NOVEMBER 1, 2013 WWW.GILARIVER.ORG/NEWS VOL. 16, NO. 17

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IN the GRINCommunity Updates..Page 5 Health & Wellness......Page 7

Announcements/Notices..Page10

Per Capita Corner, Page 4

Maricopa High QB, Page 7

By Roberto A. JacksonGila River Indian News

Veterans Day Message, Page 2Letters & Opinions......Page 3

Culture & History........Page 6

By Roberto A. JacksonGila River Indian News

Continued on Page 9

Lewis and Hernandez among ‘40 Un-der 40’ at RES

District 5 celebrates new service center

New youth council officers, members take oath of office By Mikhail SundustGila River Indian News

Mikhail Sundust/GRIN

John Lewis and Rachel Hernan-dez are rising stars in Gila River and the American Indian busi-ness community.

Arizona is leading the race in terms of small business come-backs after the Great Recession, according to a report released by CallFire, Inc., a VoIP service pro-vider for small businesses, earlier this week. The burgeoning markets in the Grand Canyon State placed Arizona in the top four alongside California, Florida and Nevada. That and the perfectly crisp Phoe-nix autumn weather make it the ideal location for business conven-tions this fall.

The National Center for American Indian Enterprise De-velopment hosted its third regional Reservation Economic Summit Oct. 22-24 at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino. The conference was a hit for attendees, vendors and two young, inspiring Gila River individuals who won the National Center’s annual 40 Under 40 award.

In his welcome address to RES Arizona, Gov. Gregory Men-doza opened the conference by calling the Wild Horse Pass De-

With their left hand on the Bible and their right hand raised, the new officers and members of the Akimel O’odham/Pee-Posh Youth Council took the oath of office to usher in the next class of

youth leaders. From the official beginning of the youth council in 1988 to 25 years later, the 2013 group of young people promises to continue the legacy of youth empowerment and community in-volvement. “We are here and we are making change,” said Tyler Owens, Akimel O’odham/Pee-

Roberto A. Jackson/GRIN

What used to be an old ball field is now a 35,000 square foot multifunctional facility able to accommodate the administrative, recreational and wellness needs of District 5. On Oct. 25, the old sandlot officially gave way to the new Vah-Ki Multipurpose Ser-vice Center with a grand opening fit for the new jewel of a building on Casa Blanca Road.

The evening began with a Just Move It Run/Walk, which segued into a grand opening pro-gram of gratitude and anticipation for the District 5 residents whose previous service center was a di-minutive trailer. “This has been a proud moment and a proud day,” said District 5 Council Represen-tative Franklin Pablo Sr.

Pablo served as master of ceremonies along with Antonio Davis, also from District 5.

Scott Dombrowski from W.E. O’Neil Construction said he was honored and proud to work with the Community on this proj-ect. “I honestly believe that it’s easier to build strong children than repair broken adults, and that’s exactly what this facility is going to do for your community,” Dombrowski said.

W.E. O’Neil Construction was also the contractor on the District 1 Multipurpose Building.

The evening hit a high note when former District 5 Coordi-nator Irving Johns Sr. was intro-duced. Johns was the coordinator for 18 years and he said he was very happy to see District 5 get a new building.

The new structure includes space for district committee meet-ings and a variety of activities for the elders and youth.

Roberto A. Jackson/GRIN

Above: The exterior of the new District 5 service center. Right: A large crowd attends the grand opening services.

Roberto A. Jackson/GRINThe Akimel O’odham/Pee-Posh Youth Council poses in the Council Chambers following the inaugu-ration and swearing-in ceremony held Oct. 26.

Posh Youth Council President. Owens replaces former Pres-

ident Kyle Flores. Family, friends and sup-

porters attended the Akimel O’odham/Pee-Posh Youth Coun-cil Inauguration on Oct. 26 in the Council Chambers at the Gover-nance Center in Sacaton.

Miss Gila River Lisa Hoho-kimal Hendricks served as mis-tress of ceremonies and Judge Jay Pedro administered the oaths.

Pedro, who has presided over several youth council inaugura-tions, said he relishes swearing in the youth as it allows the families to celebrate in their children’s ac-complishments. “This is I think the best part of the ceremony,” Pedro said.

Owens, who also holds the title of Miss Gila River 1st At-tendant, encouraged her fellow members to embrace the chal-lenges of the coming year. “This is the first step and you all have a huge journey in front of you,” Owens said.

Gov. Gregory Mendoza, who co-founded the youth council and served as its coordinator for 17 years, called the youth inaugura-tion a milestone for the Commu-nity.

“It is this spirit of unity and vision that has made our youth council flourish as a organization locally and nationally,” Mendoza said.

Every November, the people of the Gila River Indian Community, both as members of a sovereign Indian nation and as American citizens, are called to honor, respect and remember the veterans that have served and sacrificed for our country. As Gila River Indian Community veterans, you are probably aware that our Community has enjoyed a long and proud tradition of service to our Community and Nation that extends to today.

If you would indulge me, I would like to share some important statistics with you:

• During World War II, 25,000 Native American men and women fought on all fronts in Europe and Asia.• In Vietnam, more than 41,500 Native Americans enlisted to serve in the United States Armed Forces. Of these, 90 percent were volunteers, giving Native Americans the highest record of service of any ethnic group in the country.• In Operation Desert Storm, some 24,000 Native American men and women served in the military.• Today, over twelve thousand 12,000 Native Americans are serving in the Armed Forces.• It has been reported, that one in every four Native Americans is a military veteran.

Whether it comes from our “warrior ethos,” or opportunities for training, education, and travel, we as Native Americans, have represented our country and our own O’odham tribes very well.

At Gila River Indian Community, our modern military history began in the mid-1880s with the formation of two companies of volunteers under the leadership of Pima Chief Antonio Azule, and Maricopa Chief Juan Chavaria.

Our military history includes such notables as Matthew B. Juan, the first Arizonan to be killed in World War I, and Corporal Ira H. Hayes, one of six men, who raised the flag on Iwo Jima in 1945.

Today, we have men and women from our Community serving in the Armed Forces all over the world and, although we appreciate their service and honor them at celebrations, we have to ask ourselves, “What are we really doing to help our veterans beyond the, holidays, anniversaries, and other events?”

It is time to do more . . .

With each passing day, we are losing a generation of Native American warriors, who have served their country with honor and distinction during World War II.

It is time to do more . . .

Our Native American Vietnam veterans continue to deal with high incidences of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other issues decades after the Vietnam War.

It is time to do more . . .

And now, we have a generation of Native American warriors, who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, who will require support in their readjustment back into our communities.

It is time to do more . . .

For Gila River veterans, we are working on new veterans programs, housing, continued support for veteran’s organizations, and improved health care.

Veterans Day MessageNovember 11, 2013

By Governor Gregory Mendoza

• Our Employment and Training Department recently secured an Ameri-Corps Planning Grant, which will help us to plan and apply for an Ameri-Corps three (3) year grant for the purpose of serving our Community veterans.• We are conducting monthly breakfast meetings with an ad hoc group of “Veterans Serving Veterans,” to help identify issues related to: veteran identification, employment, housing, counseling, and representation in matters relating to veterans affairs• The intended outcome of this effort is to create new programs and services specifically for veterans, including the creation of a Veterans Office.• On the issue of housing, our Community Council recently approved policy amendments that would give veterans priority status in both Federal and tribal housing programs.• We will continue to explore options for meeting the housing needs of veterans, such as with transitional housing or similar demonstration projects in the near future.• Our Fiscal Year 2014 Operating Budget, which was approved by the Community Council in July, contains provisions for monetary support of:• The American Legion Ira H. Hayes Post 84, the American Legion Haskell Osife Antone Post 51, and the Pee Posh Veterans Association; and• Through the Executive Office sponsorship/donation program, my office has continued to provide funeral assistance for Community member veterans and their families.

• In addition, Gila River Health Care, under the leadership of former Governor Richard Narcia (who is also a Vietnam Veteran), is pursuing a collaboration with the Phoenix Veterans Administration to development an agreement for reimbursable health care for Community member veterans.• This initiative would focus on behavioral health and physical therapy needs initially, and would preclude Community members from having to travel to various Veterans Administration Facilities for care.

While I am excited to share these initiatives with you, somehow it seems like it is not enough. Especially considering that many of you who served did so by leaving your homes, families and friends for an uncertain future, yet you still managed to represent our Community with honor and humility.

Finally, on this Veteran’s Day, the Community pays special tribute to those men and women, our veterans, who do not come home, and to their family members who sacrifice alongside them. We honor the warriors who serve valiantly and who return to continue to serve the Community as decision makers, administrators, leaders, business owners, and parents. We honor those who continue to make positive contributions to our Community, our country, and to society as a whole. Let us continue to offer sincere, heartfelt appreciation and reverence to our veterans and their families for their support today and throughout the year. Let us always be mindful of those who have served our Community and nation to preserve our freedom and our way of life. On Veteran’s Day and every day, I encourage all Community members to take the time to say a prayer for our veterans, our warriors. I encourage you to teach our children about them and their courageous acts of service. Take the time to acknowledge our service men and women and otherwise respect and honor them.

To honor our Veterans, I leave you with the motto of the Department of Veterans Affairs, which was taken from President Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address: “To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan”

November 1, 2013 Page 3

Robert Keller, Tribal Treasurer Jacqueline Thomas,

Community Council Secretary

Material published in the Gila River Indian News may not be reproduced in any form

without consent from the Gila River Indian Community

LETTERS POLICY: GRIN welcomes letters and columns from readers. Let-ters should be limited to 200 words and be in good taste. Material that could be libelous or slanderous is not acceptable. All letters or columns should be signed with the writer’s true name, address and telephone number in the event GRIN may need to contact the writer. Only the name of the writer will be printed in the paper. Letters or columns without a complete signature, name, address or phone number will not be acceptable to GRIN for publication. GRIN reserves the right to edit submitted materials for grammar, spelling and content.

Write to: Editor, GRINP.O. Box 459

Sacaton, AZ 85147Published letters or columns do not neces-

sarily reflect the opinion of theEditor or

Gila River Indian Community.

Joshua Jovanellyjoshua.jovanelly@gric.nsn.us

Community Newsperson(520) 562-9718

Roberto A. Jacksonroberto.jackson@gric.nsn.us

Managing Editor(520) 562-9719

Zuzette Kistozuzette.kisto@gric.nsn.us

CPAO Director(520) 562-9851

Gina Goodmangina.goodman@gric.nsn.us

GRIN Secretary II(520) 562-9715

Gila River Indian CommunityP.O. Box 459

Sacaton, AZ 85147(520)562-9715

www.gilariver.org/index.php/news

GovernorGregory Mendoza

Gila River Indian News

Mikhail Sundustmikhail.sundust@gric.nsn.us

Community Newsperson(520) 562-9717

District #1Arzie Hogg

Cynthia Antone

District #2Carol Schurz

District #3Dale G. Enos

Carolyn Williams

District #4Barney B. Enos, Jr.

Jennifer AllisonNorman Wellington

Monica Antone

District #5Robert Stone

Franklin Pablo, Sr.Annette J. Stewart

Janice Stewart

District #6Anthony Villareal, Sr.

Albert PabloTerrance B. Evans

District #7Devin Redbird

Community Council Representatives

Lt. GovernorStephen Roe Lewis

On Sept. 27, at Sherman In-dian High School, the staff and students held a special activity called Indian Day. This event promotes the culture and history of Native Americans.

On this day, the school hon-ors those who have supported its program and students by pre-senting the Golden Eagle Award. This award is given to those who have created a bridge between the school and the wider community. This year, Rocky Whitman of the Gila River Indian Community has been selected to receive this award.

The school acknowledged Rocky for his efforts to support our school by serving for many years on the School Board and always going above and beyond for Sherman’s academic, cultural and home-living achievements for our students at Sherman. We invited him to come to the school on Indian Day and accept this award.

The Golden Eagle Awards was presented during an after-noon ceremony on September 27 at our school historic museum.

Sincerely, Lorene Sisquoc

Sherman presents Golden Eagle Award

For countless centuries, the people of the Gila River Indian Community — the “River People” of Akimel O’odham and Pee Posh ancestry — farmed alongside the central Arizona riverbanks that give our community its name. Our farming heritage taught my people all about the value of di-versification and persistence, two key elements that have guided the renaissance of our community’s economy.

But the key factor driving economic development on our lands has been vision — the abil-ity to see beyond the desert scrub and jackrabbits that once marked the Gila River reservation and to conceive and implement what visitors see today: A development corridor marked by championship golf, high-end gaming, upscale shopping, hospitality, entertain-ment, fine dining, and a luxuri-ous spa. Today, our community employs thousands of residents of the East and West Valley, and our business interests along the I-10 corridors pump tens of millions of

dollars into the economies of cit-ies from Mesa to Chandler, Avon-dale to Glendale.

Keeping this vision alive from one generation to the next was hardly easy. For decades, our leaders met often with develop-ers, financial institutions and fed-eral officials who failed to see the possibilities we saw. To the nay-sayers, economic development meant leasing our lands at the lowest possible agricultural rates, because they saw tumbleweeds where we saw the chance to cre-ate a humming economic engine. Still, we persisted.

We continue to work hard to change the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ leasing regulations that have stood in the way of self-determination for Indian nations for decades. The feds’ “one size fits all” set of rules and bureau-cracy too often hamstrings Indian tribes by failing to acknowledge our unique geographies and gov-ernment structures. Development requires timing and speed and the ability to take advantage of a dy-namic business climate. The fed-eral government is many things, but fast is not one of them. Still,

we continue to work within the federal framework to find oppor-tunities that meet our needs and partners who share our economic vision, a future that sees casinos and resorts not as the entire devel-opment toolbox, but as one tool among many.

The past year has seen our community open the Phoenix Premium Outlets at Wild Horse Pass and a new, more upscale Vee Quiva Hotel and Casino in the West Valley. Together, these two projects created nearly 1,000 construction jobs and more than 1,100 permanent full- and part-time jobs on the two properties. Both projects provide new, sus-tained economic growth for our community by expanding our revenue stream — direct revenue and profits from the community-owned businesses, rent from retail tenants and taxes from retail sales and other commercial transac-tions.

The benefits from this devel-opment flow beyond the borders of our community, helping our neighbors in Phoenix and points beyond. By cultivating partner-ships with our municipal and

state neighbors to capitalize on our collective vision for growth and progress, we have been able to create an ever-expanding criti-cal mass on our lands, not simply development, but destinations, places with their own unique brand of excitement and offerings unlike the rest of the Valley.

Once, people looked across the Gila River reservation and saw only sage and scrub. Our leaders saw something different, a vision that continues to come to fruition. Today, our natural beauty is still there, still respected, hon-ored, protected. But our economy is growing thanks to award-win-ning properties like the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort, treasures like 5 star-5 diamond restaurant Kai, and high-end shopping expe-riences like Armani, Kate Spade and Movado.

This progress may seem to have happened overnight, but it did not. Our evolving economy is a story written across time, marked by the vision of gen-erations and our persistence as a people.

Published with permission of the Arizona Capitol Times

Tribal economic development requires vision, persistenceBy Gov. Gregory MendozaGila River Indian Community

Gila River Indian News November 1, 2013Page 4

Per Capita Corner

www.mygilariver.com/percapita

2013/14 Per Capita Schedule

Quarterly Deadline Payment Date Dec 16, 13 (Mon) 45 days later Jan. 31, 14 (Fri) Mar 17, 14 (Mon) 45 days later Apr 30, 14 (Wed) Jun 16, 14 (Mon) 45 days later Jul 31, 14 (Thurs) Sep 15, 14 (Mon) 45 days later Oct 31, 14 (Fri)

The deadline to submit per capita applications, forms, and updates which would affect the next payment is 12/16/13. WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST BE IN BY THE DEADLINE?

Application for Per Capita (APPS). W-9 (new application or if address changed). Payment Method Change (PMC). Power of Attorney (POA).

The above changes are handled by the PCO can be discussed with PCO staff at 520-562-5222.

Address Update form (AUF). Tribal ID card (GRIDCARD).

The above changes are handled by the Enrollment Office and can be discussed with the Enrollment staff at 520-562-9790. CHANGED BACK / DIDN’T GET PAYCARD CARD YET? Call the Chase Pay Card Service Center at (866) 795-3890. Your address must be up to date. If your address has changed and the PCO has not received this information, take the following steps:

1. Contact the Enrollment Office to update your address. 2. Contact the PCO to update the Pay Card database. 3. Call the Pay Card service Center number above.

If your address of file is current, the Pay Card Center will assist you in getting another card. If the address does not match, then call the PCO.

ABOUT THE CHECK STUBS A check stub is your “Earning Statement” and can be used to verify per capita income. DO NOT throw it away. Store it in a safe keeping place for future use with various agencies. It will be a time saver! ABOUT DIRECT DEPOSIT PAYMENT Direct deposit is a safe and simple way to get paid your per capita payment. The benefits are:

No check cashing fees Get paid on the PCO payment date Access the funds at the bank of your choice Safety in not carrying cash Use it to pay bills or services by phone, internet and mail.

Per Capita Office P.O. Box 338 Sacaton, AZ 85147 (520) 562-5222 or (866) 416-2618

PER CAPITA TRUST ACCOUNTS

SEND IN YOUR PURCHASE RECEIPTS Please remember to turn in your original purchase receipts to Providence First Trust before December 15 (which is 60 days from your recent withdrawal from the trust for your child). Your child’s account may be placed on hold if receipts are not submitted. Address is below. NEXT TRUST DEADLINE The next deadline to turn in request forms for early trust distribution is December 31, 2013. The early payment will then be mailed out January 15, 2014. This deadline also applies to requests to terminate minor trust and must include a copy of your HS diploma or GED. PROVIDENCE FIRST TRUST VISIT A representative from Providence First Trust will be in the PCO to answer questions and assist with requests on:

December 30 & 31, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. KEEP YOUR ADDRESS UPDATED Always ensure that your children’s addresses are current for checks and the semi-annual trust statements mailed in January and July.

Providence First Trust Company 7501 E. McCormick Pkwy, C101 Scottsdale, AZ 85258 (800) 350-0208 or (480) 282-8812

(PCO = Per Capita Office) Office)

When two competitive grap-plers clash in a fight, every inch is a struggle, every advantage a sac-rifice. Sometimes one fighter finds himself in the firm hold of his op-ponent, seemingly with no way out. He has two choices: submit; or work his way back, centimeter by centimeter, taking what is given him then bursting through when his moment comes.

Joe and Jimmy Tate are broth-ers on a mission to become the first Native American world grappling champions. To get there won’t be easy, but they have come to learn that the reward is in the journey.

“Most people want to go out and go aggressive when they get in a bad situation,” said Joe, 34, the older brother. “But in jiu jitsu here, you’re dealing with a bigger, may-be stronger guy…you use your technique over strength. Same thing in life: you have a bad day, you come over here, you work on it and it feels good. Because you know that you were able to ac-complish something.”

The brothers have applied the philosophy of jiu jitsu, which can be translated as “the gentle art,” to their philosophy of life.

“Just because you go through struggles [and] you end up in situ-ations, yet you remain calm,” said Jimmy, 26. “Just try to work on every little space you get and you capitalize on that to get a better position.”

In his younger days growing up in Sacaton, Joe found himself

trapped in an unyielding headlock by life’s temptations. He hung out with the wrong crowd and started drinking when he was 12. He de-cided to make a change when he was 18, taking advantage of the tribal scholarship to pursue a de-gree in criminal justice at IIA Col-lege.

The change of scenery helped. Joe began training briefly as a grappler, but he couldn’t make the required time commitment. He got a job as a police officer for Gila River, then later for Navajo Nation, and fell out of his training routine.

By this time, though, his

weight had gotten out of control; he was up to 340 pounds. A few years ago, Joe accepted a job as a Kindergarten teacher in Salt River, which gave him time to pursue his grappling dreams once again.

Now, standing at a burly 5-foot-11 and muscular 225 pounds, he has been competing successfully for the last year as Joe “The Tomahawk” Tate. He won a North American Grappling Association tournament on Aug. 17 held at Power MMA and Fit-ness, his regular gym. He placed silver in his division (ultra heavy weight) at the 5th Southwest Jiu-Jitsu Classic at Phoenix College

on Oct. 26, despite injuring his knee a few weeks before the com-petition. He also placed bronze in the open challenge the next day.

“The Tomahawk” got his nickname from Jimmy, who said his brother launched himself with as much force and power as the axe-like weapon. Yet Joe has a quick laugh, a wide, easy smile and has a blast everyday teaching his Kindergarteners.

“He’s like a gentle giant,” Jimmy said.

The brothers work out five days a week. They start with an hour of boxing in the morning, then return in the evening for

about three to four hours. They warm up with their coach, perfect grappling techniques and practice live against other members. Joe is also working on MMA fighting, which combines multiple fighting techniques, and hopes to schedule a match soon.

The brothers help each other stay dedicated and draw strength from each other’s support.

“When he’s down, I encour-age him to get over here,” Joe said. “When I want to be lazy, he’s like, ‘Get up.’” He added: “We’re together on this. We wanted to make a positive impact on Indian Country.”

When he’s not working out, Jimmy is working toward a degree at Grand Canyon University and taking care of his two children. Both he and Joe, also the father of two, have used their training to set a good example of a healthy life for their children. It also functions as a way to deal with stress in a positive way.

“Unfortunately, not too many people stick with something posi-tive,” Joe said. “But me and my brother, we’re here to let people know that it can be done. It’s going to be hard and difficult but it’s just going to work. And that’s what I’m fighting for. That’s why when I’m out there [and] he’s out there. We’re fighting for that.”

Through cracked ribs, dislo-cated fingers and twisted knees the Tate brothers continue to endure. Moment by moment, inch by inch, with a positive energy that they hope will inspire those around them.

Tate brothers use martial arts to fight life’s battlesBy Joshua JovanellyGila River Indian News

Roberto A. Jackson/GRIN

Jimmy and Joe Tate, Community members from District 3, train together five days a week at Power MMA and Fitness in Gilbert. They aspire to be the first Native American world grappling champions.

Gila River Indian NewsNovember 1, 2013 Page 5

Community updatesHere are some regular updates on the on-going issues pertaining to the Gila River Indian Community.by GRin staFF

Press Release

Employment hopefuls flock to job fairMikhail Sundust/GRIN

The Gila River Indian Community Employment & Training Department held its an-nual job fair on Oct. 25. An estimated 425 people attended, several of whom were hired on the spot. Representatives from Gila River Police, Pinal County Federal Credit Union, Super Cuts, Carrington College and many more presented.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of President Obama’s commit-ment to help strengthen American Indian communities, the Depart-ment of the Interior today released its revised Land Buy-Back Pro-gram Valuation Plan. The Apprais-al Foundation (TAF), the nation’s foremost authority on appraisal standards and qualifications, per-formed a comprehensive review of the draft Plan, which was revised to incorporate all of TAF’s recom-mendations.

“There is no greater author-ity for establishing standards for appraisals and qualifications for appraisers than The Appraisal Foundation,” said Kevin Wash-burn, Assistant Secretary for In-dian Affairs. “TAF’s independent analysis confirms that the steps we

are taking to determine fair market value for offers to landowners are cost-effective and conform to the best practices for valuation. We are grateful for their comprehensive review and have incorporated their recommendations into the Valua-tion Plan we will use in the months and years ahead as we work through a transparent process to provide fair market value to tribal landowners.”

The Valuation Plan will guide the methods Interior uses to deter-mine the value of fractional lands held by Indian landowners to en-sure that willing sellers are offered fair market value for their land in-terests. The Land Buy-Back Pro-gram for Tribal Nations (Buy-Back Program) implements the land con-solidation component of the Cobell Settlement, which made $1.9 bil-lion available to purchase fraction-ated interests in trust or restricted land from willing sellers within 10 years. Upon purchase, interests will

be held in trust for tribal govern-ments for their beneficial use.

TAF, a non-profit, non-par-tisan organization authorized by Congress to issue national apprais-er standards and qualifications and guidance on valuation methods, found the Department’s Valuation Plan a sound approach to meeting the appraisal demands required of the Buy-Back Program.

“We are honored to participate in this historic project and to lend our expertise to the Department of the Interior and its mission to pro-vide Indian landowners with a fair market price for their fractional lands,” said David S. Bunton, Pres-ident of The Appraisal Foundation. “The Land Buy-Back Program is a massive undertaking deserv-ing the highest quality in appraisal standards and techniques. We are pleased that the Department has incorporated all of our recommen-dations and we are confident that

these will greatly benefit landhold-ers for years to come.”

The Buy-Back Program has the potential to unlock millions of acres of fractionated lands for the benefit of tribal communities. In-terior holds about 56 million acres in trust for American Indians. More than 10 million acres are held for individual American Indians and nearly 46 million acres are held for Indian tribes. The Depart-ment holds this land in more than 200,000 tracts, of which about 93,500 (on approximately 150 res-ervations) contain fractional own-ership interests subject to purchase by the Buy-Back Program.

Because of the large number of properties involved, the Buy-Back Program plans to use mass appraisal techniques in which val-ues are assessed simultaneously for many properties within a particular geographic area. TAF specifically analyzed and concurred with the

Program’s determination that mass appraisals are the most efficient and cost-effective means to appraise similar, non-complex, vacant lands that have comparable land sales available. At the same time, recog-nizing that mass appraisals may not be appropriate for all tracts, TAF also reviewed the other appraisal methodologies identified in the Plan for such instances, including project appraisals and property-specific appraisals.

The Buy Back Program Valu-ation Plan was developed by the Office of Appraisal Services in the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians.

The revised Valuation Plan, TAF’s analysis, and the Depart-ment’s response to specific recom-mendations, are available at: www.doi.gov/buybackprogram/apprais-als.

Interior Releases Valuation Plan for Land Buy-Back Program; Reviewed, Strengthened by The Appraisal FoundationComprehensive Review Finds Mass Appraisal Strategy Efficient and Cost-effectiveBy the Office of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior

Indian Trust settlement needs contact information for over 4,000 GRIC members

If you’ve yet to receive any Cobell Settlement money, you may be one of the more than 4,000 Gila River Indian Community members for whom the Department of Interior has no contact information.

Collectively, about $4.9 million remains to be claimed. GCG Inc., an administrative group that is helping the Indian Trust Tribal Outreach Project, can help you update your contact information.

If you think you or your family members should be eligible for a Cobell Settlement payment and haven’t received it, give GCG a call at 206-753-0686. Ask for Katherine.

November 1, 2013Page 6

GILA RIVER... LET YOUR DENTAL INSURANCE

SEND YOU ON A SHOPPING SPREE!

As a small token of our appreciation, we’d like to say thank you with a $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE at the conclusion of your first visit.

Come in and use your benefits to earn yourself

to anywhere, including these:

First visit is defined as comprehensive exam, x-rays, basic cleaning or periodontal cleaning. New patients only. Limited to two gift cards per household and may not be combined with any other offer. Coupon must be presented at time of use. For insured, new patients only.

F a m i l y & C o s m e t i c D e n t i s t r yS P E N C E R D . W E E D , D D S

(SW corner of Florence & Arizola Rds)

520.374.24001677 E. Florence Blvd., Suite 24 - Casa Grande, AZ

www.ImpressDentalCG.com

SPECIAL SERIES BY BILLY ALLEN

A’AGASOMETHING TO BE TOLD OR TALKED ABOUT

November 11 –now known as Veterans Day—was originally called Armistice Day in commemoration of a cease fire between the Allies and Germany during World War I. The armistice was signed at 11 o’clock in the morning—on the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” in 1918. Indian country holds military ser-vice in high regard; many former and cur-rent Gila River Indian Community leaders served. Time has taken our WWI warriors from us, but we still honor their valor in performance of their duty. This article is offered in respect for our departed warriors.

O’otham and Piipash participation in WWI actually began on February 20th, 1864, when Arizona Territorial Gover-nor Goodwin asked to raise a regiment of volunteers to safeguard Arizona. On Sept. 2, 1865, at Maricopa Wells, (just south of Sacate, “M” mountain) Company B was formed. Captain Juan Chevereah and 97 Piipash were assembled with Lt. Charles Riedt in command. Company C was the Akimel O’otham unit with First Lt. John D. Walker, two 2nd Lieutenants, and Ser-geant Antonio Azul in charge. Eventually Azul would become a 2nd Lieutenant. On Sept. 4, these companies, along with the 7th Infantry of the California Volunteers, marched out of Maricopa Wells to the Verde River to establish Camp McDowell.

When education for Natives became a priority, Indian schools were built nation-wide. In those days, Natives could attend an Indian School until about 23 years old

since agricultural needs or family emergen-cies often interrupted schooling. Most In-dian schools operated with a military bent, strict rules and regimentation. Anna Moore Shaw writes of students divided into battal-ions and labeled alphabetically. When Pan-cho Villa raided Columbus, New Mexico in 1916, President Wilson called upon the Ari-zona Guard to protect our southern border. Company F, composed of O’otham and Pii-pash –many from Phoe-nix Indian— saw action along the border. How-ever, when the Guard was federalized as a war force for World War I, Com-pany F was told to go home or back to school. Arizona Natives were not regarded –constitu-tionally— as American citizens, and could not be drafted into the armed services— but they could volunteer. Following the way of the warrior, Com-pany F decided to let the men who had families and obligations go home, no shame or embarrass-ment. The rest volun-teered to go “over there”, and combined with the Arizona Guard to become the 158th Infantry Regi-ment, 40th Division.

In September of 1918, an honor roll of Phoenix Indian School listed 61 for-mer students from 20 tribes serving in the Army and Navy. Early enlistees of Company F were Private Molesto Rios, Corporal Ross Shaw, and Sergeant Har-vier Adams. Also listed were Sergeant Joshua Morris, Sr., Frank Stanley, Blaine and Lewis Carlisle, Oliver Sneed, Charles Laws, William T. Moore, Wallace Antone, William Enas, Harry Lewis, Peter Moore, Harry Lives, Maura Devogue, Robert Ju-lian, Salonia or Solonio Nuñez, Prudencio Reavaloso and Albert Ray. Piipash sol-diers listed were Fred Vest Jackson, Char-ley George and Private Scott Eldridge. For these men and all of Company F, “their character was rated as excellent and their service as honest and faithful.”

Other GRIC members volunteered: Isaac José and Stewart Lewis joined the Navy. Tohono O’odham Joe McCarthy

was wounded, gassed, taken prisoner in his first battle but lived to write a biogra-phy. Lee Rainbow, a Yuma, was the first causality from Phoenix Indian School. Matthew B. Rivers, better known as Mat-thew B. Juan, was another volunteer. His ship was torpedoed and sank enroute to France. Juan survived, but 166 members of his troop and 44 of the ship’s crew were killed. He joined Company K which was the first to land in France in 1917. Private Juan was killed in the battle of Cantigny on May 28, 1918.

On November 11, let’s honor these warriors’ service. Be also respectful to all veterans and each other.

Information taken from A Pima Past by Anna M. Shaw and Peoples of the Mid-dle Gila by John Wilson.

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http://www.grhc.org/getpage.php?name=famplan&sub=Services 08/28/2013 CG

Gila River Health Care 520 562-5150 office 520 371-0132 cell Family Planning Mobile Medical

Clinic (Title X Funded)

NOVEMBER 2013 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

CALL AND SCHEDULE YOUR

FAMILY PLANNING APPOINTMENT

TODAY

1

NO CLINIC

4

GRHC (WEST SIDE OF

HOSPITAL) INSIDE MOBILE UNIT

8:00-2:30 PM

5

VHM HIGH SCHOOL TEEN CLINIC

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 8:30-2:00 PM

6

D5 (BAPCHULE) SACATE HOUSING

8:30-2:30 PM

7

NO CLINIC

8

NO CLINIC

11

NO CLINIC

12

AK-CHIN (MARICOPA) CLINIC

INSIDE MOBILE UNIT 8:30-2:00 PM

13

D1 (BLACKWATER) MULTI-PURPOSE BLDG

8:30-2:30 PM

14

D6 (KOMATKE) BY KOMATKE HEALTH

CENTER 9:00-2:00 PM

15

NO CLINIC

18

GRHC (WEST SIDE OF

HOSPITAL) INSIDE MOBILE UNIT

8:00-2:30 PM

19

IRA HAYES HIGH SCHOOL TEEN CLINIC

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 8:30-2:00 PM

20

D4 (SAN TAN) SNAKETOWN CIRCLE

8:30-2:30 PM

21

D7 (Maricopa Colony) SERVICE CENTER

9:00-2:00 PM

22

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CENTRAL ARIZONA COLLEGE CAMPUS

26 D3 (SACATON)

BY BOY’S & GIRL’S CLUB 8:30-2:30 PM

27 NO CLINIC

28 NO CLINIC

29 NO CLINIC

Pedro leads Rams’ charge for playoffs

A full moon hangs in the sky over Maricopa High School, add-ing a deeper degree of luminosity to the already illuminating stadium lights. The home side stands are packed and the Friday night air is crisp the way only an early autumn evening can be. The conditions weren’t the only perfect elements — the Maricopa Rams were just about flawless that night too.

The Rams dismantled Flow-ing Wells 49-0 on Oct. 18 with a dominating defensive perfor-mance and an offense that scored at will. The offense is orchestrated by a young maestro who conducts his band from the shotgun forma-tion: sophomore quarterback Isa-iah Pedro, a 5-foot-10, 160-pound 15-year-old who has continued to progress this season as Maricopa hones in on a potential playoff berth.

Pedro, whose father’s family is from District 5 and who spent a few of his early years living in the Gila River Indian Community, leads the Rams with a confidence and grace uncommon for a young man his age playing his first sea-son of varsity football. What he lacks in experience he makes up with a precocious maturity that reveals itself with his calmness in the pocket and his comfort talking to reporters.

Not to mention — the kid can play.

Against Flowing Wells, Pedro didn’t have to do much through the air as running back Falaah Sha-bazz broke away for large chunks of yards throughout the night. But

Pedro finished an efficient 4-for-5 passing for 111 yards and a touch-down.

The following week against Casa Grande was a culmination of Pedro’s rising efficiency as a pass-er. He threw for five touchdowns and 306 yards, connecting on 16-of-23 throws without an intercep-tion.

“He’s grown tremendously this year as a person as far as ma-turity. He’s always been a little bit mature for his age,” said head coach Cory Nenebar after the Flowing Wells game. “He’s get-ting more confident with every game. I think the game’s slowing down for him a little bit.”

Through nine games Pedro has thrown for 1290 yards, 14 touchdowns against five intercep-tions and is completing 53 percent of his passes. Four of those inter-ceptions came in the first three games of the year (all losses), marking Pedro’s swift climb up the learning curve.

Nenebar has been impressed with his young quarterback’s progress but not necessarily sur-prised. When Pedro led the Rams to a come-from-behind 37-36 win against Marana on Oct. 4 that cul-minated with a game-winning touchdown pass and two-point conversion with less than a 30 sec-onds to play, Nenebar acted as if it was what he expected all along. “I knew he was capable,” the coach said.

Pedro, who wears No. 12 on the Rams’ cardinal red jer-seys, isn’t flashy. He wears only

a black wristband that helps him relay Nenebar’s calls to the of-fense. He is skinny with braces on his teeth, seemingly like the typical teenager until he begins speaking. His baritone voice, even speech and thoughtful responses give the impression that you’re talking to someone much older.

Though he left GRIC when he was little, Pedro feels fondly for his family and friends living in Casa Blanca. “I still love the rez,” he said. “I like representing right now. And I feel proud and I just love them.”

He has been a standout foot-ball player since he was 5 years old and has led late-game comebacks for as long as he can remember. The Marana comeback win, though, was validation that he achieve these feats at a high school level against much older and experienced boys.

“I felt very accomplished,” Pedro said. “Like, I’ve done it a couple times when I was little, but to do it in high school, with my first high school [comeback], it’ll be the most memorable one.”

Pedro’s parents won’t be for-getting anytime soon either. His father Darris and mother Cheryl, high school sweethearts who both attended MHS, spoke about their son at halftime of the Flowing Wells game. They exuded the glow of proud parents and seemed to be soaking in this special time in their son’s life.

“I was cheering, I lost my voice,” Darris said of the nail-biting stretch of the Marana game. “My heart was just pounding out of my chest… And after the game, I just, I couldn’t be more proud…We were coming down and there was a gang of people over here and everybody had great things to say about him.”

Darris works for the Gila River Gaming Commission and Cheryl works at the registration of-fice of Central Arizona College in Maricopa. Darren Pedro, Isaiah’s uncle, works for the Gila River Hu-man Resources Department and is a regular at his nephew’s games. Darris and Cheryl also volunteer for the football booster club, which helps raise money for the freshmen, junior varsity and varsity teams.

Darris was on his way to work at the snack bar in the second half while Cheryl was keeping an eye on the couple’s three young daughters (ages 4, 7 and 9). Fellow parents and fans came up to them often to greet them; classmates of Isaiah’s said hello to “Mama Pedro” in the stands. The atmosphere was that of a family gathering.

A word that kept coming up when people described Pedro was toughness. Listed at a generous 160 pounds, he has been taking hits from much bigger opponents all season. But he keeps getting back on his feet, keeps squaring up and firing his passes even though he knows the bone-crushing hit is im-minent.

Case in point: against Canyon Del Oro’s John Jackson — a 6-foot-4, 240-pound defensive end who will probably end up playing at a Division I college — leveled Pedro about 12 times, his dad estimated. Pedro got the wind knocked out of him on one particularly vicious lick, but that was the worst of it. He finished the game.

Pedro credits his dad’s coach-

ing from his earlier days for his toughness. But there may be an-other source of it as well.

“I had [another] mom get mad at me one time when he was little that I didn’t run out on the field when he got hurt,” Cheryl said. “I was like, you know what, if my husband gets worried about it and worries, then I will too, but I’ve just learned to [not worry]. If the ambulance doesn’t get called we’re good.”

After losing their first three games, the Rams (5-4) have won five of their last six. A win Nov. 1 in the season finale against Catali-

na Foothills (7-2) will decide who gets second place in the section and would likely lead to a playoff berth.

Beyond this season, Pedro has a junior and senior year to look forward to, which promises only more room to grow more ac-complished. When reminded that he gets to have Pedro leading his offense for two more full seasons, the usually business-like coach Nenebar allowed himself to crack a brief smile.

“Yeah, that’s a good thing,” Nenebar said.

By Joshua JovanellyGila River Indian News

Joshua JovanellyGRIN

Maricopa High School sophomore quarterback Isaiah Pedro con-tinues to impress coaches and fans with his toughness and skills.

For More Information Call: Gila River Health Care

Life Center (520) 562-7940

9th Annual Life Center Diabetes Health Fair

& Fun Run/Walk

November 8th, 2013November 8th, 2013 Komatke Health Center

November 22nd, 2013November 22nd, 2013 HHK Memorial Hospital

Interactive booths Better Than Cake Walk

Entertainment Raffle Prizes

November 1, 2013Page 8

November 1, 2013 Page 9Gila River Indian News

velopment area “the heart of our Community’s economic develop-ment” and told the story of how the Gila River Indian Community believed in and fought for a vision of economic prosperity on land where others saw nothing more than “jackrabbits, sage and tum-bleweeds.”

The National Center has been providing American Indian entre-

preneurs and businesspeople with support through its annual confer-ences for over 40 years. Last year it started doing regional confer-ences, or “summits.”

With RES Arizona, the Mesa, Ariz.-based organization provided members with educational work-shops and lectures, a tradeshow, the INPRO (Indian Progress in Business) Awards Gala, scholar-

ships for students (this year they gave out $23,000 in scholarships) and valuable networking opportu-nities.

“I always love coming to conferences like this,” said Velvet Button of Ramona Farms, a pri-vately owned farming operation in Gila River that has sales con-nections across the state. She said, “it’s inspiring to meet other pro-fessional Native American people who are business-minded and are excited about bringing big busi-ness to the reservation.”

Eleanor Yellow Robe (Fort Belknap Indian Reservation) agreed. “What I really enjoy about the RES summits is that no mat-ter who you turn around and visit, they’re either in business [or] they’re starting a business…and they’re Indian people. That is so inspiring.”

Yellow Robe is president and owner of Native Assets Account-ing & Consulting in Havre, Mont. She has been active with the Na-tional Center for years. She said, “In Montana, especially from my reservation, we don’t have a lot of business models in terms of hav-ing a business person to relate to.” RES has helped her connect with fellow Native American business-people.

At the INPRO Awards Gala on the evening of Oct. 24, Rachel Hernandez and John Lewis stood onstage with family, beaming un-der flashing lights holding glass trophies and with the prestigious golden 40 Under 40 pins glimmer-ing on their lapels.

Rachel Hernandez is the Chief Financial Officer Adminis-trator in Training for Gila River

Health Care. She has her Master’s in Business Administration and at-tended both Arizona State Univer-sity and the University of Phoenix.

The future CFO of GRHC works under the tutelage of cur-rent GRHC CFO Ginger Fligger. In her mentee position, she said, “I’m very fortunate to have such a brilliant mentor to groom me. I have learned so much in such a small amount of time and I’m very thankful that I have her to help me.”

Hernandez is continuing a family tradition of working in healthcare; her aunt, the late Viola Johnson, was a former Chief Ex-ecutive Officer for GRHC. “I’ve always felt a unique passion for the healthcare field. She started a journey that I’m supposed to finish for her.”

Although she said she was shocked to hear she’d gotten the award, Hernandez said, “It’s a great honor and I’m very thankful for the people that have come into my life and affected my life in a positive manner to get me where I am today.”

As she moves forward, Her-nandez said she plans to be with GRHC for many years to come but her long-term goal has always been to someday become Gila River’s Tribal Treasurer.

John Lewis is the Chairman of the Board for the Gila River In-dian Community Utility Authority, where he’s been active for three years. He is also a member of the GRTI board and has been a private energy consultant for the past 10 years.

As a consultant, he focuses on tribal energy issues and has

worked on renewable energy proj-ects in states like California, Okla-homa and New Mexico.

His main focus as a consul-tant has been “trying to protect the environment and…weaning our economy off coal and fossil fuel-based energy sources but also cre-ating new jobs and creating high-tech opportunities for our youth – not just jobs but actual careers.”

Lewis’s top priority, how-ever, is getting young Community members involved in business. “My biggest thing with Gila River is to incorporate our youth into the things that we’re doing [in terms of] economic development, sci-ence and technology, engineer-ing and education. We need more leaders in those fields.”

GRICUA sends two students from Gila River to Washington, D.C. every summer to participate in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Wash-ington Youth Tour and provides internships at the high school and collegiate levels.

“Government is there to provide service to the people but business is there to actually make a difference,” Lewis said. “It’s all about doing what you love to do and giving back to your people, bringing people from your com-munity up with you.”

Gov. Mendoza concluded his speech at RES Arizona with a challenge for businesses in Indian Country: “It falls to each genera-tion of tribal leadership to take up the mantle and pursue our Nation’s unique vision for the development of our lands and resources for the next generation.”

Community gets dressed up at fun Halloween events

The Sacaton Wellness Center hosted its annual Trail of Doom on Oct. 24. A scary amount of people, approximately 300, haunted around the WC gymnasium that night running the 5K, playing games, eating candy and walking like the undead on the 2-mile Zombie Walk.

Roberto A. Jackson/GRINJaime Jackson/CPAO

Hundreds of pint-sized princesses, pirates and Power Rangers flooded the Governance Center lobby on Oct. 30 for pre-Halloween fun. Governance Cen-ter employees decorated the lobby and their offices and dressed up to lead children from local schools and headstarts on a trick-or-treat adventure.

Mikhail Sundust/GRINThe National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development chose Gila River’s Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino as the loca-tion for its first ever Tribal Economic Summit in Arizona.

Continued from Page 1NCAIED brings RES Arizona to Wild Horse Pass

Jaime Jackson/CPAO Roberto A. Jackson/GRIN

November 1, 2013Page 10 Announcements & Notices

JUVENILE PROCEEDINGS:1. GAIL BROWNReview HearingCase#: J-10-0121/0122Court Date: November 20, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. in Courtroom #2, 1st FLOOR.LOCATION OF COURT:SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY COURT10,005 E. Osborn Road Bldg. 23Scottsdale, Arizona 85256

Public Notification

Public Notification

IN THE GILA RIVER INDIAN COM-MUNITY COURTSTATE OF ARIZONAFRANCISCO JAMES LEWIS JR.,Plaintiff/Petitioner,vs.YOLANDA LEWIS,Defendant/Respondent.TO: Yolanda LewisCASE Number: CV-2013-0140CIVIL SUMMONSYOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED, that a civil action has been filed against you in the Gila River Indian Community Court.YOU shall respond at an ANSWER/RESPONSE HEARING regarding this matter on the following date and time at the place set forth below:Sacaton Community Court721 West Seed Farm RoadSacaton, Arizona 85147(520)562-9860DATE: Monday, December 09, 2013Time: 01:30PMYOU may respond in writing. However, even if you do so, your presence at theAnswer/Response Hearing is still re-quired. If a written answer or response is made, it shall be filed and served be-fore the date of the hearing, unless the time is extended by order of the Court.If you fail to appear and defend, judg-ment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the com-plaint or petition.GIVEN under my hand and seal of the Gila River Indian Community in the State of Arizona.

IN THE GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMU-NITY COURTSTATE OF ARIZONALISA MARIE HOWARDPlaintiff/Petitioner,vs.LANDRAN PHILLIPS,Defendant/Respondent.TO: LANDRAN PHILLIPS,CASE Number: CV-2013-0244CIVIL SUMMONSYOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED, that a civil Restraining Order has been filed against you in the Gila River Indian Com-munity Court.YOU shall respond at an ANSWER/RE-SPONSE HEARING regarding this matter on the following date and time at the place set forth below:DATE: Thursday, November 14,2013Westend Judicial Center4751 West Pecos RoadLaveen, Arizona 85339(520)562-9862Time: 01:30PMYOU may respond in writing. However, even if you do so, your presence at theAnswer/Response Hearing is still required. If a written answer or response is made, it shall be filed and served before the date of the hearing, unless the time is extended by order of the Court.If you fail to appear and defend, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition.GIVEN under my hand and seal of the Gila River Indian Community in the State ofArizona.

1. ANTHONY ALLEN SR.Evidentiary Guardianship/Review Hearing Case #: J-11-0093/0094/0095/0096/0097 & J-13-0016/0017/0018/0019/0020Court Date: December 12, 2013 at 9 a.m. in Courtroom #2, 1st Floor.FAILURE TO APPEAR CAN AFFECT YOUR RIGHTSJurisdiction: Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community CourtBuilding #: 23Address: 10005 E. Osborn Rd. Scotts-dale, AZ 85256Contact: (480) 362-63152. CHRIS ALLENEvidentiary Guardianship/Review Hearing Case #: J-11-0093/0094/0095/0096/0097 & J-13-0016/0017/0018/0019/0020Court Date: December 12, 2013 at 9 a.m. in Courtroom #2, 1st Floor.FAILURE TO APPEAR CAN AFFECT YOUR RIGHTSJurisdiction: Salt River Pima Maricopa

IN THE GILA RIVER INDIAN COM-MUNITY COURTSTATE OF ARIZONAJENNIE MARIE LUCEROPlaintiff/Petitioner,vs.STEVEN LUCERODefendant/Respondent.TO: STEVEN LUCEROCASE Number: CV-2013-0238CIVIL SUMMONSYOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED, that a civil action has been filed against you in the Gila River Indian Community Court.YOU shall respond at an ANSWER/RE-SPONSE HEARING regarding this matter on the following date and time at the place set forth below:Sacaton Community Court721 West Seed Farm RoadSacaton, Ariozna 85147(520)562-9860DATE: Monday, November 18, 2013Time: 11:30 AMYOU may respond in writing. However, even if you do so, your presence at theAnswer/Response Hearing is still required. If a written answer or response is made, it shall be filed and served before the date of the hearing, unless the time is extended by order of the Court.If you fail to appear and defend, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition.GIVEN under my hand and seal of the Gila River Indian Community in the State ofArizona.

Public NotificationIndian Community CourtBuilding #: 23Address: 10005 E. Osborn Rd. Scotts-dale, AZ 85256Contact: (480) 362-63153. HAILY ENOSEvidentiary Guardianship/Review Hearing Case #: J-11-0093/0094/0095/0096/0097 & J-13-0016/0017/0018/0019/0020Court Date: December 12, 2013 at 9 a.m. in Courtroom #2, 1st Floor.FAILURE TO APPEAR CAN AFFECT YOUR RIGHTSJurisdiction: Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community CourtBuilding #: 23Address: 10005 E. Osborn Rd. Scotts-dale, AZ 85256Contact: (480) 362-63154. RILE HOWARDEvidentiary Guardianship/Review Hearing Case #: J-11-0093/0094/0095/0096/0097 & J-13-0016/0017/0018/0019/0020Court Date: December 12, 2013 at 9 a.m. in Courtroom #2, 1st Floor.FAILURE TO APPEAR CAN AFFECT YOUR RIGHTSJurisdiction: Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community CourtBuilding #: 23Address: 10005 E. Osborn Rd. Scotts-dale, AZ 85256Contact: (480) 362-6315

Public NotificationPublic Notification

Community Services DepartmentCommunity NoticeThe following changes have been made to the District Assistant Programs administered at the District Service Centers in the Gila River Indian Com-munity. Effective October 1, 2013• The percentage increased from 200% to 250% above the Federal Poverty Income Guideline (FPIG) to be eligible for assistance which may provide eligibility to more members. (FPIG matrix available at the service centers)• Increase of emergency minor home repair amount from $100 - $300 - work order request must be made, labor and supplies will be taken care of via service center budget. (Determination of eligible “emergency repairs” will be made after completion of assessment by District Service Center staff)• Utility bills under $25.00 will not be paid under Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) *Past due amounts still need to be paid by the member to avoid service interruption.Effective January 1, 2014 • No Income test required for all elderly and disabled members for assis-tance under Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Home Repair Program (HRP) – See your District center for more information on this benefit.Per legal review of tax liability to our members, all other assistance pro-grams will require income verification. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we make the transition. For questions or concerns, contact your local District Service Center Coordinator. D1 Alan Blackwater (520) 215-2110 D4 Ramsey Moffett (520) 418-3661D2 Jeanne Gomez (520) 562-3450 D5 Laurie Thomas (520) 315-3441D3 D. Ann Manuel (520) 562-3334 D6 Gilbert Sabori (520) 550-3805D7 Richard Kruszynski (520) 430-4780Pamela Thompson, Director 520.562.9691“Putting the Unity in Community”

Crime Victim Services hosts open house

On a cloth canvas on a chain-link fence under towering palm trees and a sunny blue Sacaton sky, visitors left rainbow-colored mes-sages in reassuring red, prayerful purple and resilient blue: “Love doesn’t hurt!” “End DV! It’s not our tradition.” “You are not alone, there is help out there.” “Paul, we miss you.”

“DV” stands for domestic vio-lence, a problem that persists at all levels of society in America today but one which the Gila River In-dian Community’s Crime Victim Services program has been com-batting for 10 years by providing comfort and assistance to families and victims of violent crimes.

At an open house on Oct. 24, the CVS staff – all dressed in pur-ple for Domestic Violence Aware-ness Month – welcomed Commu-nity members into their backyard where they handed out free hot-dogs, painted hearts on the cheeks of children and talked about how their program helps Community members in duress.

“It’s really touching,” said Arlene Vavages of the midday fes-tivities. Vavages, a full-time grand-mother from District 3, brought her daughter and a handful of her grandchildren to the picnic.

Vavages said that when she

was struggling with a domestic issue in the past, CVS helped her navigate her way out through the murky waters of the legal system. “Those people are very helpful, very nice.”

CVS has helped over 500 people so far this year, said Ad-vocate Aide Amanda Mitchell. It provides many services from something as simple as food boxes and clothing assistance if needed to services as involved as explain-ing how the criminal justice sys-tem works, “Domestic Violence 101,” Mitchell called it. And they don’t only handle domestic violence cases. Violent crimes include occurrences of sexual as-sault, threatening and stalking.

Most often, CVS will help victims file for restraining orders or, even better, orders of protec-tion, which offer increased layers of security. “Some people might write two sentences [on the appli-cation] and their order of protec-tion gets denied,” said Mitchell. “But if they come here, we can help them think through their feel-ings then their two sentences can turn into five paragraphs and tell exactly…why they are in fear of their safety.”

“What makes our program so special,” said Mitchell, “is that people can come here whether they want to report their situation

[to the police] or not.” A lot of people who visit CVS don’t want to participate in the legal system, she said. They “just want some-one to talk to [and] want some re-sources.”

But for those who are looking to prosecute, CVS goes the extra mile. “We will go with them to every court hearing if they want us to,” Mitchell said. “We will transport them. We will explain the court process. We will set up meetings with the prosecutor to make sure that they know how they feel about whatever charges or how the process is going.”

The program, which oper-ates under Tribal Social Services, often works hand-in-hand with the Gila River Domestic Violence Shelter On Eagles’ Wings, another program of TSS. “We can refer them to the domestic violence shelter here [in Gila River],” said Mitchell, or they can send them to a shelter off reservation “because there’s a lot of Community mem-bers who don’t want to be here within the Community.”

The Crime Victim Services program is working this year with the theme: Break the Silence. Stop the Violence. Its goal is to shine some light on a tragic reality by getting more people to talk about domestic violence honestly. Any-one is welcome to call CVS with questions at 520-562-4106.

The Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP) serves a hot meal Monday—Friday to eligible participants that meet the recommended daily allowance (RDA), and special diet needs. The goal is to increase or maintain the diet of elder individuals to ensure that 1/3 of their dietary needs are met.

The program serves District 1-7 within the Gila River Indian Community.

Eligibility Requirements

• Meals provided to any person 55 and over and/or to a spouse under age 55 living in the same household.

• Meals provided to handicapped or disabled program participants under are 60 who live in congregate housing facilities occupied primarily by the elderly.

• Meals provided at home to persons who have demonstrated a need to be home bound.

Meal Referral:

Referrals can be made by a family member, family friend or health care professional. Referrals are submitted to ENP where it is reviewed for

approval or disapproval.

Phone: 520-562-9696Fax: 520-562-9697

E-mail:: Elaine.Patrick@gric.nsn.us

170 W. Pima StreetP.O. Box 956Sacaton, AZ 85147

Elderly Nutrition Program

By Mikhail SundustGila River Indian News

Mikhail Sundust/GRIN

Arlene Vavages, District 3, built purple ribbon pins at the Crime Victim Services open house in honor of domestic violence victims.

Actions Sheets for the Second Regular Monthly Meeting of the Community Council held Wednesday, Oct. 16 will be forwarded to the Nov. 15 issue of the GRIN. The Nov. 15 is-sue will also include Ac-tion Sheets for the Nov. 6 Meeting of the Community Council.

Action Sheets

Gila River Indian NewsNovember 1, 2013 Page 11

Where Can I Get More Information About the Plans Available to Me? Contact your state Health Insurance Marketplace. You can find contact information for the Marketplace in your state by visiting www.healthcare.gov or by calling 1-800- 318-2596 (24 hours a day/7 days a week).

Accountability Commitment Patients & Families Culture Quality Self-Governance Trust

Komatke Health Center 17487 South HealthCare Drive

Laveen, Arizona 85339

Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital483 West Seed Farm Road

Sacaton, Arizona 85147

Ak-Chin Health Clinic48203 West Farrell Road

Maricopa, AZ 85239

GILA RIVER HEALTH CARE PREPARES FOR THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

Komatke Health Center Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital Ak-Chin Health Clinic

Phone: 520.550.6000Fax: 520.550.6033

Phone: 520.562.3321Fax: 602.528.1240

Phone: 520.568.3881Fax: 520.568.3884

October 1, 2013 marked the first day people could start exploring plan options and signing up for health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace (Marketplace), giving people without health insurance new coverage options. The Marketplaces offer individuals, families and small businesses a new way to compare options and shop for private health insurance all in one place. Coverage for plans purchased in the Marketplace will be effective as early as January 1, 2014; depending upon the enrollment date. People who meet certain income requirements may also qualify for help paying their premiums and other costs for plans purchased in the Marketplace.

What is a Health Insurance Marketplace? A Health Insurance Marketplace is a new way individuals, families, and small businesses can shop for – and compare – various private health insurance options all in one place.

Plans offered in the Marketplace must meet certain requirements for benefits, consumer protections, and cost to the consumer.

Marketplace plans are separated into four different categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These categories are based on an average of how much the plan pays for covered benefits.

In general, moving from Bronze to Platinum, out of pocket costs get lower while premiums tend to get higher.

Who Can Buy Health Coverage in a Marketplace? Generally, anyone who buys health insurance on their own can buy it through a Marketplace. However, only those who meet certain income requirements – and who do not qualify for affordable job-based health coverage or certain other types of coverage – are able to get financial help paying for a plan purchased in the Marketplace.

Do I Have to Have Health Insurance? Starting in 2014, most individuals must have health insurance or pay a tax penalty in the following year. However, if you have proof that you are enrolled with a federally recognized tribe you will be exempt from this penalty. Gila River Health Care does follow the same common standards of eligibility for health services as the U.S. Indian Health Service, which is that an individual seeking services be an enrolled member of a federally recognized

tribe or nation, whereby an official Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) will be required to be on file to receive services from any segment of our the Gila River Health Care system.

What If I Already Have Health Insurance? If you like your current insurance you can keep it, no action is required. This is especially true for our elders that already have Medicare as their insurance. Also you will want to check with the Gila River Health Care Benefit Coordinators to determine if you are eligible for Medicaid, which in the this state is known as Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).

What Do I Do If I Need Help Finding and Choosing a Health Plan? There are trained employees at Gila River Health Care called “Certified Assistant Counselors” in our Patient Registration/Benefit Coordination Department. These individuals are there to help you understand your coverage options and the enrollment process.

For more information, please contact:Cathy Mejia 520-562-3321 x 1251 or 602-528-1251 clmejia@grhc.org

Roberta Alvarez 520-562-3321 x 1311 or 602-528-1311 rarmendariz@grhc.org

Marie Lewis 520-562-3321 x 1204 or 602-528-1204 mkhendricks@grhc.org

Stella Sanchez 520-562-3321 x 1493 or 602-528-1493 stellas@grhc.org

Armida Molina 520-562-3321 x 1122 armidam@grhc.org

THE PHN MOBILE MEDICAL CLINIC“Coming to District Center near you!!

The latest GRHC Mobile Clinic is ready to hit the road beginning Monday, October 7, 2013 at District #7. Throughout each month the GRHC Mobile Medical Clinic is scheduled to be located at each GRIC Community District to provide basic medical care and offer another way for the Community to receive services.

District #1 – November 13 & 26, 2013District #2 – November 5 & 18, 2013District #3 – November 6 &19, 2013District #4 – November 4, 14 & 27, 2013District #5 – November 12 & 25, 2013District #6 – November 7 & 20, 2013District #7 – November 11 & 21, 2013

For the month of November 2013, the Mobile Medical Clinic will be at:

If you need care, have questions about your care or need to coordinate care with your primary provider, come out to the clinic in your area. Some services offered are: Well adult & child screenings Immunizations Medication reconciliation, refills request and medication delivery – Narcotic refill not available at mobile units Disease management and education Assessment & treatment of chronic illness, minor wound care and treatment Referrals to Primary Care Department, specialty providers and or other GRHC services Scheduling of follow up appointments and transposition.

No appointments necessary! The mobile clinic is set up as a walk-in clinic!!

Come out and take advantage of healthcare service offered in your Community Districts. For more information contact the PHN office at 520-550-6042.

If you need care, have questions about your care or need to

VETERANSDAY

November 11, 2013

Honoring all who served, Thank you for your service and welcome home.

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