PHOENIX—As candidates for U.S.president put their campaign in high gear,many are listing promises to Indian votersaround the country what they plan to do toimprove conditions in Indian country.The political hysteria is causing the largest

turnout in primary election voting in decadesand the general election in November 2008should be no different.See a list of campaign promises made to

Indian country from the two democraticcandidates on page 20 and 21. A similarcampaign statement from republicancandidate John McCain could not be foundon his web site or through NCAI.Platforms were found on www.ncai.org

and will be updated regularly as the generalelection date nears.

VOL. 14NO. 2FEB 252008

FREE

Winslow girls take 3A crown

Presidential contenders—(top right)Sen. Barack Obama; (right) Sen. HillaryClinton; and (top) Sen. John McCain.

Presidentialhopefuls vyingfor native vote

Lori Ann PietewaMemorial Dayevents happeningon March 22-24

See page 10-11

New winner atannual HeardMuseum HoopDance contest

See page 7

Arizona Native SceneServing Phoenix, Gila River, Salt River, Fort McDowell, Tonto Apache and parts of Navajo Country

RES 2008 underway

American Indian Business Trade Fair at RES2006 in Las Vegas had over 300 booths.

Largest and longest American Indian business summitand business trade fair, the RES 2008 is expected to have3000 registrants. Now is the time to learn about businessdevelopment. See page 9 for more information about RES2008 or go to www.ncaied.org.

Navajo Code TalkerMerrill Sandovalpasses away aftershort illness

See page 14

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Photo by Danette Green

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Photo byLoren Tapahe

GLENDALE—It was a sight tobehold—screaming fans followingtheir teams to the finals on Saturday,February. 23. From Northern ArizonaUniversity Walkup Dome to theJobing.com Arena in Glendale, fans

were loyal to their teams. Nearly 8,000attended the first two rounds at NAUand over 9,000 watched the 3A girlschampionship game in Glendale. Seepage 14 for a recap of the 1A, 2A and3A games.

Photo by Loren Tapahe

Statement byElouise Cobell, leadplainiff in Cobell vsKempthorneBROWNING, MONT— Elouise

Cobell, lead plaintiff in the classaction lawsuit over the federalgovernment's mismanagement ofthe individual Indian Trust,expressed delight on the ruling byU.S. District Judge JamesRobertson in the 11-year-oldlitigation on January 30, 2008."This is a great day in Indian

Country," she said after the judge'sruling was released in Washington."We've argued for over ten years

that the government is unable tofulfill its duty to render an adequatehistorical accounting, much lessredress the historical wrongs heapedupon the individual Indian trustbeneficiaries."Instead of truthfully seeking to

remedy the government's admittedhistorical mismanagement, thegovernment elected to fightplaintiffs every step of the way."Judge Robertson has settled the

debate in favor of plaintiffs andfound that an adequate historicalaccounting is, in fact, impossible."Plaintiffs look forward to Judge

Robertson's scheduling of a hearing'determining an appropriate remedy'in light of their failure to render thecourt-ordered accounting."In his ruling, Judge Robertson

declared: "My conclusion thatInterior is unable to perform anadequate accounting of the IIM[Individual Indian Money] Trustdoes not mean that a just resolutionof this dispute is hopeless. It doesmean that a remedy must be foundfor the Department's unrepaired,and irreparable, breach of itsfiduciary duty over the last century.And it does mean that the time hascome to bring this suit to a close.”

2—Arizona Native Scene

Arizona Native Scene—3

Letters and Notices

Arizona Native SceneLoren Tapahe, Owner and Publisher

P.O. Box 4950Mesa, AZ 85211602-448-0260

FAX: 480-610-9480

Articles can not be reprinted withoutthe written consent of the publisher.All editorials are not necessarily theopinion of the newspaper nor thepublisher. Unsolicited material andphotos will not be returned unless areturn envelope with return postage issupplied. All rights reserved. Memberof the Native American Journalist

Association. Call (602) 448-0260 forinformation. Copyright 2/25/2008.

EMAIL YOURPRESS RELEASES TO:LTapahe@aol.com

or Fax to (480) 610-9480Subscription Rates:

Enclose $36 for 12 issues (1st class).Advertising rates sent upon request or forimmediate assistance, call 602-448-0260.

Casino smoke takes your breath away

Dear Relatives,Good Greetings. On September 13th 2007,

the United Nations General Assembly adoptedtheUNDeclaration on the Rights of IndigenousPeoples. Anewday has dawned for theNationsof Indigenous Peoples of the world in terms ofour legal and political relationship with thegovernment states of the UN system.The Indigenous Peoples of theworld are now

finally acknowledged for the first time as fullmembers of global society with inherent rightsof Self Determination under international law.The passage of the United Nations Declarationon the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by the UNGeneralAssemblyaddressesboth individualandcollective rights, cultural rights and identity,rights to education, health, employment,language andTreaty Rights.Some have called this historic Declaration,

which came about after decades of work withinthe UN system by generations of native leadersfrom around the world working together, as aMagna Carta for the Indigenous Peoples. Forthe first time, Indigenous Peoples are officiallyrecognized as “equal to all other peoples..”What are the implications of the Declaration

in terms of domestic policies of the USgovernment towards Native American

constituencies?What are the implications for theIndianNations andTribes ofArizona?Weinviteyou toattendan IndigenousPeoples

Consultation, which will take place onWednesday March 12th, 2008 at the ArizonaState Capitol from 10:00AM to 12:00 noon todialogue on these questions. Present will beMs.Tonya Gonnella Frichner, Onondaga Nation -Haudenosaunee Six Nations Confederacy. Ms.Gonella Frichner is current regionalrepresentative of North America for the UnitedNationsPermanentForumonIndigenousIssues.A special presentation of the UNDeclaration

on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples todignitaries of the State of Arizona is plannedduring the Indigenous Peoples Consultation.Please consider attending this historic

gathering. If you have questions regarding theConsultation,orwould like toassist or support inany way with this event, please contact: Mr.Albert Tom, Arizona House of Representatives(602) 926-5862; Shannon Rivers (480) 220-6766; or Tupac Enrique (602) 466-8367. Email:chantlaca@aol.com formore information.Thank you for your kind consideration.Tupac EnriqueAcosta,YaotachcauhTlahtokanNahuacalli, TONATIERRA

***********************************

AgendaNicanTlacah IlhuitlIndigenous Peoples DayIndigenous PeoplesCONSULTATIONWednesdayMarch 12th, 200810:00AM - 12:00Noonat Arizona State Capitol1700WestWashington, Phoenix,AZOpening Ceremony 10:00 – 10:10Greetings and Introductions 10:10 -10:20Overview of Indigenous Peoples ConsultationGoals andObjectives 10:20 -10:30Presentation of the UN Declaration on theRights of Indigenous Peoples 10:30 -10:45Comments by Tonya Gonella Frichner, Esq.,UNPFII 10:45 – 11:15Brief Statements by Invited Dignitaries andHonorable Guests 11:15- 11:30Questions, Comments, and Dialogue 11:30 –12:00Lunch 12:00United Nations Declaration on the Rights ofIndigenousPeoplesAdoptedby theUNGeneralAssembly September 13, 2007“Affirming that indigenous peoples are equal toall other peoples…”

Hello all,In recent years, I having been getting dozens

of the same kind of smoke-filled Casino airpollution messages from friends. (MessagesFrom both Native Americans and Non-Natives). Some usually reasonable people evencurse about howpathetically unhealthy itwas toeven stick their head inside a typical casino fora few minutes to the extent that they won't goback again until Casinos change and ban indoorsmoking. Contrary to public perceptions of 20years ago, secondhand smoke pollution is nowso unacceptable to most people that it it is nolonger bad for business to promote clean air andpromote good health among employees andpatrons. Fewpeople , even themost addicted ofsmokers are so self centered as to insist onsmoking indoors in shared airspace. The socialnorm throughout America and many othercountries abroad has changed drastically inrecent years about no longer wanting to breathenvironmental tobacco smoke with its cancercausing potential.It is truly refreshing to note the current

Navajo Nation Commercial Tobacco FreeSouthwest Navajo Tobacco Education and

Prevention Program (SNTEPP) Project goingforward on the Navajo Nation. "ArizonansConcerned About Smoking" (ACAS) salutesthe Navajo Courage and strongly supports theireffort as does Dr Richard H. Carmona, 17thU.S. Surgeon General, and many Health andPublic Health groups, as well as other groupswith the courage to stand up and be counted.This Navajo Nation project is particularlyimportant, and deserves our solid supportbecause it will be precedent setting by makingall 5 of the future Navajo Nation casinos opensmoke-free on the Reservation. (Unless theTribal Council is unable to resist the heavypressure now being sent their way from outsidethe Reservation by Big Commercial TobaccoCompanies and their affiliated allies.On 11-15-08, the Great American Smoke-

OutDay at Phoenix IndianMedicalCenter, 252Native Americans passed by our "ArizonansConcernedAbout Smoking" Exhibit Table. 250out of the 252 (99%) of the Native Americanssigned our Resolution calling for all Casinos toban indoor smoking and become smoke-freefor the sake of the workers, just like all otherworkplaces.Strong feelingswereexpressed that

we've got to stop treating casino employees likeunimportant second class citizens,whose healthprotection is less important than other workers.It is unfortunate that some have said incorrectlythat whenever doctors and health experts (aswell asprivate citizens)dare to speakupandaskfor remedial correction of the typical unhealthysmoke pollution and increased disease rates inCasino workers throughout America, itautomatically makes such persons both anti-business and anti-NativeAmerican.There is an unfortunate disconnect between

the view that ("smoking is great for business")as advocated in the past to be the commonCasino Business leader perception in Americaand current enlightened public social norms.Thenew reality in 2008 is thatmorenon-NativeAmericans as potential tourists and casinopatrons are driven away by the smoke, thanattracted by it. Hence most health consciouspeople don't now go to Casinos because of thesmoke. Most Native Americans regard andrecognize the casino air pollution as not theTraditional Native American Way to allowaddictively promoted commercial tobacco to bemanufactured, exploited and used. It is a

contradiction compared to the limiting of thetobacco plant use to the traditional sacredceremonial occasions. ManyNativeAmericanshave come to me to complain about allowingthe: "White Man's Commercial TobaccoSmoke" to pollute the air in our casinos and"give preventable cancer and breathingproblems to our Native American CasinoEmployees", who need jobs to support theirfamilies.The time for corrective action regarding the

smokyunhealthycasinoworkplaces inAmericahas long since passed. I believe that theNavajosare just the ones with the courage to take thecorrective action, as an important component oftheir comprehensiveCommercialTobacco FreeProject. It will be the right thing for the healthand well being of the Navajo Nation, with spinoff role model impact benefits extendingAmerica-Wide as pace setters for otherseverywhere.Respectfully,Leland L. Fairbanks, MD,MPHFamily Physician, Indian Health Service1958-88; President,Arizonans ConcernedAbout Smoking

Indigenous Peoples Consultation at state capitol Want to eat?Greetings,

This email is to inform you all that I willbe doing a "Chef's Table" style dinnerfeaturing Native American Cuisine onMarch 15, 2008.The cost is $60 per person and you will

receive amultiple coursemenu prepared foryou as you watch the action in ourproduction kitchen.Space is limited, so if you are interested

please feel free to give us a call at ClassicCooking Academy (480-502-0177) andtalk with one of our staff members forbooking information.Come and join us for a night of fine

indigenous cuisine. I hope you can join us!

Nephi CraigNACAChef FounderDirector of NativeAmerican ProgramClassic CookingAcademy10411 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Rd.Scottsdale, Arizona 85255(480)-502-0177 OfficeCCAwebsite: www.classiccooking.netNACAwebsite:www.nativeculinary.com/forum

4—Arizona Native Scene

Arizona Native Scene—5

www.nativescene.com State Tribal News

Hopi Vice Chair and 3 council reps resignPress Release submitted by the Office ofthe Hopi Chairman

Kykotsmovi, AZ – February 12, 2008 -Before a packed crowd of Hopi and Tewacitizens in Council chambers andresponding to public outcries demandingthat he step down or be removed, ViceChairman of the Hopi Tribe, ToddHonyaoma, Sr., announced in a regularlyscheduled Tribal Council meeting onTuesday that he was stepping down fromhis position as Vice Chairman. He thengathered his things and left the CouncilChambers.Three Hopi Tribal Council

Representatives Also Resigned. In thesame Tribal Council meeting on Tuesday,three Council Representatives, AleneGarcia and Henry Seweyestewa, bothrepresenting the Village of UpperMoenkopi, and Davis Pecusa,representing the Village of Bacavi,each successively announced theirresignations from Tribal Counciland left the Council Chambers.Hopi Tribal Treasurer Resigns.

Shortly after Vice ChairmanHonyaoma announced hisresignation, Hopi Tribal Treasurer,Russell Mockta, stepped forward inCouncil chambers and alsoannounced that he was resigning,effective upon appointment of hisreplacement.Hopi Chairman’s Authorities

Restored. Following at least twohours of public presentationschallenging the Tribal Council’sperformance and calling forremoval of Vice ChairmanHonyaoma and several TribalCouncil representatives, thedelegated authorities of the Officeof the Chairman were restored by aCouncil resolution rescinding threeresolutions from the previous day.On Monday, February 11, 2008

the Tribal Council passed HopiTribal Action Item #003-2008,authored by the Vice Chairman ofthe Hopi Tribe, Todd Honyaoma,Sr. The resolution was originallywritten to transfer ALL of theauthorities previously delegated tothe Office of the Chairman over toVice Chairman Honyaoma. Duringdiscussion, the language waschanged to instead return all of theChairman’s authority to the TribalCouncil. Two other action itemswere passed that day: Action Item#017-2008 to legitimize thepayment for the personal legaldefense of the Vice Chairman andTribal Secretary, and Action Item#031-2008 to suspend the Tribe’s

Appellate Court.It became evident that the Hopi and

Tewa people exerted their “ultimatepower” when they gathered outside thelegislative building to protest the actionsthat were taken by Tribal Council theprevious day. They loudly demanded tospeak to the Council. After ChairmanNuvamsa addressed the crowd theydemanded that Vice Chairman Honyaomacome out so they could hear from him.When he finally did step out to meet thecrowd he was almost mercilesslybombarded by the people’s expressions oftheir anger and dissatisfaction with hisperformance. Many demanded that he stepdown from his office.Frustrated with the apparent

unwillingness of the Tribal Council torecognize the people, they moved their

protest into the Tribal Council chambers.The room was overflowing. The TribalCouncil allowed the people to expresstheir concerns one at a time before thecouncil. Many of the people who spokedemanded that the Vice Chairman, TribalSecretary and Council RepresentativesQuochytewa and Johnson step down or beremoved.Bureau of Indian Affairs Superintendent

Wendell Honanie was also present.Immediately after the public comments, headdressed the council by informing themthat the actions taken by council onMonday sent a red flag to the federalgovernment that the tribal government wasbroken. If the BIA determines that theHopi government is dysfunctional andfederally funded programs and servicesare at risk, the Federal Government,

through the BIA, would take over theoperation of programs. SuperintendentHonanie explained that the FederalGovernment’s relationship with the HopiTribe is a government-to-governmentrelationship. This relationship requiresthat there be individuals with delegatedauthority to negotiate and sign contracts,etc. A legislative body like the TribalCouncil made up of many people cannotfulfill that requirement. The FederalGovernment recognizes the Chairman ofthe Tribe as the proper spokesperson forthe tribe.Following Superintendent Honanie’s

presentation, Representative Secakukuintroduced an Action Item to rescind allthree of the action items that had beenpassed the day before, as well asResolution #036-2007 which illegally

nullified the Special Election forChairman in 2007. The action itemrescinding the previous day’sactions passed by a vote of 9 infavor and 3 opposed. This actionfully restored the Chairman’sauthority, duties andresponsibilities; disallows thepayment of tribal funds forattorney costs for Honyaoma andFelter; and restores the tribalappellate court. It also rescindsthe resolution that nullified the2007 special election and whichthe tribal courts have ruled wasunconstitutional.“If these actions had not been

rescinded,” Nuvamsa said, “wewould have faced a long period oftotalitarianism in our government,a sort of dictatorship. Perhapseven worse we would have facedthe real prospect of the federalgovernment taking over theoperation of our programs. Thiswould have been a severe blow tothe sovereignty of the Hopi Tribe.I know the Hopi/Tewa peoplerightfully expect a representativeform of government, a democracy,and one that preserves TribalSovereignty.”“Monday was the darkest day in

Hopi history,” said ChairmanNuvamsa. “Now, there is a newhorizon and I am hopeful that wecan begin to restore thegovernment to one that isresponsive to the people and thatputs the best interests of theHopi/Tewa people first. Onceagain, the people have spoken. Letus begin the healing process anddo what is expected of us as civilservants”.

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This memorandum is intended to provide guidance and direction on the operation of programs, and to summarize the actions of the Tribal Council of February 12, 2008, for your information.

Mr. Todd Honyaoma, Sr., announced his resignation as Vice Chairman of the Hopi Tribe at 1:19 p.m. on February 12, 2008, at the Tribal Council meeting. Council representatives Alene Garcia, Henry Seweyestewa and Davis Pecusa also stepped down as council representatives; and Russell Mockta who resigned as Treasurer of the Hopi Tribe.

The authorities and powers of the Tribal Chairman were restored by a majority vote of the Tribal Council on Action Item No. 040-2008, which rescinds previous action on Action Item No. 003-2008. Action Item No. 003-2008 was intended to rescind all prior and existing authorities of the Office of the Tribal Chairman. The February 11, 2008, action by the Tribal Council on Action Item No. 017-2008 to authorize payment of attorney fees to Jones, Skelton and Houchli was also rescinded on February 12, 2008, as was prior action on Action Item 031-2008 which was intended to suspend the Hopi Tribal Appellate Court. In addition, Resolution H-036-2007 through which the Tribal Council nullified the 2007 Special Election was also rescinded.

Given the above, please be informed that all prior and existing powers and authorities of the Office of the Tribal Chairman are restored. Therefore, continue to submit documents and correspondence requiring the approval and signature of the Chairman, to the Office of the Tribal Chairman for processing.

I look forward to continued and improved operation of programs and services. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Cc: Office of the Tribal Secretary Office of the Tribal TreasurerOffice of the General CounselBIA Superintendent Wendell HonanieHopi Health Care CenterHopi Tribal Council and Villages

6—Arizona Native Scene

Arizona Native Scene—7

PHOENIX– In another extremely close contest, justfive points separated the first four places in the HeardMuseum’s 18th Annual World Championship HoopDance Contest. Charles Denny, Chippewa/Cree/Ute,from Fort Duchesne, Utah, captured theAdult Divisiontitle of World Champion. Denny, last year’s TeenDivision Champion, won by only three points oversecond place winner Brian Hammill, Ho Chunk, ofPhoenix, Ariz.This year’s event on February 9 and 10 drew 67

dancers and more than 10,000 spectators.Taking third place was Lowery Begay, Dinè, from

Jonesborough, Tenn. Lane Jensen, Navajo/Maricopa,from Holbrook, Ariz., won 4th place, with fifth placegoing to Jasmine Ray Pickner, Crow Creek-Dakota, ofRapid City, S.D. Nakotah LaRance, Hopi/Tewa, ofFlagstaff, Ariz., brought home a sixth place trophy.Hoop dancing incorporates speed and agility as

dancers maneuver their bodies through one to morethan 50 hoops. Dancers also integrate creative designsand difficult manipulations of the hoops to present aunique variation of the dance.This year’s event, considered the most competitive

hoop dance contest in the world was presented byCasino Arizona, with support from Macy’s and the JayKahn Memorial Fund. Competitors danced in fivedivisions: Senior, Adult, Teen, Youth and Tiny Tot. Inthe top four age categories, dancers compete in threeelimination rounds for the World Champion title, andwinners share in $10,000 in prize money. This year, thefour first place winners also received gift cards fromMacy’s.In the Senior Division, Moontee Sinquah,

Hopi/Tewa/Choctaw, of Glendale,Ariz., took the title of

Senior World Champion. Second place honors went toTerry Goedel, Yakama/Tulalip, from RanchoCucamonga, Calif., and South Dakota resident DallasChief Eagle, Rosebud Sioux, claimed third.In the Teen Division, Kevin Dakota Duncan,

Apache/Arikara/Hidatsa/Mandan, of Mesa, Ariz.,claimed the teen champion title. JMichael Loren Crank,Navajo/Comanche, of Provo, Utah, took second placeand Michigan resident Cheyenne Petoskey,Odawa/Chippewa, rounded out the top three.First and second places in the Youth Division went to

Peshawbestown,Mich., sistersWaskwaneandBeedoskahStonefish, Odawa/Chippewa/Delaware/ Pottawotami.Third place was awarded to A. J. Akachuk,Cree/Assiniboine/Acoma of Merritt, B. C., Canada, andfourth place was claimed by Talon Duncan,Apache/Arikara/Hidatsa/Mandan, of Mesa,Ariz.The littlest dancers in the Tiny Tot Division, 13 in all,

split $350, as well as receiving a talking Shrek doll fromMacy’s.The judges included: Randy Medicine Bear, Rosebud

Sioux, from Loveland, Colo.,Andy Grant, Eastern BandCherokee, from Cherokee, N.C., Kevin Connywerdy,Comanche, fromNorman,Okla.,MikeSalabiye,Navajo,from Window Rock, Ariz., and Jackie Bird,Sioux/Mandan/Hidatsa, from Brookings, S.D.The Mandaree Singers from Mandaree, ND, led by

Noel Scott Baker, Mandan/Hidatsa/Arikara, served ashost Northern Drum. Bad Medicine from Carnegie,Oklahoma, led by Joe Fish Dupoint, Kiowa, served ashost Southern Drum.The 19th Annual World Championship Hoop Dance

Contest is set for February 7 & 8, 2009.INFO: Call 602.252.8848 or visit heard.org.

www.nativescene.com Local News

18th Annual Heard Museumhoop dance championshipswelcomes new champs

Adult Category Winners

Senior Category Winners

Teen Category Winners

Youth Category Winners

Story by Debra Krol, Heard Museum, Photos by Loren Tapahe

50th Annual Heard Indian Market nextDOWNTOWN—One of the Valley’s oldest events,

the HeardMuseumGuild Indian Fair &Market in 2008is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Since its early days,the event has grown from a small, community event toa world-acclaimed festival that draws nearly 20,000visitors and over 650 of the nation’s most outstandingand successful American Indian artists. Among theguests are thousands of collectors from across thecountry who arrive early to be the first to purchase one-of-a-kind jewelry, pottery, baskets, katsina dolls,textiles, fine art and more.In addition to artwork, you can enjoy an array of

American Indian music and dance performances in themuseum’s outdoor amphitheatre throughout theweekend.Visitors can sample a variety of foods includingAmericanIndian fry bread, posole stew, piki bread andHopi stew aswell as Mexican andAmerican fare.Six renowned Indian artists - Caroline Carpio, Isleta;

Anita Fields, Osage; Teri Greeves, Kiowa and DennisEsquivel, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa andChippewa; and Terrance Guardipee and CatherineBlack Horse, Blackfeet - are creating four 2-foot 50th

Anniversary Painted Ponies donated by The Trail ofPainted Ponies in memory of Gary Avey, creator ofNative PeoplesMagazine. Drawing tickets go on sale inSeptember, and winners will be drawn on March 2.Proceeds benefit the Heard Museum Guild AmericanIndian Student Art Endowment Fund. Visitheardguild.org for information.The 50th anniversary signature poster by Chippewa

painter David Bradley will be unveiled at an elegantevening reception on January 10. Plus, meet all thefeatured Fair artists at the Best of Show Reception onFebruary 29. Keep an eye out for the commemorative50th t-shirts and posters currently on sale.An exhibit ofmemorabilia from Fairs past was unveiled on January10, and will be on-view throughout the Fair.The market takes place Saturday and Sunday, March

1 & 2, 2008, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Heard Museumon 2301 N. Central, Phoenix (A Best of ShowReception will be held Friday, February 29 at 5:30 p.m.Visitors can preview the winning artwork, meet theartists and enjoy a catered dinner.)Updates will be available at www.heardguild.org.

8—Arizona Native Scene

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Arizona Native Scene—9

www.nativescene.com National Business News

PHOENIX—The nation’s leadingNative American business conference,Reservation Economic Summit (RES2008), will be held March 3-6, 2008, inLas Vegas, Nevada, at the Las VegasHilton.Tickets are selling quickly as tribal

leaders, business development decisionmakers, government and corporateexecutives prepare to gather at the largestand longest running national AmericanIndian business development conferenceand trade show in the nation, sponsored bythe National Center for American IndianEnterprise Development (NCAIED). Morethan 3,000 people are expected to attendRES 2008: Partnering to Expand BusinessOpportunity and Success in IndianCountry.“RES 2008 is the ideal time for tribes,

government entities, business leaders andcorporations to come together to developcontracting prospects,” Scott Gregory,Acting President and CEO of NCAIEDsaid. “This is the ultimate networking andbusiness partnership-buildingopportunity.”Features of the three day conference

include: keynote speakers presenting the

latest information on government policyand updates on the latest economicdevelopment trends; break out sessionscovering topics, trends and issuesaffecting businesses, government and

communities in Indian Country; more than350 trade show exhibitors ranging fromsmall business owners to tribal enterpriseto corporations.Several new features have been added to

this year’s conference including a poolsidereception and networking opportunityMonday evening and a new“matchmaking” Procurement Pavilion, asystem that matches buyers and sellers atthe conference, allowing parties to set upface-to-face meetings. Also new this year,the Trade Fair will be extended to a dayand a half.Prestigious awards will be presented

during RES 2008 including the TribalLeadership Award, the American IndianBusiness Owner of the Year Award andmany more.RES 2008 sponsors include Lockheed

Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman,Flintco, Pace Pacific, The U.S.Department of the Interior, WashingtonMutual, KeyBank and Hilton.For more information about the event,

including how to register and obtainsponsorship opportunities, visitwww.ncaied.org.If you are a member of the media

requesting access to the conference and/orwould like to schedule interviews, pleasecontact Melissa Wenzel (602) 357-4701 orMelissa@ams-companies.com.

PHOENIX—With the RES 2008conference around the corner, planners forthe Reservation Economic Summit 2008(RES 2008) have announced some of thisyear’s award winners of the covetedAmerican Indian Business of the Year, TribalEnterprise of the Year and YouthEntrepreneurs of the Year. Announcing thewinners of these particular awards providesmedia with excellent interview and photoopportunities. Winners include interestingand inspiring profiles such as a NativeAmerican technology manufacturingcompany, a metal manufacturing enterpriseand even youth entrepreneurs who startedtheir company making Native Americanclothing for teddy bears.AwardeesAmerican Indian Business of theYearWells TechnologyTribal Enterprise of theYearMuskogee MetalworksYouth Entrepreneurs of theYearGenMari Creations“We are honored to recognize these

businesses and ventures for their outstandingefforts and contributions to the Nativeworkforce, “Scott Gregory, Acting President

and CEO of NCAIED said. “Their spirit ofenterprise is inspiring.”RES 2008 is the nation’s leading Native

American business conference and will beheld March 3-6, 2008, in Las Vegas, Nevada,at the Las Vegas Hilton. The conference willbe attended by tribal leaders, businessdevelopment decision makers, governmentand corporate executives from across thecountry. RES 2008 is the largest and longestrunning national American Indian businessdevelopment conference and trade show inthe nation, presented and produced by theNational Center for American IndianEnterprise Development (NCAIED). Morethan 3,000 people are expected to attend RES2008: Partnering to Expand BusinessOpportunity and Success in Indian Country.AboutAndyWells ofWells TechnologyPresident and CEO of Wells Technology,

Andy Wells, takes pride in producing highquality products, using the latest in machinecapabilities and technology. Mr. Wells, amember of the Red Lake Band of ChippewaIndians, in Bemidji, Minnesota, produces avariety of products for the aerospace,electronic, food, medical and defenseindustries.

The Business Owner of the Year award ispresented to a business owned and operatedby an American Indian(s) who demonstratesgood “corporate citizenship” in thecommunity. Mr. Wells started anapprenticeship program called WellsAcademy is a non-profit apprenticeshipprogram connected toWells Technology. It isgeared toward providing young members ofthe tribe with job training in manufacturing.About Muskogee MetalworksA subsidiary of Creek Indian Enterprises,

the economic development arm of the PoarchCreek Indians, Muskogee Metalworks is thisyear’s recipient of the Tribal Enterprise of theYear award for its outstanding service,growth and business in Indian Country.Operating for nearly 20 years, MuskogeeMetalworks’ primary business is designingand manufacturing metal fabricatedhardware, but also offers a variety of servicessuch as electronics, warehousing andengineering.About GenMari CreationsSisters Genevieve and Marita

Growingthunder founded GenMari Creationsin 2006. Early last year, the girls began todiversify their product base from cookies to

handcrafted specialty items such asbeadwork, jewelry and ornaments. With theassistance of the Graywolf Trading Companyand a manufacturer in Minneapolis, MN, thegirls developed Native American styleclothing for dolls including a specialty toy,the “Powwow Bear.”Both girls reside in Polson Montana on the

Flathead Indian Reservation. Theirpartnership in business is a natural nexus.Genevieve, a student at Polson MiddleSchool became interested in business in thefourth grade after participating in anentrepreneurial introduction program, theCherryValleyTownSquare.Marita, a studentat Linderman Elementary, has been sketchingdesigns since she was five years old and hasbeen developing the business plan for thecompany.If you are a member of the media

requesting access to the conference and/orwould like to schedule interviews with theaward winners, please contact MelissaWenzel (602) 357-4701 or Melissa@ams-companies.comFor more information about the event, visit

www.ncaied.org.

Prestigious Outstanding Native American Businesses andEntrepreneurs awards named and to be given at RES 2008

Largest and longest national American Indian business conferenceRES 2008 to begin March 3 in Las Vegas

MHA Buffalo Enterprises, Inc.show off their merchandise at the RES 2006. TheAmerican Indian Business Trade Show for RES 2008 is expected to draw over350 booths. Photo by Loren Tapahe

10—Arizona Native Scene

5th

ANNUAL MEMORIAL EVENTS

FOR LORI ANN PIESTEWA AND OUR FALLEN HEROES

AND THEIR MOTHERS ANDFAMILY MEMBERS

You are invited to join the Piestewa Family, former POWs Shoshana Johnson, Jessica Lynch,

Joseph Hudson, Patrick Miller, Edgar Hernandez and their families

1. LORI PIESTEWA MEMORIAL GOURD DANCE & SOCIAL POWWOW with

COLOR GUARD PASS AND REVIEW HONORING OUR FALLEN HEROES,

POWS, AND ALL VETERANS

TIME: Saturday, March 22; 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

WHERE: Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Recreation Center

Call Loren at 602-448-0260 or vendor spaces

Check www.nativescene.com for more information

2. SUNRISE MEMORIAL SERVICE AT PIESTEWA PEAK

TIME: Monday, March 24; 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

WHERE: PIESTEWA PEAK IN PHOENIX AT THE APACHE RAMADA Everyone is invited. Parking is limited; please carpool, see map for directions.

3. LUNCHEON IN HONOR OF MOTHERS AND FAMILIES WHO HAVE LOST

LOVED ONES IN THE WAR & CANDLELIGHT VIGIL FOR ALL FALLEN

HEROES

TIME: Monday, March 24; 12:30p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: RADISSON FORT MCDOWELL RESORT BALLROOM

Piestewa Family and former POWs will attend.Please RSVP to Ernest or Liz (see contact information below)

Discounted room rates available at the Radisson. Call 480-789-5300 or 1-800-715-0328 and ask for

“Piestewa Memorial” rates while they are still available. Breakfast burritos/coffee/tea will be served at the

Sunrise Service. Traditional or military dress encouraged at all events. All events are open to the public!

Sponsors: Piestewa Memorial Committee, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona

Luncheon RSVP & General Information: Ernest Martinez 602-312-8663 azforpiestewa@cox.net,

Liz Gonzales 623-334-9393 lizzyjane323@aol.com

POWWOW, Gourd Dance, Vendor Space Loren Tapahe 602-448-0260 LTapahe@aol.com

Color Guard Units POC: Josie Delsi, 520-836-1022 kakar_delsi@cgmailbox.com

More Information at www.nativescene.com

Financial assistance respectfully requested! Send tax-deductible donations to

Piestewa Memorial Committee, ITCA, 2214 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix Arizona 85004

MARCH 22-24, 2008

Arizona Native Scene—11

www.nativescene.com People News

Story and photo by Loren Tapahe

FLAGSTAFF—“We are always on thego” says Percy Piestewa, the grand-mother toCarla who just turned eight on January 31and Brandon, age 9. Carla is in the secondgrade and Brandon is in third grade.Carla and Brandon are the children of the

late Lori Ann Piestewa, who was the firstNative American women killed in combatwhile serving in the United States military.As grandma Percy and grandpa Terry were

gathered around the dinner table they werethinking of the next place to go and who wasgoing to take the two to their next activities.Carla and Brandon have choir practice

tonight. They both love to sing and they arepart of their church choir.Carla's favorite hobby is her animals. She

has six turtles, one rabbit, seven dogs, onecat, and three parakeets, one rooster, and twohorses. One given by the Cheyenne-ArapahoTribe which she was 4-years old. She namedthe horse “Arapaho Star”. She hopes to be aveterinarian when she grows up.Besides singing with the church choir,

Carla has many other hobbies.

She was just recentlyasked to compete ingymnastics. She is aBrownie Scout and isactively selling cookiesfor her troop. She is ayellow belt in TaeKwon Do and goes toclasses twice a week,and is hoping to playsoftball again thissummer. Carla is a veryavid reader and herfavorite book to read isthe Bible.Carla is also taking

piano lessons andplayed (with bothhands) for the dinnerguest a song sherecently learned.Brandon also has a love for all animals and

helps his sister in caring for them.Brandon played football for his first time

this past fall. Brandon is now playingbasketball for the upward program. He has agreat love for singing like his sister and

belongs to the churchchoir. Brandon is ayellow belt in TaeKwon Do, and ishoping to play baseballthis summer.Terry and Percy say

they are very blessed tohave Brandon andCarla, they keep theirlives very active. “Wetag team in drivingthem to and from theirvarious activities,”Percy said.Terry spends a lot of

time at home, latelypushing snow to keepthe drive way clear.Percy volunteers at thekid's school, sometimes

in the classroom, and sometime on their fieldtrips. She has friends over on Wednesdaysand do low impact aerobics. She is aEucharist Minister and a Lector forMass andloves the opportunity to serve God and hercommunity. She says, “God has truly blessed

us in many ways.”Regarding fellow Army buddies of Lori,

Percy says they stay in touch with Jessica,Shoshanna, and Joe Hudson and we'relooking forward to seeing them at the annualmemorial services.Traveling has lessen so the family spends a

lot of time sharing the beautiful home that“Extreme Make Over: Home Edition” andShea Homes built for us.“Lori Ann Piestewa, was truly a

wonderful, loving, and caring person,” shesigned. “ Through her passing, she hasspread all these beautiful traits to manydifferent people, communities, states, andcountries. All these many different peopleand communities have come together witheach other in recognizing not only ourfamily, but the families of other militarypersonnel who serve our country.We are soproud of all military personnel past andpresent who protect our freedoms. We arevery humbled, and thank you does notseem sufficient for [what] everyone hasdone for us and the others, but from thePiestewa Family "Thank You," and “MayGod Bless Us, One and All.”

Carla and Brandon Piestewa “always on the go”according to grandparents Percy and Terry

Carla at the piano with brother,Brandon and grandparentsPercy and Terry Piestewa.

12—Arizona Native Scene

Arizona Native Scene—13

14—Arizona Native Scene

www.nativescene.comNavajo News

WINDOWROCK—Navajo President JoeShirley, Jr., ordered flags on the NavajoNation to fly at half-staff from Feb. 13 to Feb.16 to honor Navajo Code Talker Merril L.Sandoval who died Feb 11. He was 82.“The lateMerril L. Sandoval was a Navajo

Code Talker who served the United States ofAmerica and the Navajo Navajo withcourage, honor, and distinction,” PresidentShirley said in his proclamation.Mr. Sandoval died at St. Joseph’s Hospital

in Phoenix after an illness. His family said hehas been in declining health for the past year.Mr. Sandoval was born April 18, 1925, at

Nageezi, N.M., but lived in Tuba City, Ariz.,for the past 44 years.As a student, he attended Farmington

Methodist Mission School where he learnedto speak English. In 1943, he enlisted in theUnited States Marine Corps in Santa Fe,N.M. After boot camp in San Diego, Mr.Sandoval was transferred to Camp Pendletonto the Radio Communication School wherehe was trained as a Navajo Code Talker.Mr. Sandoval served with the 2nd and 5th

Marine Division in the Hawaiian Islands,Saipan, Iwo Jima, and the occupation ofJapan. He was discharged inMarch 1946 as a

corporal.On Feb. 19, 1945,

Mr. Sandoval was sentwith the Marine unitswho invadedJapanese-held IwoJima.Mr. Sandoval's job

was to stay behind thefront line to translate

reports from two-man Code Talker teamselsewhere on the island.Mr. Sandoval then sent these messages

back to military commanders based onHawaii. He was also responsible for passingorders to the U.S. Marines on the front line.“I was on guard duty the morning of

January 19, 1945,” he was quoted as sayingon his web site. “It must have been around 5or 6 o'clock when I saw what looked likelightening over the top of this little island.Our ship was heading in that direction. Itwasn't too long after that when ourcommanding officers ordered us to get readyto disembark. I soon found out the island wasIwo Jima.”“There was no question we'd fight,” he

said of the Navajo soldiers of World War II.

“We understood all about people taking landfrom us. That was what was happening overthere.”His daughter, Jeannie Sandoval of

Espanola, N.M., said she traveled with herfather when he was asked to speak across thecountry about his experience as a NavajoCode Talker.“When he finished speaking he would

receive a standing ovation,” she said fromTuba City. “It was heartfelt, genuine and real.But he always said his heroes were those whodidn’t make it back.”Following his honorable discharge, Mr.

Sandoval completed his high schooleducation at Sherman Institute in Riverside,Calif., and then went on to graduate fromAlbuquerque Indian School.After High School, Mr. Sandoval learned

to be a machinist at Haskell Institute inLawrence, Kansas. He began his career as amachinist with Bendix Aviation in KansasCity, Missouri.In 1951, Mr. Sandoval married, Lorraine

Humetewa Shingoitewa Sandoval of TubaCity. He soon began to work for Garrett AirResearch in Phoenix. Mr. Sandoval was amachinist for 15 years before returning to the

Navajoland in 1963. He then joined theNavajo Tribal Police Force for three years.He then became a legal advocate for

D.N.A. Legal Services.Mr. Sandoval retired from the D.N.A.

Legal Services after 23 years but continued topractice as a private tribal advocate. He alsoserved as interpreter for the tribal legal courtsfor another 16 years.Mr. Sandoval was preceded in death by his

son Gerald Sandoval, and his brothers RogerH. Sandoval and Franklin D. Sandoval, andsister Beulah Kelly.He is survived by his wife Lorraine, his son

Gary Sandoval, and his daughters JeannieSandoval, Sharon Iron andMaxine Sandoval.He is also survived by his brothers, Samuel

Sandoval and Bert Sandoval, and his sisters,Mabel Penn, Nellie Sandoval, and BetsySandoval. Mr. Sandoval’s brother, SamuelSandoval, was also a Navajo Code Talker.Mr. Sandoval’s maternal clan is Zuni-Edgewater (Naaste`ezheh Tabaaha) and hispaternal clan is Red Bottom People(T’aschi’I Diné ).Mr. Sandoval had 17 grandchildren, 22

great-grandchildren, and one great-greatgrandchild.

Navajo President orders flags half staff to honor late Code Talker

GLENDALE—It was a sight to behold—screaming fans following their teams to the finals onSaturday, February. 23. From Northern ArizonaUniversity Walkup Dome to the Jobing.com Arenain Glendale, fans were loyal to their teams.Wednesday and Thursday, February 13 and 14

were big attendance days of nearly 9,000 at NAU asAlchesay, Ganado, Window Rock, Winslow, andMonument Valley were in town to play.1A Girls ChampionshipRock Point made a valiant stand to tie the game at

50-50 and take the game into overtime againstpernennial favorite Fredonia. But they came upshort in overtime and lost 56-53. They played hardbut after three starters fouled out in overtime, RockPoint could not match the offensive play ofFredonia. This is the first time Rock Point has madeit to the finals.2A Girls BracketSan Carlos, Grehills, Hopi andValley Sanders, all

reservation teams didn’t make past the first round,except for Hopi who beat Wilcox, then lost toMorenci. Pusch Ridge became the eventual champbeating St. Johns.2A Boys BracketSan Carlos, Valley Sanders, Hopi, Greyhills, all

reservation teams entered the state tournament withGreyhills and San Carlosmaking past the first roundbut losing in the second round. Northwest Christianbecame the eventual champ beating Thatcher.3A Boys BracketA lot of reservation teams made the playoffs

including Alchesay, Window Rock, Monument

Valley, Chinle, Tuba City, with border schools suchas Holbrok, Parker, and Maricopa listing manyNative players. Many of the teams were pittedagainst one another in the early rounds so Tuba Cityand Chinle played against each other in the firstround and Monument Valley and Chinle againsteach other in the second round. Chinle was the onlyreservation team to make is pass the second andfaced eventual winner Estrella Foothills.3A Girls ChampionshipWinslow and GanadoIn the semifinal game, Ganado played

tremendous basketball to put away Globe easilywith a 79-43 win, but could not fine the basketagainst Winslow. Winslow had a tough gameagainst Monument Valley in the semifinals whichgave them the needed experience for the finals.Winslow pulled away in the fourth quarter to beatMonument Valley 43-33 in the semifinals.Both Winslow and Ganado in the championshop

game were evenly matched in size and skill withWinslow leading by five or six points until mid-wayin the third quarter when Ganado took a brief twopoint lead. Winslow came back and scored sixunanswered points and never relinquished the leadand later won 54-50.Nearly 9,000 fans attended the championshop

game at the Jobing.com arena in Glendale.4A Girls ChampionshipPage girls played with determination but missed

layups and short jumpers to lose to WashingtonSchool of Tucson 60-39. It was a three-peat forWashington.

Winslow takes 3A girls crown with Ganado second; Rock Rockgirls reach 2nd place in 1A and Page girls finish second in 4A

Winslow girls take state 3A title

Rock Point girls reach 2nd in 1A finals

Arizona Native Scene—15

www.nativescene.com Navajo News

Cook Schoolfor Christian LeadershipInvites you to attendthe Cook School CampusCommemoration

Window Rock,AZ – The color code usedby the Emergency Operation Center’s(EOC) Strike Team is being adopted bychapter’s that are assessing theircommunities. The color codes are red, greenand blue.Red is used for an extreme medical

emergency. This means a person at aresidence is in an unstable condition, inneed of immediate medical attention. Someexamples of what unstable means, butdescriptions are not limited to just theseexamples, are if a person is unconscious;having breathing difficulties, uncontrollablebleeding, experiencing an allergic reaction,severe burns or in a situation where amedical practitioner has determined anindividual is in need of immediate medicalattention. Green is used to indicate anextreme need for fuel, meaning firewood,propane, or coal. Blue is used to indicate anextreme need for food and water.These color codes are directed at people

in remote areas where access is impossibledue to deep snow or very muddy conditionswhich limits access to supplies.Chapters must submit assessments to the

Emergency Operation Center located in theNavajo Training Center.Chapter governments are also advised to

document all emergency response activitiesincluding equipment used, personnel whoworked, their hours, expenses and whoresponded to requests for assistance.Because of the expenses related toemergency response, the EOC and NavajoNation Government are urgingdocumentation.The EOC encourages safety practices in

all emergency response activities. Peopleshould dress appropriately and plan withweather conditions in mind. It is muddy andsome areas have up to 4 feet of snow.The most impacted communities are

along the Chuska Mountains and theDefiance Plateau. Communities with verylittle weather impact are Cameron, TubaCity, Tohajilee and Alamo.

EOC color codesemergency needs

STATE CAPITOL—The Navajo CodeTalker Memorial Foundation dedicated a16-foot bronze replica of a Navajo CodeTalker kneeling with a radio givingmessages in WWII on Thursday, February28, 2008. The monument is at the WesleyBolin Memorial Plaza on the grounds ofthe Arizona State Capitol, 1700 WestWashington Street, Phoenix.“We are excited to have reached our end

goal of raising the remainder of the fundsthat we needed and we are inviting thepublic, especially the Navajo Nation to

join us in paying homage to our brothers,the Navajo Code Talkers,” said PeterMacDonald, Chairman of the Navajo CodeTalker Memorial Foundation.The Navajo Code Talker Memorial

Foundation received the remaining$200,000 that was needed to complete thememorial with the assistance of asupportive resolution sponsored by NavajoNation Council Delegate Young Jeff Tom(Mariano Lake/Smith Lake). “We aregrateful to Mr. Tom for his support of theNavajo Code Talkers,” said Joe Hart, Vice-

Chairman. “It shows just how much theNavajo Nation Council and the memberstruly support these men for their service toour country,” he added.The Foundation began as a result of

legislation introduced by Arizona StateRepresentative Sylvia Laughter in 2003.Thereafter, Governor Jane D. Hulldelivered a proclamation to recognize thedistinguished service of the Navajo CodeTalkers during World War II and were alsopresented with certificates of recognitionfor their service with a resolution was read

in their honor. In 2004, Laughterintroduced another bill that would allowfor the placement of a monument on thegrounds of the state capitol. TheFoundation was formed for the expresspurpose of raising funds to install themonument at the Wesley Bolin MemorialPlaza.The dedication included a formal

program on the floor of the Arizona Houseof Representatives, with the Navajo CodeTalkers attending as guests of honor.

NCT foundation dedicates monument at Arizona state capitol

Saturday, March 8, 2008708 South Lindon LaneTempe, Arizona

480-968-9354,Ext. 130 or 146R.S.V.P.

Activities Planned for the Day

Greet the Sun and Sunrise

10 AM - Flag Raising/HonoringFormer Presidents and Students

12 PM - Lunch

2 PM - Native American Feast

Story Poles CeremonyCultural Dancing & Music

6 PM - Singspiration

Continuing to Educate, Empower, and Equip Native Americans forLeadership in Their Churches and Communites.

16—Arizona Native Scene

www.nativescene.comLocal News

PHOENIX—DianaDevine,CEOofNativeAmerican Connections was given theBusiness LeaderAward by theYoungWomenChristian’s Association (YWCA) at aluncheon on February 21, 2008 in Phoenix.Award recipients are selected based on:

leadership activities of life experiences thatexemplify her commitment to the eliminationof discrimination and empowerment ofwomen, and how the recipient has gone above

and beyond the scope ofjob requirements and/orlife's work to further theirmission. In addition,based on communityservice activities, personal achievements orawards , offices held in civic and serviceorganizations such as charitable activities,political pursuits, religious groups, andassociations play a part in the selection.

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Phoenix Public Library partners with theAloha Festival to present a series ofprograms highlighting Hawaiian dance,music and body art.“The Art of Hawaiian Hula”-- Hula

instructor Kaimi Valdez and dancers fromthe award-winning Kaimikahu’s Hale OHula will demonstrate the energy, grace andstyle of Hawaiian Hula on March 5 – 7 to8:30 p.m. Burton Barr Central Library, 1221N. Central Ave.“Ki Ho’alu: Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar”-

- Recording artist Dana “Moon” Kahele willperform traditional and original music on theslack key guitar, an acoustic instrumentunique to Hawaii on March 12 – 7 to 8:45p.m. Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N.Central Ave. and March 13 – 7 to 8 p.m.

Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd.“Ke Kakau: The Art and Culture of

Traditional Polynesian Tattooing” -- One ofHawaii’s leading experts on Polynesianculture, Keone Nunes, will present thetraditions, history and significance of kakau(tattooing) in Hawaiian culture on March 13– 7 to 8:30 p.m. Burton Barr Central Library,1221 N. Central Ave. and on March 14 –4:30 to 6 p.m. Desert Sage Library, 7602W.Encanto Blvd.The programs are presented through

funding from the Phoenix Office ofArts andCulture andArizona Commission on theArtswith additional assistance to bring Kaheleand Nunes to Phoenix provided by HawaiianAirlines. For more information, call 602-262-4636 or visit phoenixpubliclibrary.org.

Phoenix Public Library presentsHawaiian culture programs

2849 E. Main Street, Mesa (Lindsey & Main Street)

Kumu Kaimikahu Matthews-Valdez givenAloha Festival Kokua Award

Diana Devine, CEO of NACgiven business leader award

DianaDevine

PHOENIX—The 2008Arizona Aloha Festival KokuaAward was named and will begiven to Kumu KaimikahuMatthews-Valdez at this year’sAloha Festival.The award which recognizes

thoseArizona residents that fosterbetter understanding of andgenerate direct impact upon both Polynesianpeoples and the community at large.Kumu Kaimi is a busy person; full-time

mom, full-time job, full-time halau – yetnever says no. She is a talented, kind,

generous, compassionate, smartand happy-go-lucky. In addition,Kumu Kaimi has the distincthonor of being the youngestcommunity leader to receive thisaward.The board also complimented

Kaimikahu Hale O Hula haumanaand its organization for

perpetuating that great Aloha Spirit KumuKaimi upholds.The Arizona Aloha Festival will be held

on March 15 and 16 with Kumu beinghonored on Sunday afternoon at the festival.

You are invited to join Native Health in awalk to bless the land and communities ofPhoenix. The walk is a Native AmericanPrayer for the Land as a traditional way ofhealing and connecting with the land. Thewalk will be held Saturday, March 8, 2008 at6:30AM and is a 16-mile prayer walk.It will begin at SouthMountain (S. Central

Ave. & Piedmont) and go to NorthMountain(near 7th Ave. & Hatcher). The walk is tobless the land, the people and experience thepower of prayer.For registration and information please

call Roy A Johnston at 602-279-5262 oremail rjohnston@nachci.com or ElmerMyron at emyron@nachci.com.

Walk for the Land and the People

Arizona Native Scene—17

www.nativescene.com Local News

Globe, AZ—Mary Kim Titla’s campaignto become the nation’s first NativeAmericanwoman elected to Congress continues to gainmomentum by garneringmore endorsementsamong members of various tribes.Congressional District 1 has one of the

largest American Indian populations (at 22percent) among districts in the country.‘This race is all about Arizona’s

congressional District One and its challengesfor the future. These endorsements aresignificant because it demonstrates ourcampaign is no longer a campaign; it’s amovement. These statements attest to therespect Mary Kim has earned through heryears of service. They are people who knowMary Kim and what she stands for,’ saidRandyCamacho, Titla’s CampaignManager.Endorsement Quotes:‘I fully support Mary Kim Titla’s efforts

and I trust that she will provide guidance,leadership and support for not only Indianpeople but the general population of thiscountry.’Joe Garcia, Ohkay Owingey (NM)President, Nat’l Congress ofAmericanIndians; Chairman,All Indian PuebloCouncil"It's time for a change! Mary Kim Titla

fits that change needed for District 1. We're

in need of integrity, compassion, knowledgeand honest leadership."Allen Tsinigine, Navajo (Page, AZ)Former President of the National IndianEducationAssociation

‘Mary Kim Titla is a woman ofimpeccable character and integrity with aprofound knowledge of the issues affectingthe people of Arizona and will prove anexceptional advocate for Arizona and theUnited States congress.’Pete Homer Jr.,Colorado River Indian TribesPresident, National Indian BusinessAssociation

‘I believe that Mary Kim Titla is the bestcandidate for Arizona’s 1st district. Thedistrict is very diverse and needs a leader thatreflects the traditional values and ruralhistory of the district. I believe that MaryKim Titla is that leader.’RonAndrade, La Jolla Tribe (CA)Former Executive Director,National Congress of American Indians

‘Arizona would be extremely wellrepresented in the US House ofRepresentatives by electing Mary Kim Titla.

Titla gains endorsements from national Indian leaders

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480-677-0237 www.swnap.org

She is knowledgeable about all the issues.Mary Kim Titla possesses the courage andexperience to be a champion for Arizona inthe US Congress.’Gay Kingman, Cheyenne River Sioux(SD) Executive Director, Great PlainsTribal Chairman's Association FormerExecutive Director, NCAI

"Mary Titla's experience and educationgive her a unique insight to the needs andissues facing her constituents. Thisknowledge will prove invaluable for thepeople of Arizona as she will be a powerfulvoice in the halls of congress."Sue Masten, Yurok Tribe (CA)Founder/Co-President, WEWINWomenEmpoweringWomen for Indian Nations;Former President NCAI

"Mary Kim is the best possible candidateto represent the people of Arizona's FirstDistrict. She brings an authentic message ofchange backed by a real western upbringing,strong communication skills, and a careerdedicated to changing the lives of the lessfortunate."Tex Hall, Mandan-Hidatsa-Arikara (ND)Former President of NCAI

‘Mary Kim possesses the qualities neededfor being an effective servant leader (orrepresentative) for the citizens of DistrictOne. Not onlywill she be an agent of change,but she will make it possible for those sherepresents to have a voice in Congress.’J.R. Cook, Cherokee (OK), Exe. DirectorUnited National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc.

Others who have endorsed or supportMary Kim Titla for Congress include:

Ernie Stevens, Jr., Oneida Tribe (WI)Chairman,National IndianGamingAssociation

S. TimothyWapato,Colville Confederated Tribes (SD)Retired, Former Commissioner

Administration for NativeAmericansFormer Executive Director, NIGARetired: Lieutenant, LasAngeles PoliceDept.

RyanWilson, Oglala Lakota (WA)President, NationalAlliance to SaveNativeLanguages, former President of NIEA

JimWarne, Oglala Lakota (CA)Director, Center for AmericanIndian Rehabilitation

‘We need someone who can be a real voicefor all people. I intend to reach out and betterserve all citizens of District 1 no matter whattheir background. It’s important to elect acandidate who can relate to people on apersonal, cultural and spiritual level. I believeI’m that person,’ said Titla.After receiving her Associate of Arts

Degree at Eastern Arizona College, Titlaearned a B. A. in Journalism from the Univ.of Oklahoma and a Master’s Degree in MassCommunication fromASU.Widely known through her 20 years as a

TV news reporter in Arizona, Titla is thepublisher of Native Youth Magazine online.Recently her son, Micah left for basic

combat training at the U.S. Army InfantrySchool in Fort Benning, Georgia. MicahMosley, 17, a member of the San CarlosApacheTribe, enlistedwith the goal of joininganAirborne unit."He said he wanted to serve his country.

We're very proud of him. My grandfather andgreat grandfathers served in the military aswell as his paternal grandfather. He follows anhonorable family tradition," said Titla whowatched her son swear in at a ceremony indowntown Phoenix.Her priorities include land and water

issues, growth, improve infrastructure,quality education and programs thatstrengthen families.For more information about Titla’s

campaign, visit www.marykimtitla.com orcall Patsy Cohoe at (928) 475-5272 or (928)475-3670.

ANNOUNCINGthe Southwestern Institutefor the Education of NativeAmericans’ Annual FundraisingDinner and Silent Auction!SIENA cordially invites youto enjoy a casual eveningof entertainment, dining, andcelebrating Arizona’s NativeAmerican youth.

Robert Johnson, MC

Yellowhouse Dancers

Socie Saltwater

Smoot Mahooty

Date: Saturday, March 8, 2008Location: The Stone House Pavilionat The Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkwayat Papago Park, Phoenix

5:30 PM Cocktails and Silent Auction6:30 p.m Entertainment begins.8:00 p.m. Dinner catered by El Paso BBQ Co.

For more information,contact Nadine Groenig at 602-542-5235.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the SouthwesternInstitute for the Education of Native Americans, a 501(c)(3)non-profit corporation whose mission is to provide theresources necessary for Native American children to get thebest education they can in a culturally rich environment thatpromotes health and well-being.

Tickets: $75 Individual - $720 Table of 10

18—Arizona Native Scene

www.nativescene.comEducation

By: Patty Talahongva

STATE CAPITOL—ArizonaGovernor JanetNapolitan has appointedthe first NativeAmerican to theArizonaBoard of Regents. LuAnn Leonard isHopi andTohonoO’odham.She is currently the executive director

of the Hopi Education EndowmentFund (HEEF), a non-profit organizationchargedwith raising funds for education

scholarships for the Hopi people.In her nomination, Governor

Napolitano cited Leonard’s work withthe HEEF as an indication of herqualifications. “HEEF has flourishedunder LuAnn’s leadership. She’sworkedcollaborativelywithherBoard–skills that will serve her well as aRegent,” said the governor.HEEF was created in 2000 when the

Hopi tribal council set aside $10Million

dollars in an endowment fund. UnderLeonard’s leadership nearly seven-million dollars more has been raised.“This is the kind of person I want as aRegent—someone who will hit theground running and work with hercolleagues to make higher education inArizona all it can and should be,” saidthe governor.The news was met with surprise and

elation by Native students attending

LuAnn Leonard appointed to the AZ Board of RegentsASU. Erin Todachine is a Navajo fromKayenta, Arizona. “It’s actually quitecompelling to know that it happened.”She thinks it sends apositivemessage toall Native youth about what they canachieve.“I remember her,” said Bernardo

Chama, a Hopi majoring in design.Chama says he met Leonard when sheworked for the Hopi tribe’s scholarshipdepartment. “I fell through the cracks ingetting all my necessary paperwork tothe tribe. She helped me prepare theappeals letter,” he recalls. And thathelpful attribute makes him think shewill be an asset to theBORaswell as tostudents.Leonard remembers how it was for

her to be a young student away fromhome. She left her home on the HopiReservation to attend Fort LewisCollege in Colorado. But like moststudents she felt homesick and lastedless than two years. She also ended upchanging her major from medicine tosociology. She managed to overcomethose and other obstacles to earned herBachelor of Science degree in AppliedSociology in 1983 from NorthernArizonaUniversity.“I see myself as liaison,” she says, “I

need to keep in mind that I’m alsorepresenting rural Arizona but beingNative, I’m interested in relaying theneedsofour studentsas they relate to theissues that wewill be addressing. I alsohope to keep the Native communityabreast of the issues and solicit inputwhen I can.”Gary Tahmahkera, a Comanche

student majoring in Microbiology sayshe hopes Leonard will keep studentsinformed on tuition hikes theBORmaybe considering. “What are studentsgetting inreturnfor thosefee increases?”he asks. He also notes the large numberof Native students attending ASU ongrants and says all three of Arizona’suniversitiesgeta lotofmoneyfromsuchNative students. “It’s nice that she’sthere (on the BOR) because there’sNative representation there now,” hesaid.The governor is counting on

See next page LuAnn Leonard

Arizona Native Scene—19

Business News

Gloria J.Lowrie, PresidentA Native American

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TEMPE—The American Indian Chamberof Commerce ofArizona has been in existencefor over thirteen years and recently heldelections for board members for 2008 and2009.Two seats were up for election and four

vacant seats were filled.Roger Smith, Salt River Materials Group

and Loren Tapahe,Arizona Native Scene werere-elected to a two-year term and VirginiaLoring, Primerica Construction; Johnnie

Funderberg, City of Phoenix Aviation; TabParr, Wells Fargo Bank; and Ralph “Gonz”Gonzales, Arizona State Department ofTransportation.were elected as new boardmembers, each also serving two year terms.The chamber meets every first Friday of the

month for board meetings and every thirdFriday for theirmonthly networking luncheonswhich are held at Casino Arizon at the SaltRiver Pima Maricopa Indian Community. Goto www.aiccaz.org for information

American Indian Chamberelects new members

Leonard’s appointment in several waysto help ensure a renaissance type ofeducational experience at the state’suniversities. “I hope LuAnn’sappointment demonstrates Arizona’scommitment to all students fromdiverse backgrounds,” said thegovernor. “As I said at our TribalSummit on Higher Education the worduniversity literallymeansworld city andreflects that much of what collegestudents learncomesnotonly fromtheirprofessorsbut fromtheir fellowstudentsas well. Native American students arein this sense a resource to the collegeenvironment contributing to thediversity that is part of what makesattending college such a valuable lifeexperience.LuAnn’s appointment helpsdemonstrate our commitment tomaking a college experience inArizonarich places of local, state, and globalknowledge and understanding.”“Thank you to Gov. Napolitano for

taking into account a Native person,”said Todachine. As a young Nativewoman she feels she has another rolemodel to look up to. “I’m really gladthat it happened. I’ll be looking at her(Leonard’s) career now, now that she’son the board,” she said.The Arizona Board of Regents

oversees the three universities in thestate and is charged with addressingeducational issues, public policy, andoverseeing the cost of higher educationin the state. Once her nomination isconfirmed by the Arizona senate,Leonard anticipates her first meeting asaRegentwillbe inMarch.Her termwillexpire in 2016.

LuAnn Leonard

Members of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce—(L-R) Maria Dadgar;Patty Dimitriou; Jean Grubbs; Virginia Loring; Johnnie Funderberg; KristinaHaskell; Tab Parr; Gloria Lowery; Loren Tapahe; and not-pictured at RogerSmith and Ralph Gonzales.

20—Arizona Native Scene

ww.nativescene.com

SOVEREIGNTY, TRIBAL-FEDERALRELATIONS AND THE TRUSTRESPONSIBILITY: Obama supports theprinciple of tribal self-determination, withrecognition that the federal government musthonor its treaty obligations and fully enabletribal self-governance. Consultation andInclusion: In furtherance of the government-to-government relationship, Obama will includetribal leadership in the important policydeterminations that impact Indian Country.Obama will appoint anAmerican Indian policyadvisor on his senior White House staff so thatIndian Country has a direct interface at thehighest level of the Obama Administration. Inaddition, Obama will host a White House“Tribal G8” – an annual meeting with NativeAmerican leaders to develop a national Indianpolicy agenda. Honoring the TrustResponsibility: Obama recognizes thathonoring the government-to-governmentrelationship requires fulfillment of the UnitedStates’ trust responsibility to tribes andindividual Indians. More specifically, Obama iscommitted to meaningful reform of the brokensystem that manages and administers the trustlands and other trust assets belonging to tribesand individual Indians. Further, he is committedto resolving equitably with both tribes andindividual Indians litigation resulting from thepast failures in the administration andaccounting of their trust assets.HEALTHCARE:Obama voted in the Senateto provide an additional $1 billion for IHS toaddress thesedisparities.Additionally, hewasanoriginal co-sponsor of the Indian Health CareImprovement Act of 2007 which mandatesmodernization of the Indian health care systemand strengthens urban Indian health facilities.Obama has fought against the BushAdministration’s attempt to eliminate urbanhealth care for Indians not living in reservationcommunities. Obama opposed a federal landacquisition program that would have diverted

funds from the Special Diabetes Program forIndians and the Alcohol and Substance Abuseprogram.Obama supports sufficient funding forIHS and proper staffing and maintenance forIHS facilities.EDUCATION:Wemust continue to honor ourobligations to Native Americans by providingtribes with the educational resources promisedby treaty and federal law. Indian LanguageEducation: Tribes are struggling to preservetheir languages. It is estimated that by2050only20 of the over 500 Native languages oncespoken will remain. Research shows thatinstruction in tribal language increases NativeAmerican academic performance in other areaslikemath and science. Obama supports fundingforNative language immersionandpreservationprograms. No Child Left Behind: Obamawould fund No Child Left Behind and reformthe law to better incorporate Title VII, the law’sIndian, Hawaiian, and Alaskan educationprovision. Obama’s plan would provide greaterflexibility in integrating Native languages,cultures, and communities into school programsin a manner consistent with principles of tribalsovereignty. Early Childhood Education:Obama supports increasing funding for theHead Start program, including the AmericanIndian andAlaska Native Head Start Programs,to provide American Indian preschool childrenwith critically important learning skills. He alsoappreciates the role of parental involvement inthesuccessofHeadStart andhascalledonstatesto replicate the Illinois model of Preschool forAll. Tribes should also be given the opportunityto implement culturally appropriate versions ofthis program. Indian School Construction:Many government-funded Indian schools aredilapidated, and many are simply too small tomeet theneedsofgrowingIndianpopulations.Asafe, comfortable place to learn is critical toreceiving a proper education. Obama iscommitted to repairing and building Indian

RECOGNIZE THE GOVERNMENT-TO-GOVERNMENTTRUSTRELATIONSHIP:Hillary will sign an Executive Order thatsupports regular and meaningful consultationand collaboration with Indian tribalgovernments. She recognizes that the federaltrust responsibility is a legal obligation underwhich theUnited States "has charged itself withmoral obligations of the highest responsibilityand trust" towards Indian tribes. AppointNativeAmericans:Hillarywillwork toappointNativeAmericans to key positions in a numberof federal departments and agencies. She willwork to nominate qualified judges from allbackgrounds who understand tribal sovereigntyand the government-to-government relationshipbetween tribes and the federal government.Andshewill appoint a senior official in theOffice ofIntergovernmentalAffairs to serve as her liaisontoNativeAmerican communities in recognitionof the government-to-government relationship.Elevate the Director of the Indian HealthService to the Assistant Secretary Level:Health care is akeypriority forAmerican Indiancommunities. For too long, its importance hasbeen underemphasized in the organizationalstructure at the Department of Health andHumanServices.Whileother important areasofhealth policy are spearheaded at the assistantsecretary level, the Indian Health Service's leadofficer remainsadirector.Hillarywill elevate thehead of the Indian Health Service to AssistantSecretary so that he or she can advocate moreeffectively for Native American health careneeds.WORK TO IMPROVE HEALTH CAREFORNATIVEAMERICANS: In the Senate,Hillaryhas takensteps to improve theaccessandquality of health care for Native Americans byco-sponsoring the Indian Health CareImprovement Act Amendment of 2007, acomprehensive piece of legislation to improvehealth care forAmerican Indians throughout thecountry. As President, Hillary will supportmeaningful increases for thevital investments toprovide health care to Native Americancommunities. Throughout the country, there isanacuteneedforaccess toqualityhealthcare forNative Americans – a need that too often goesunmet today. The per capita expenditure forNative Americans is only one-third of theaverage annual expenditure for Medicaidassistance. In 2003, the federal governmentspent nearly $6,000 for eachMedicare recipient,but only $2,000 for Indian Health Servicemedical care per person. The Indian HealthService is severely underfunded, and the lack ofavailable facilities forces people in remotelocations to travel great distances for routinecheck ups. Hillary is committed to meaningfulincreases to the IndianHealth Service budget toprovide all Native Americans access to quality,affordable health care.STAND UP FOR NATIVE VETERANS:Native Americans have a long and proudtradition of participating with distinction in theU.S. Armed Services. By the end of the 20thcentury there were nearly 190,000 Native

American Veterans. They have one of thehighest per capita service rates among ethnicgroups in the United States. By the end ofDecember 2005, the Department of Defensereported that 20,000 Native Americans andAlaskan Natives were serving in the Army,Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force. AsPresident, Hillary will ensure that all of thosewho have sacrificed on behalf of our countryreceive the help and care they need. She hasproposed to fully fund our veteran's health caresystem, including intensive care for thosesuffering frompost-traumatic stressdisorderandtraumatic brain injury. She will fight to cut thered tape facing our wounded soldiers and shewill protect service members against predatorylending, insurance fraud, and other financialscams. Above all, she will ensure that veteranbenefits extend to all veterans.INCREASE FUNDING FOR INDIANEDUCATION: Head Start Program: ASeptember 2007 study from NationalGeographic revealed that tribal languages arethe most vulnerable to extinction in the world.Senator Clinton supports Pre-K and schoolingprograms that support a child’s native language.Consistent with all Head Start programs, theAmerican Indian Head Start Program supportsthe rich and diverse culture and heritage of thechildren they serve, and encourages teachers toincorporate language and culture into theircurriculum and program goals. More than 80different languages are spoken in Indian HeadStart. Because of the social and economiccircumstances in Indian Country, SenatorClinton has and will continue to supportincreased funding for thisvital programwhich iscritical for the future of Native Americanchildren.Achieve Universal Pre-K for NativeAmerican Children: Hillary has proposed anational pre-K initiative that would extendaccess to high-quality pre-K programs to everyfour-year old in America. As part of herinitiative, Hillary will allocate funds to tribally-sponsored pre-K programs. Shewill ensure thattribally-sponsored pre-K programs receivefederal matching dollars just as state programsdo. Her program is designed so that childrenfrom low-income families and children fromlimited English households can enroll in pre-Kprograms at no cost.INCREASE SUPPORT FOR TRIBALCOLLEGES AND INSTITUTIONSSERVINGNATIVEAMERICANS: Hillarysupports increased funding for tribal colleges.She voted for the recently signed College CostReduction andAccessAct, which includes $10million to help create a program for NativeAmerican Serving Institutions.IMPROVE HOUSING: Hillary supportsefforts to improve the acquisition, rehabilitation,andconstructionofaffordablehousingonIndianlands. Specifically, Senator Clinton wouldincrease funding for the Native AmericanHousingBlockGrant andmodernize theNativeAmerican Housing Assistance & Self-DeterminationAct.Encourage Energy Efficient Development:

Hillary supports the rights of tribal governmentsto adopt and regulate their own environmentalpolicies, but she also understands the importantrole the federal government plays in catalyzingenergy efficiency in Indian Country. Aspresident,Hillarywill createandexpandfederal-tribal partnerships to promote the use of solarand wind power in Indian Country.And as partof a major nationwide weatherization initiative,Hillary will work to fund the weatherization ofall low-income homes in Indian Country. Lastwinter the average fuel billwas $889; this year itis expected to jump to $997.TheweatherizationofNativeAmericanhomeswill curb rising costsand improve energy efficiency.LAW ENFORCEMENT: American Indiansexperience violence at ratesmore than twice therate for the country as a whole. There are onlyabout 2,500 Bureau of IndianAffairs and tribaluniformed police officers serving an estimated1.4 million Indians covering more than 56million acres of tribal lands in the lower 48states. On tribal lands, 1.3 officers must serve

every 1,000 citizens, compared to 2.9 officersper 1,000 citizens in non-Indian communitieswith populations under 10,000. These staffinglevels are simply insufficient to meet the lawenforcement challenges facing Indian Country.Amnesty International recently released a reportthat concluded that one in three NativeAmerican women will be raped in her lifetime.And, in recent years methamphetamine hasdisproportionately devastated Native Americantribal communities- NativeAmericans aremorethan four times as likely as whites to use crystalmethamphetamine. An informal survey of theseven FBI offices located primarily in IndianCountry estimated that approximately 40-50%of violent crime cases investigated in IndianCountry involve meth. Hillary supportsproviding resources for law enforcement inIndian Country, promoting state-tribalcooperative agreements where appropriate toreduce crime, and improving the collection ofdata on Indian Country crime and how thosecrimes are handled by authorities.

Democratic Candidate’s Native American Platforms

Hillary Clinton’s platform for Indian country BarackObama: Fighting for FirstAmericans

See next page

Arizona Native Scene—21

www.nativescene.com Democratic Candidate’s Native American Platforms

Division of Children, Youth and Families1789 W. Jefferson Ave.

Position: ADE00L122AAN

The position researches and reviews identified Native American children's child welfare caserecords for potential placement resources on and off Indian reservations, including contactingfamily members to identify potential placements; provides professional-level assistance toprospective Native American foster and/or adoptive families through the entire licensing andcertification process, utilizing appropriate compliance methods and standards; collaborates withIndian tribes throughout Arizona regarding their tribal member children who do not have anidentified permanent placement for child specific recruitment; provides specialized training totribal representatives on child specific and target recruitment strategies andmarketing techniques;develops curriculum for training; researches data bases to update tribal affiliation who needplacement resources; engages tribal leadership to generate and promote community interest infoster parenting and adoption of NativeAmerican children needing homes.

Open till filled

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): KNOWLEDGE of: organizationalstructure and functions; Indian child welfare services; general understanding of tribalcommunities, tribal government function, tribal customs, traditions and cultures; State/tribalfoster and adoption licensing/certification standards and procedures; recruitment and retentionstrategies. SKILL in: written and oral communication; problem analysis and resolution.ABILITY to: work within a fast pace diverse work environment and work cross culturally.

Comprehensive benefits package includes 12 days sick leave, 12 days vacation, 10 holidays peryear, health and dental insurance, retirement plan, life and long-term disability. Optionalemployee benefits for short-term disability, deferred compensation and supplemental lifeinsurance.

For further details and to apply go to website, www.azstatejobs.gov type in keyword DES andsearch for position Program Project Specialist II.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation TelephoneDCYF/ Policy & Adoptions at 602-542-2356 to arrange the accommodation orrequest alternative format. AZ State Gov't is anAA/EOE

schools. Tribal Colleges: Tribal colleges haveplayed a critical role in improving the lives ofNative Americans. Obama supports increasedfunding for operations and facility construction,as well as the removal of bureaucraticimpediments so tribal colleges can thrive.RELIGIOUS FREEDOM ANDCULTURAL PROTECTION: CulturalRights and Sacred Places Protection: NativeAmerican sacred places and site-specificceremonies are under threat from development,pollution, and vandalism. Barack Obamasupports legal protections for sacred places andcultural traditions, including Native ancestors’burial grounds and churches.ECONOMIC & INFRASTRUCTUREDEVELOPMENT: Native Americansexperience some of the most severesocioeconomic conditions in the United States.Poverty and its effects are pervasive, with morethan quarter of all Native Americans living inpoverty and unemployment rates reaching 80percent on some reservations. Obama’sexperience as a community organizer workingin poor neighborhoods plagued by highunemployment has taught him that there is nosingle solution to community poverty.Therefore, he supports using a comprehensiveapproach that includes investment in physical,human and institutional infrastructure, increasedaccess to capital, the removal of barriers to

development, and above all, authenticgovernment-togovernment relationshipsbetween the federal government and tribes.Housing: Obama supports increased fundingfor the Indian Housing Block Grant and otherIndian housing programs as well as improvingthe effectiveness of these programs. Gaming:The vast majority of Indian gaming operationsare small enterprises providing jobs to tribalmembers.Becausemost tribes continue to sufferfrom high rates of poverty and unemployment,Barack Obama believes that gaming revenuesare important tribal resources for fundingeducation, healthcare, law enforcement, andother essential government functions. Energy:Obama encourages energy companies andIndian tribes to negotiate in good faith to ensuretribes receive just compensation and infurtherance of carrying sustainable energy to allcommunities.WOMEN’S HEALTH: ReproductiveHealth: In the past, IHS has been criticized forperforming forced sterilizations of Indianwomen. More recently, many Native womenhave been pushed to receive one type ofcontraception instead of more suitablealternatives. Although these women often havenoalternative to IHS, theprogramoftendoesnotprovide themwith adequate reproductive healthcare, and many women are often denied equalaccess to birth control, and prenatal care. Barack

Obamasupports the reproductivehealth rightsofAmerican Indianwomen, and supports ensuringthat they receive equal opportunities to makehealthy reproductive choices. Violence againstWomen: Obama will reexamine the legalframework thatallows such injustices, andsupports empowering tribes to combat violenceagainst Native women irrespective of whetherthe perpetrators are Indian or non-Indian.LAW ENFORCEMENT: Obama alsosupports fully funding the Community OrientedPolicing Services (COPS) program that manytribal law enforcement agencies have come torely upon. He also recognizes the important roletribal courts play on the reservation.Obamawillcontinue to support additional resources tostrengthen tribal courts as well as correction bystatute of the jurisdictional gaps that currentlyinhibit tribes’ ability to protect theircommunities. Detention Centers: There is ademonstrable need for facility improvementsand expansions of detention centers in IndianCountry.BarackObamaunderstands that federalfunding of such improvements is essential toenable tribe’s to effectively protect theircommunities.METHAMPHETAMINES: Combat MethAct of 2005: Barack Obama supported theCombatMethAct of 2005,major parts ofwhichbecame law in 2006. The act puts federal fundsinto the fight against methamphetamine,

provides assistance to children affected bymethabuse, and places restrictions on the sale of theingredients used to make the drug. Tribalempowerment: Barack Obama believes thatfunding tribal police programs and tribal courtsand resolving longstanding jurisdiction issueswill enable tribal authorities to deal moreeffectivelywith the causes andeffects of this andother crime problems on Indian land.VETERANSAFFAIRS:As a member of theSenate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Obamasupports severalVeteranmeasures, including thesheltering and rehabilitation of homelessveterans, securing veterans’benefits, and easingservicemembers’ transition back into society.HUNTINGANDFISHING:FishingRights:The fishing rights of Indian tribes are guaranteednot only by 150 year-old treaties, but by theSupreme Court’s affirmation of the Boldtdecision as well. It is our shared duty to upholdthese obligations and protect fisheries in such amanner that allows tribal and non-tribal fishingto continue into the future. The path to equitablefisherymanagement is pavedwithgoodscience.Obama supports initiatives to improve thescience and our understanding of our nation’sfish stocks. Through improved science, we canbetter guide decisions about how to protect thehealth of fish stocks, and, in turn, ensure a better,more secure and predictable future for ournation’s fishermen.

Barack Obama platform continued

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In collaboration with the Arizona Dept of Economic Security,Division of Children, Youth and Families.

17% of the children in Arizona’s Child ProtectiveServices are Native American

22—Arizona Native Scene

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MARCH 2008

March 1st, 2008, SaturdayPIMC Social Pow Wow16th and Indian School Road, PhoenixGourd Dance 9:30 am, Lunch Noon, GrandEntry 1 pm, Event ends at 5 pmDrums and dancers welcome.Raffle, cake walk, food. Free to attend.Vendors contact Minnie Amos or NancyTalywood, 602-263-1200.

March 1-2, 2008, Sat. and Sunday50th Annual Heard Museum Guild IndianFair & Market, Heard Museum, PhoenixArizona's largest Indian market, held at theHeard Museum, draws the nation's finestjewelers, potters, katsina doll carvers,weavers and more. Call 602-252-8840 orvisit www.heard.org.

March 1-2, 2008, Sat. and Sunday3rd Annual Hilton Garden Inn NativeAmerican Art Show; 10 am to 6 pm.Indoor Corporate Lobby, 4600 N. CentralAve., Phoenix. Call 480-677-0237.Free to the public.www.swnap.org

March 7-9, Friday and Sat.10th Annual Gathering of the PaisFort McDowell, AZCall 480-816-8162www.fortmcdowell.org

March 8-9, Saturday and Sunday5th Annual Native American Fine ArtsShow, Radisson Fort McDowell Resort, More than 100 of the Southwest's finestNative artisans will showcase their works.Entertainment and traditional Native foodswill also be featured. Call 480-816-7108 orvisit www.ftmcdowell.org.

March 8-9, 2008, Sat. and Sunday26th Annual Wa:k Pow WowSan Xavier District of the Tohono O'OdhamNation. Saturday Grand Entry - 1:00pmSaturday & Sunday Grand Entry - 2:00 &7:00 p.m. - Sunday Admission Fee:$8/Adults Children (7-12yrs)/$6 Children (6and under) Free Parking $3 Gates Open @10 a.m. - Saturday @ 10 a.m. - SundaySorry No Video Camera's Allowed & NoAlcohol or Drugs. Call (520) 573-4000Philbert Bailey Email: pbailey@waknet.org

March 8-9, 2008, Sat. and SundaySalt River Veterans Recognition Pow WowLoop 101 & McKellips, Salt River, AZContact Michelle Clark at 480-246-9817 oremail to mkclark37@hotmail.com

March 14-16, Friday to Sunday12th Annual Apache Gold Casino PowwowSan Carlos, AZ. Vendors call 1-800-APACHE8, ext. 3245 or visitwww.apachegoldcasinoresort.com.

March 21-23, 200834rd Annual Denver March Pow WowDenver Coliseum, Denver, COCall 303-934-8045 or EMAIL:committee@denvermarchpowwow.org www.denvermarchpowwow.org

March 22, SaturdayLori Ann Piestewa Gourd Danceand Social PowwowFort McDowell Yavapai NationRecreation CenterCall 602-448-0260 for infomation

March 29, SaturdayWestwood High SchoolAlma School Rd. & 8th Street, Mesa,Call 480-472-4516 or e-mailpbarehand@yahoo.com.

APRIL 2008

April 4th and 5th, 20085th Annual Phoenix Union High SchoolDistrict Benefit Pow Wow, Phoenix, AZCentral High School Football Field onCentral High School Road (just north of theVeterans Hospital) and 7th Street on GrandEntry will be at 6:00 pm on Friday and 1:00pm on Saturday.

April 11-12, 2008Page UNITY Pow WowPage/Lake Powell, Arizona

Navajo Valley Heritage Center1253 Coppermine Rd.www.navajo-village.com. Call 928-608-4100, ext 5719 or e-mailnative.nationz@yahoo.com.Vendors call 928-640-3137 or e-mailpageazunitypowwow@yahoo.com.Host hotel 928-45-8851. Visitwww.myspace.com/pageazunitypowwow.com.

April 11-12, 2008 Sat. and SundayUniversity of Arizona Pow WowTucson, AZVendors email lecountc@email.arizona.eduor call 520-904-8783.Wildcat Powwow Hotline: (520) 621-3835.http://wildcatpowwow.bravehost.com

April 11-13, 2008 Friday to SundayMul-Cha-ThaSacaton, AZ

April 12, 2008 Saturday15th Annual Madison School District16th Street, north of Indian SchoolPhoenix, AZ

22nd Annual ASU Pow WowApril 18-20, 2008 - Tempe, AZThe ASU Pow Pow is looking for volunteersto assist in the success of the 2008 event.Call 480-965-5224.http://powwow.asu.edu

Arizona Native Scene—23