🗳️ Pascua Yaqui Council Unanimous: "Every Vote Counts, Every Voice Matters!"
💰 Tribal Budget Approved: Pascua Yaqui Secures Financial Future 👥 Inter-Tribal Connections: Hopi, Apache, and Havasupai Join Yaqui Celebrations
🗣️ Notable Quotes
"Every vote counts, every voice matters" - Anissa Valenzuela, highlighting the importance of civic engagement
"I am so glad we came to complete the whole day," - Unidentified elder from the Matachine group, expressing gratitude for being included in the celebrations
"We're a tribe that triumphs, we're a tribe that keeps going, we're a tribe that always pushes the envelope" - Unidentified council member, describing the Pascua Yaqui's progressive nature
⏮️ Last Meeting Summary
😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
👧🏾✊🏾👦🏾
🏛️ The Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council had a big meeting where they made important decisions! 💰 They approved money to help the tribe and keep everyone healthy. 🏆 They talked about fun events like sports games where Yaqui teams won. 🎭 There was a big celebration with dancing and other tribes came to join. 🗳️ They're also planning a party to teach people about voting. The leaders want to make sure everyone in the tribe is happy, healthy, and proud to be Yaqui! 🎉
🗝️ Takeaways
💼 FY 2025 budgets approved for tribal government and gaming enterprise
🤝 Multiple health-related grants accepted to improve community wellness
🗳️ Strong emphasis on voter engagement and civic participation
🎉 Successful 46th annual recognition celebrations with inter-tribal participation
👥 Ongoing efforts to maintain accurate tribal membership records
🧡 Plans to recognize Orange Shirt Day for residential school awareness
Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council Approves Budget, Celebrates Community in Latest Meeting
In a productive session on September 26, 2024, the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council convened to discuss and vote on various important issues affecting the tribe.
The meeting at the Albert Garcia Auditorium covered topics from budget approvals to community events, emphasizing the tribe's commitment to progress, cultural preservation, and civic engagement.
Budget Approvals and Financial Matters
One of the most significant items on the agenda was the approval of the fiscal year 2025 budgets for both the tribal government and the gaming enterprise. The council unanimously passed Resolution C09-270-24, approving the tribal government budget, and Resolution C09-271-24, approving the gaming and tribal enterprise divisions' budgets.
Councilwoman Gloria Alvarez Gomez praised the finance team's hard work, particularly highlighting the treasurer's efforts, affectionately referred to as "Scooby" by some council members. The thorough review process and attention to detail in budget preparation were key factors in ensuring the tribe's financial stability and growth.
In addition to the main budgets, the council approved several financial resolutions, including:
Resolution C09-268-24: Approving the renewal of tribal government general liability insurance policies for fiscal year 2025.
Resolution C09-269-24: Approving a cyber insurance policy contract for fiscal year 2025.
Resolution C09-287-24: Amending a previous resolution to increase an existing purchase order for temporary accounting services.
These financial decisions reflect the tribe's proactive approach to risk management and fiscal responsibility.
Health and Community Services
The council demonstrated a strong commitment to community health and wellness by approving several grant-related resolutions:
Resolution C09-260-24: Approving the submission of grant applications for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
Resolution C09-261-24: Approving grant applications for Community Level Innovations for Improving Health Outcomes.
Resolution C09-262-24: Approving grant applications for the Garrett Lee Smith State/Tribal Youth Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention Program.
Resolution C09-263-24: Accepting a grant for screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment programs from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Resolution C09-264-24: Accepting a grant for expanding mental health services for children with serious emotional disturbances.
Additionally, the council approved Resolution C09-265-24, amending a dental services contract with Native Health, further emphasizing the tribe's focus on comprehensive healthcare for its members.
Enrollment and Membership
The council addressed several enrollment-related matters:
Resolution C09-256-24: Approving enrollment applications for eligible applicants.
Resolution C09-257-24: Disapproving enrollment applications for ineligible applicants.
Resolution C09-258-24: Approving blood quantum modifications for eligible tribal members.
Resolution C09-259-24: Approving the reinstatement of membership for Rogelio Anguamea.
These decisions reflect the ongoing process of maintaining and updating tribal membership records.
Legal and Government Relations
The council approved a series of resolutions (C09-274-24 through C09-283-24) renewing contracts with various law firms for fiscal year 2025.
They also approved resolutions C09-284-24 through C09-286-24, which dealt with government relations representation contracts for legislative and lobbying matters.
Community Events and Cultural Celebration
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing recent and upcoming community events, showcasing the Pascua Yaqui Tribe's commitment to cultural preservation, community engagement, and inter-tribal relations.
The council members' enthusiasm was palpable as they shared reports and reflections on various activities.
46th Annual Recognition Celebrations
The centerpiece of the discussion was the recently concluded 46th Annual Recognition Celebration. This multi-day event was a powerful reminder of the tribe's journey and achievements since gaining federal recognition. Council members took turns highlighting different aspects of the celebrations:
Sports Tournaments: The baseball and softball tournaments were particularly praised. Vice Chairman Robert Valencia congratulated the AZ Natives, a team from Tucson, on winning the baseball championship—their first victory in about 12 years. He also commended the Royal Thunder from Guadalupe on their softball championship win, with MVP Leila Rodriguez receiving special mention.
Cultural Performances: The council emphasized the rich cultural displays during the celebrations. Vice Chairman Valencia spoke passionately about the performances of the Pascola and Deer Dancers, noting the participation of very young dancers who "danced beautifully and blessed beautifully." He also highlighted the significance of having Matachini and Pascola dancers perform under the same ramada, symbolizing the unity and shared heritage of the Yaqui people.
Inter-Tribal Participation: The presence and participation of other indigenous groups were celebrated as a highlight of the event. Delegations from the Hopi, Apache, and Havasupai tribes attended, along with representatives from the Rio Yaqui region in Sonora, Mexico. This inter-tribal gathering was a powerful demonstration of indigenous solidarity and cultural exchange.
Community Engagement: Council members praised the high turnout and community involvement in the celebrations. They noted that facilities were stretched to capacity, with t-shirts running out due to unexpected attendance numbers. This was seen as a positive sign of growing community engagement and pride in Yaqui culture and identity.
Elders' Participation: The chair volleyball tournament for elders was especially mentioned, and it was described as a "beautiful thing" that brought joy and excitement to older community members.
Upcoming Events and Initiatives
The council also discussed several upcoming events and initiatives aimed at continuing the momentum of community engagement:
Get Out the Vote Rally: Scheduled for September 30th, this event encourages civic participation among tribal members. The rally will feature 19 confirmed candidates, allowing community members to meet and engage with potential representatives. Anissa Valenzuela, from the Yaqui Vote Program, emphasized the importance of this initiative in ensuring that Yaqui voices are heard in broader political processes.
Halloween Celebrations: The council announced plans for Halloween parties in both Guadalupe (October 23rd) and Tucson (October 31st) communities. These events were presented as opportunities for family-friendly fun and community bonding.
Animas Observance: Vice Chairman Valencia reminded the council and community about the importance of Animas (All Souls' Day) from October 1st to 31st. He emphasized this period's cultural and spiritual significance for honoring departed loved ones and encouraging community members to engage in traditional practices and prayers.
Senior Services Activities: Councilman Francisco Valencia announced upcoming events for tribal elders, including volleyball tournaments and community meetings. These activities were vital for maintaining social connections and physical activity among older community members.
Orange Shirt Day: Secretary Herminia Frias introduced plans to declare September 30th as Orange Shirt Day, an initiative to honor children affected by the Indian residential school system. This move was part of the tribe's commitment to acknowledging historical injustices and promoting healing within the community.
Cultural Preservation Initiatives: Throughout the discussion, council members emphasized ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the Yaqui language, traditions, and cultural practices. They highlighted the role of the Language and Cultural Department in organizing cultural events and facilitating inter-generational knowledge transfer.
Tecawita Festival: Vice Chairman Valencia encouraged community members to support the upcoming Tecawita Festival, highlighting the event's crafts, food, and cultural significance.
The extensive discussion on community events and cultural celebrations underscored the Pascua Yaqui Tribe's holistic approach to governance. By interweaving cultural preservation, community engagement, health initiatives, and civic participation, the tribe demonstrates its commitment to nurturing a vibrant, connected, and culturally rich community. These events serve as celebrations and vital tools for strengthening tribal identity, fostering inter-generational bonds, and positioning the Pascua Yaqui as a dynamic and forward-thinking Indigenous nation.
Civic Engagement and Voting Initiatives
The council strongly encouraged tribal members to participate in upcoming elections.
Anissa Valenzuela from the Yaqui Vote Program announced a voter rally for September 30th, featuring 19 confirmed candidates and various activities to promote voter engagement.
Secretary Herminia Frias showcased a powerful poster designed by Anissa Valenzuela. The poster's message, "Every Vote Counts, Every Voice Matters," underscored the tribe's commitment to civic participation.
Cultural Preservation and Recognition
The council discussed plans to declare September 30th as Orange Shirt Day, an initiative to honor children affected by the Indian residential school system.
This move aligns with broader efforts to recognize historical injustices and promote healing within Indigenous communities.
Conclusion
The September 26th meeting of the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council demonstrated the tribe's multifaceted approach to governance, balancing financial responsibility, community well-being, cultural preservation, and civic engagement. With unanimous approval on most resolutions, the council showed a united front in addressing the needs and aspirations of the Pascua Yaqui people.
As the tribe moves forward, it continues to build on its reputation as a progressive and culturally rich indigenous nation. It actively participates in both local and national dialogues while maintaining strong ties to its traditions and values.
🦉 Three Sonorans Commentary
The Pascua Yaqui Tribe: A Model of Progressive Indigenous Governance
The recent Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council meeting on September 26, 2024, showcased a community at the forefront of progressive indigenous governance. While maintaining strong ties to their cultural heritage, the Pascua Yaqui are actively addressing modern challenges and embracing civic engagement in ways that offer valuable lessons for Indigenous and non-indigenous communities.
One of the most striking aspects of the meeting was the tribe's commitment to voter engagement. In an era where voting rights are threatened in many parts of the United States, the Pascua Yaqui are taking proactive steps to ensure their voices are heard. The "Get Out the Vote" rally, featuring 19 confirmed candidates, demonstrates a commitment to informed civic participation.
As Anissa Valenzuela from the Yaqui Vote Program stated, "Every vote counts, every voice matters."
This initiative is particularly significant given the historical disenfranchisement of Native American voters and ongoing challenges to tribal sovereignty.
The council's approval of multiple health-related grants, including programs for diabetes prevention and mental health services, highlights the tribe's holistic approach to community well-being. These efforts address critical issues facing many Indigenous communities, who often experience health disparities due to historical trauma and systemic inequalities. By prioritizing physical and mental health, the Pascua Yaqui are working to break cycles of intergenerational trauma and promote overall community wellness.
While environmental concerns are not explicitly discussed in the meeting, they are implicitly addressed through the tribe's emphasis on cultural preservation and land-based traditions. Celebrating cultural events and inter-tribal gatherings suggests a deep connection to the land and natural resources, often at the heart of Indigenous environmental stewardship.
The planned recognition of Orange Shirt Day to honor children affected by the Indian residential school system is a powerful step toward acknowledging historical injustices. This move aligns with broader Indigenous rights movements across North America and demonstrates the Pascua Yaqui's commitment to healing and reconciliation.
The tribe's approach to enrollment and blood quantum modifications reflects the complex identity and belonging issues faced by many Indigenous nations. While the details of these decisions were not provided, the fact that the council is actively engaged in these discussions suggests a nuanced approach to defining tribal membership in the 21st century.
Perhaps most importantly, the meeting highlighted the Pascua Yaqui's success in balancing tradition with progress.
As one council member stated, "We're a tribe that triumphs, we're a tribe that keeps going, we're a tribe that always pushes the envelope."
This sentiment encapsulates the progressive spirit of the Pascua Yaqui, who are not content to be defined solely by their past but are actively shaping their future.
In conclusion, the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council meeting offers a glimpse into a community that successfully navigates the challenges of maintaining cultural identity while engaging fully with contemporary political and social issues. Their emphasis on civic engagement, health, cultural preservation, and inter-tribal solidarity provides a model for indigenous governance rooted in tradition and oriented towards a progressive future. As Indigenous rights continue to be a critical issue in the broader social justice landscape, Pascua Yaqui's approach offers valuable insights and inspiration for Indigenous and non-indigenous communities alike.