future. Izzie is excited to be working with her community and getting to know all the members within the hospital. She brings pure enthusiasm and energy to the department. In her spare time, she is out supporting and transporting her children to sporting events and finds time to take a hike every now and then. She can be reached at 602-528-1408 and can be reached Mon-Fri. from 8am5pm. We welcome her to the team! Thom Hauer, MBA, HR Director, 2013 Thom Hauer, “The New HR Guy” as he likes to refer to himself just came onboard to lead the HR team in early July. Thom comes to us from Yakima, WA and has been serving in a Human Resource role for 20 years. Thom has a vision and a platform of education, education and more education: reach out to the youth, and educate them in a way that starts early on and then bring them into the fold. His attitude and belief is that if they are shown the way and educated to meet the needs of the community in the health fields; that they will come. They will take their leadership roles and lead the next generation of Gila River members into the hospital and all the health fields. Look for his upcoming monthly agendas to meet the community in various events, such as Open Houses, Career Fairs, Meet n Greets! Community Services Department Community Notice The following changes have been made to the District Assistant Programs administered at the District Service Centers in the Gila River Indian Community. Effective October 1, 2013 • The percentage increased from 200% to 250% above the Federal Poverty Income Guideline (FPIG) to be eligible for assistance which may provide eligibility to more members. (FPIG matrix available at the service centers) • Increase of emergency minor home repair amount from $100 - $300 - work order request must be made, labor and supplies will be taken care of via service center budget. (Determination of eligible “emergency repairs” will be made after completion of assessment by District Service Center staff) • Utility bills under $25.00 will not be paid under Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) *Past due amounts still need to be paid by the member to avoid service interruption. Effective January 1, 2014 • No Income test required for all elderly and disabled members for assistance under Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Home Repair Program (HRP) – See your District center for more information on this benefit. Per legal review of tax liability to our members, all other assistance programs will require income verification. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we make the transition. For questions or concerns, contact your local District Service Center Coordinator. D1 Alan Blackwater(520) 215-2110 D4 Ramsey Moffett(520) 418-3661 D5 Laurie Thomas (520) 315-3441 D2 Jeanne Gomez (520) 562-3450 D3 D. Ann Manuel (520) 562-3334 D6 Gilbert Sabori (520) 550-3805 D7 Richard Kruszynski (520) 430-4780 Pamela Thompson, Director 520.562.9691 “Putting the Unity in Community” October 18, 2013 Gila River Indian News Gila River Telecommunications, Inc. “Proudly serving the Gila River Indian Community since 1988” Box 5015, 7065 West Allison Road, Chandler, Arizona 85226-5135 (520) 796-3333 • www.gilanet.net • fax (520)796-7534 A simple and convenient way to pay your bill online. Did you know using eBill is the simplest way of paying your phone bill? Once eBill registration is complete you will be able to pay your bill, review past payments, check your call history, even see GRTI’S current newsletter, as well as other features. All from the comfort of your own home! For step by step directions on using eBill use the link below or call GRTI Customer Service for questions at (520) 796-3333. bit.ly/19aWmG9 Have you renwed your Enhanced Lifeline and/or Elder Concession benefits? Enhanced Lifeline and Elder Concession customers must renew every year to continue receiving benefits. Renewing For Elder Concession If you are renewing for the Elder Concession we already have your ID on file. If for whatever reason we do not, our Elder Concession Specialist will contact you. Renewing For Enhanced Lifeline When renewing, simply fill out and return a new Enhanced Lifeline form. Because Enhanced Lifeline is a federal program, some documentation is required for the initial sign-up. If you have any questions regarding the programs you can contact our Enhanced Lifeline/Elder Concession Specialist, Mistydawn Miguel at (520) 796-8816. Enhanced Lifeline and Elder Concession credits will discontinue on January 1, 2014. “ C e l e b r a t i n g 2 5 Ye a r s o f s e r v i n g t h e G i l a R i v e r I n d i a n C o m m u n i t y ” Page 11 N AT I O N A L BREAST CANCER AWARE NESS MONTH If you haven’t already, find your “I CAN” and join the promise to battle and not quit. Create A Early Detection Plan •Breastcanceristhesecondmostcommoncanceramongwomen. •Earlydetectionisyourbestdefense.Learnwhereyoucangetfreescreening. •Knowwhatelseyoucandotodecreaseyourrisk? Thebestwaytofightbreastcanceristohaveaplanthathelpsyoudetectthediseaseinitsearlystages. •KnowtheSymptomsandSigns •PerformaSelf-Exam •HaveaClinicalExampreformed Everypersonshouldknowthesymptomsandsignsofbreastcancer,andanytimean abnormalityisdiscovered,itshouldbeinvestigatedbyahealthcareprofessional. for more information - www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month WinGilaRiver.com 800-WIN-GILA Owned and operated by the Gila River Indian Community
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