🏛️ Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council Champions Indigenous Child Welfare While Establishing Housing Justice | March 2025 Meeting
Exclusive coverage of Pascua Yaqui's groundbreaking ICWA committee formation, MMIWG advocacy, and housing initiatives.
😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
👧🏾✊🏾👦🏾
The Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council is 🛡️ working to protect their community and culture. They're 🏡 fixing up homes for families, 💼 helping people start businesses, and creating special days 📅 to remember children who were taken away to boarding schools. They're also 📃 changing their constitution—the big rules that govern the tribe—and making sure their traditional ceremonies continue 🌿. The council is fighting to find missing Indigenous people 🔍 and create justice ⚖️ for families whose children have disappeared or been harmed, showing that tribal governments can take powerful action 💪 to help their people.
🗝️ Takeaways
🏛️ Constitutional sovereignty reinforced — Council pushing for 1,000+ tribal voices to shape governance framework, directly challenging US colonial impositions
👶 Indigenous children centered — ICWA committee formation and dual proclamations reveal tribe's fierce protection of youth against ongoing settler removal tactics
🏠 Housing justice advanced — Concrete action on 37+ homes demonstrates sovereignty through land reclamation and community stability
💰 Economic self-determination — Small business loan program challenges capitalist exclusion through Indigenous-centered financial infrastructure
🧡 Historical trauma acknowledged — Orange Shirt Day proclamation forces recognition of genocidal boarding school policies while honoring survivors
🌱 Cultural persistence celebrated — Cuaresma ceremonies continue uninterrupted despite centuries of attempted erasure
🔥 SOVEREIGNTY IN ACTION: Pascua Yaqui Council Champions Child Welfare While Colonial Systems Continue to Fail Indigenous Youth
Amid a crisis of missing Indigenous children, tribal leaders forge a path to protect the next generation through cultural preservation and political resistance.
By Three Sonorans | March 13, 2025
The Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council convened on March 13, 2025, at the Albert Garcia Auditorium for a meeting that proved to be profoundly significant for the tribe's future. As indigenous communities across the nation continue to fight for sovereignty and self-determination against the relentless tide of colonization, the Pascua Yaqui leadership demonstrated their commitment to protecting their children, preserving cultural heritage, and advancing housing initiatives crucial for community stability.
The meeting revealed a tribal government actively working to reclaim spaces of power while honoring those who have passed on to the spirit world—including notable figures René Balthazar and Raul Grijalva. Their contributions to Indigenous rights and tribal sovereignty leave enduring legacies in a landscape still marred by settler-colonial systems.
Council in Attendance and Ceremonial Opening
The March 13 session began with traditional ceremonial protocols, embodying the tribe's commitment to grounding governance in cultural practice. Chairman Hernandez called the meeting to order, followed by a prayer led by Councilman Muñoz.
Present at the roll call were:
Chairman Hernandez
Vice Chairman Yucupicio
Secretary Alvarez
Councilman Flores
Councilman Muñoz
Councilman Saldana
Councilwoman Sanchez
Treasurer Coupis, Councilwoman Frías, Councilwoman Alvarez Gomez, and Councilwoman Gonzales were excused.
Special Reports: Constitutional Reform and Cultural Preservation
Vice Chairman Yucupicio: Constitutional Survey and Reform Initiatives
Vice Chairman Yucupicio delivered a substantive report on the tribe's constitutional review process, emphasizing the document as "the bedrock of our governance." The constitutional reform initiative has already gathered 550-600 survey responses from tribal members, with a goal of reaching at least 1,000 by month's end.
"We're committed to ensuring it reflects the evolving needs of our tribe," Yucupicio stated, outlining plans for community meetings after Cuaresma (Lent) in early May to discuss survey results and the constitution's significance. The council aims to form committees from each community to ensure widespread participation, with constitutional amendment elections planned approximately 18 months before the next tribal council elections.
Councilman Muñoz: Cultural Preservation During Cuaresma
Councilman Muñoz delivered a passionate report on cultural activities during Cuaresma (Lent), a sacred time in Yaqui tradition. He described ongoing cultural practices at his home, where youth gather to learn traditional arts, including swordwork, woodcraft, and other ceremonial preparations.
"Lo dije, no se acaba, hasta Santa Cruz," he stated—meaning the ceremonial commitments continue until Santa Cruz (Holy Cross) celebrations. His message emphasized the continuity of cultural practices across generations and invited community members to participate in ceremonies across Yaqui communities: Guadalupe, Barrio Libre, Casa Grande, Marana, Old Pascua, and others.
Muñoz also offered condolences to the Balthazar family for René Balthazar's death, remembering shared childhood experiences and acknowledging the continued spiritual presence of ancestors: "They still help us, they still guide us once in a while, and they come visit us too."
Secretary Alvarez: MMIWG Crisis and Personal Advocacy
Secretary Alvarez delivered a profoundly personal report focusing on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) crisis, connecting her work with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) to the vulnerability of Indigenous children in the system.
She shared her participation in a candlelight vigil for Emily Pike, a 14-year-old Indigenous girl found murdered on February 14th. "Say her name," Alvarez emphasized, drawing attention to the systemic failures that leave Indigenous children vulnerable.
Alvarez also revealed her personal connection to this crisis: "I have a niece who's been missing for a couple of years now. We believe that she's been held against her will..." She shared a flyer for Connie Lopez, expressing hope for her safe return to her three children.
The Secretary announced a spiritual walk scheduled for March 14th at 5:00 PM, starting at the administration building and proceeding to San Xavier Mission to honor Emily Pike and other missing and murdered Indigenous people.
On a positive note, Alvarez congratulated her daughter on becoming a homeowner after initially not qualifying for tribal housing, encouraging young tribal members to pursue homeownership even if initially discouraged.
Councilwoman Sanchez: Education and Senior Services Update
Councilwoman Sanchez reported on Education Department activities, including an upcoming district-to-district tour to meet with school leadership serving Yaqui students. The Education Department is assessing various positions, with upcoming job postings expected on the careers website.
She acknowledged that the staff provided programming for students during spring break and mentioned a visit to the mosaic room with Mr. Valenzuela, Jacob, and Destiny to learn about health department programs.
Sanchez noted the beginning of ceremonies in Guadalupe and reminded community members to be mindful of cultural participants and observers, particularly regarding vehicle speeding near cultural grounds.
She mentioned an upcoming tribal consultation with the Department of Interior's Bureau of Education regarding Executive Order 14191 and the creation of a school choice model for BIE (Bureau of Indian Education).
Councilman Saldana: Health Oversight and Elder Services
Councilman Saldana provided updates on health oversight committee activities, noting program restructuring following Mr. Nune's retirement. He mentioned that the Council of Elders meeting was scheduled for March 20th at 11:00 AM in the Zulu Room at the Wellness Center, where community members could discuss the progress of the senior area renovation.
He reported attending a suicide prevention awareness event and plans to attend elder abuse prevention training in Mesa with Councilman Jose Saldana.
Councilman Flores: TERO Office Recognition
Councilman Flores highlighted the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO) conference hosted at Casino del Sol, which brought together TERO offices from various tribes. He acknowledged the excellent work of the staff, including Ms. Nicole Sosa, Ronnie, Varela, and Luna.
Flores emphasized TERO's role in facilitating employment opportunities for tribal members with trade skills, calling it a "hidden gem" for those who pursued trades rather than a college education.
He also offered condolences to Nicole Sosa for the loss of her brother, Henry Sosa, who worked at the casino and was a Desert Storm veteran. Additionally, he expressed condolences for René Baltasar, describing him as a "quiet, very humble" person who will be missed.
Chairman Hernandez: Administrative Updates
Chairman Hernandez briefly reported on ongoing work to fill interim positions within the tribal government, emphasizing collaboration with council members to ensure proper individuals are selected.
He noted continued efforts to address community concerns and ensure proper policies are followed.
In Memoriam: Remembering Tribal Leaders and Advocates
The council paid respects to several recently deceased community members:
René Balthazar
Remembered by Vice Chairman Yucupicio and Councilman Flores as a quiet, gentle soul who was very humble and will be deeply missed in the Pascua community.
Henry Sosa
Recognized by Councilman Flores as Nicole Sosa's brother who served as "the pool guy" at the wellness center and later at the casino resort. He was also acknowledged as a Desert Storm veteran.
Raul Grijalva
Chairman Hernandez announced the passing of Raul Grijalva, recognized as instrumental in helping the tribe secure land. Vice Chairman Yucupicio elaborated on Grijalva's contributions:
"Grijalva family has always been part of all the villages... I remember when he retired from the district. I also remember from the county board of supervisors... he always asked us to play for him at certain events... he's the one who actually put his foot down and said let's get this done... he is the main reason why Grant Road and all of OP now is part of the reservation."
Housing Department Updates and Community Development
Pablo Rivera, Housing Director, reported that P-8 housing (approximately 27 units) was completed in late December and fully released by mid-January.
Councilwoman Sanchez provided additional updates on the 37 and 37 rental renovations:
Titan will begin work on the first 10 units on Monday, March 17
GI Solutions will begin the second 10 homes on the same date
A third contract for the remaining homes was on the agenda for approval
Drexel Heights is completing three of five elderly units, expected to be ready by the following day
Yima Yabes Perez from the Community Development Division presented a resolution for a loan participation program that would help provide loans to small businesses and entrepreneurs in the community through partnerships with CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions).
Call to the Audience
Secretary Alvarez noted a procedural change: the Call to the Audience has been moved earlier in the agenda, before action items, allowing community members to share concerns before council decisions are made.
Only one community member spoke during the Call to the Audience:
Rosie Trevino
Ms. Trevino expressed gratitude upon learning that her grandmother's home (previously belonging to Anastasia M. Trevino, who passed away on May 20th) would be transferred to her. She thanked the council and community for this opportunity.
Resolution Votes and Actions
The council considered and approved fourteen resolutions, demonstrating a robust governance agenda spanning housing, health services, land transfers, human resources, economic development, and cultural protection.
Resolution C03-74-25
Purpose: Authorizing demolition of property at 2025 North Fairview Avenue in Old Pascua
Presentation: Economic Development Director Aaron Fossels
Vote: Approved unanimously (7-0)
Resolution C03-75-25
Purpose: Amending Resolution C08-255-22 to authorize submission of a capital program application to the U.S. Department of Treasury for the State Small Business Credit Initiative Program
Presentation: Yima Yabes Perez, Community Development Division
Details: Will establish a loan participation program working with a CDFI to provide loans to small businesses and entrepreneurs in the community
Vote: Approved unanimously (7-0)
Resolution C03-76-25
Purpose: Granting signing authority through the power of attorney forms to the tribe's pharmacists to execute and file DEA Form 222 for ordering Schedule II controlled substances for the Guadalupe pharmacy
Presentation: Vince Rabago from the Attorney General's office
Vote: Approved unanimously (7-0)
Resolution C03-77-25 and Ordinance 26-25
Purpose: Approving the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs application, terms of use, and pharmacy affiliation agreement for the Guadalupe pharmacy; approving an ordinance authorizing a limited waiver of sovereign immunity
Presentation: Vince Rabago from the Attorney General's office
Details: Allows the pharmacy to be part of a national database where they can send bills to providers
Vote: Approved unanimously (7-0)
Resolution C03-78-25
Purpose: Approving a construction agreement with GI Solutions LLC for Phase 3 of housing renovation exceeding $100,000
Presentation: Pablo Rivera, Housing Director
Details: For the last 10 homes in the renovation project
Vote: Approved unanimously (7-0)
Resolution C03-79-25
Purpose: Approving transfer of land assignment for residential purposes from Jesus Cordova to Alex Ray Cordova
Presentation: Richard Valenzuela, Land Office
Vote: Approved unanimously (7-0)
Resolution C03-80-25
Purpose: Approving transfer of land assignment for residential purposes from Rosalia A. Tarango to Rachel A. Tarango
Presentation: Richard Valenzuela, Land Office
Vote: Approved unanimously (7-0)
Resolution C03-81-25
Purpose: Approving the transfer of land assignment for residential purposes from Anastasia M. Trevino to Rosalia A. Tarango
Presentation: Richard Valenzuela, Land Office
Note: A scrivener's error was noted as both C03-80-25 and C03-81-25 listed the same address (7634 South Camino Rahum)
Vote: Approved unanimously (7-0)
Resolution C03-82-25
Purpose: Appointing Daniel Morales as Human Resources Director of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe
Vote: Approved (5-2)
Additional: Mr. Morales gave an acceptance speech expressing gratitude and commitment to serving the community
Resolution C03-83-25
Purpose: Approving the renewal of membership in the Arizona Indian Gaming Association (AIGA) and approving membership in Arizonans for Tribal Government Gaming (ATGG)
Vote: Approved unanimously (7-0)
Resolution C03-84-25
Purpose: Creating the Special Committee on the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Details: Will serve as a special task force to identify needs, resources, and support national efforts to protect ICWA
Vote: Approved (6-1)
Resolution C03-85-25
Purpose: Proclaiming June 15th as ICWA Day to honor the Indian Child Welfare Act and affirm the tribe's commitment to protecting Pascua Yaqui children, families, and culture
Presentation: Domingo de Gracia, ICWA supervising attorney
Details: June 15th marks the date the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed ICWA's standing and importance to Native communities
Vote: Approved unanimously (7-0)
Resolution C03-86-25
Purpose: Proclaiming September 30th as Every Child Matters Day and Orange Shirt Day
Details: Honors Indigenous children sent to residential/boarding schools, many of whom never returned home. References Phyllis Webstad's story of having her orange shirt taken when sent to boarding school
Vote: Approved unanimously (7-0)
Resolution C03-87-25
Purpose: Approving submission of a grant application to the U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Program (CTAS) in response to the FY2025 competitive grant announcement
Presentation: Hector Olivo, Assistant Chief of Police
Details: Grant with a cap of $900,000 available
Vote: Approved unanimously (7-0)
The Cultural and Political Significance of ICWA and Every Child Matters
The council's approval of proclamations for ICWA Day (June 15th) and Every Child Matters Day (September 30th) represents significant steps in acknowledging historical injustices while affirming tribal sovereignty over child welfare matters.
Domingo de Gracia, the ICWA supervising attorney, provided crucial context: "In 1978, the U.S. Congress took up an important matter in the United States, which was the disproportionate number of Native children that were being removed from their families, pulled from their communities, and placed into foster care. Many of them never returned to their Native roots or to their families."
De Gracia noted that ICWA has been "coming under attack" as "people are challenging the sovereignty of tribes and the need for having special rules, heightened rules, that will add protections for Native children in foster care."
Secretary Alvarez poignantly observed the connection between these proclamations: "If it were not for the boarding school era, we wouldn't have ICWA."
The proclamation of September 30th as Every Child Matters Day and Orange Shirt Day acknowledges the legacy of residential schools that separated Indigenous children from their families, culture, and communities – a practice that continued well into the 20th century with devastating consequences still felt today.
A Path Forward: Community Engagement and Sovereignty
The meeting reflected a tribal government actively advancing initiatives that strengthen sovereignty while addressing historical injustices:
Constitutional Reform: Gathering community input to ensure the tribe's governing document reflects evolving needs
Cultural Preservation: Maintaining ceremonial practices and traditional knowledge during Cuaresma
Child Protection: Establishing an ICWA committee and raising awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Economic Development: Supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs through innovative loan programs
Housing Initiatives: Completing and renovating homes for tribal members
Health Infrastructure: Establishing a pharmacy in Guadalupe with proper regulatory approvals
Each initiative represents a thread in the larger tapestry of tribal sovereignty and self-determination, demonstrating how indigenous governance models can effectively address community needs while honoring cultural values.
Hope and Involvement: Strengthening the Circle
The Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council's actions reflect a community determined to honor its past while building a resilient future. From constitutional reform to cultural preservation, from economic development to housing initiatives, the tribe continues to assert sovereignty in meaningful ways that benefit community members.
For those wishing to engage with tribal governance:
Attend council meetings (next meeting: March 27, 2025)
Participate in the constitutional survey (aiming for 1,000 responses)
Join the spiritual walk for MMIWG awareness (March 14, 5:00 PM)
Apply for housing opportunities or explore homeownership options
Attend cultural ceremonies during Cuaresma
Participate in the Council of Elders meeting (March 20, 11:00 AM)
As Vice Chairman Yucupicio reminds us about our ancestors, "They're still there. They still help us, they still guide us once in a while, and they come visit us too." This connection between past, present, and future remains central to the Pascua Yaqui worldview and governance approach.
