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In this issue of the newsletter:
- Medicine Wheel Riders
- Quechan Social Services - Victim Advocate
- Oro Cruz Mining Project
- Kwanamii Spirit Run
- Training for Tribal Council
- Quechan Tribal Education Student Recognition Celebration
- Easter Egg Hunt
- Spotlight On A Tribal Member
- Upcoming Events
MEDICINE WHEEL RIDERS
By Gloria McGee
Our tribe was honored to host the Medicine Wheel Riders (an all-female biking group) along with male riders from the Rez Riders. The mission statement of the Medicine Wheel Riders reads, “We are Indigenous Women Motorcyclists and Allies who create awareness events and fundraise for issues affecting Our Indigenous Women and Relatives as well as issues in our communities.” They support groups and advocates who search for missing persons and provide support services to women and their families (MMIR – Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives).
Unfortunately, they were unable to ride through the reservation as they had done in the past. We had a funeral and the death of another elder, so the group felt it best to honor our elders by not touring (due to noise level). We provided a room for the night and dinner. Four Tribal Council members as well as Ms. Fay Burson, Victim Advocate for our tribe at Social Services, were able to join the group and learn about how they became involved. We listened to them tell their stories dealing with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Woman. Many ride to bring awareness of MMIW because they too are grieving about members of their own families or close friends who were victims of these abuses.
President Jordan Joaquin signed a proclamation making May 4th. “THE FORT YUMA QUECHAN INDIAN NATION MMIW MEDICINE WHEEL RIDE DAY.” May 4th is the National Day of Awareness and action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse people. On this day we aim to raise awareness about this ongoing crisis and take action. On this day we remember the people who have lost their lives to colonial, gender-based violence, and their families and communities that live daily with the grief of losing loved ones.
Medicine Wheel Riders and members of the Quechan Tribal Council
QUECHAN SOCIAL SERVICES – VICTIM ADVOCATE
By Gloria McGee
Pictured with a group of Medicine Wheel Riders is our own Social Services Victim Advocate Faye Burson. She is part of the Victim Services Program to provide advocacy and assistance services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and or stalking. Services provided include advocacy services, referrals to outside agencies, assistance with completing orders of protection and report filing, crisis intervention, case management, emergency assistance, and transitional housing assistance. If you need her services, she can be reached at (760) 572 – 0201 ext. 204 or ssvictimadvocate@quechantribe.com.
If you need to talk to someone, call Strong Hearts Native Helpline 1-844-762-8483.
Medicine Wheel Riders, Council Members, and Victim Advocate Faye Burson (second from right)
ORO CRUZ MINING PROJECT
By Faron Owl and Gloria McGee
Oro Cruz is one of a succession of mining companies seeking to receive a permit from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to do exploratory drilling in search of gold and other profitable minerals. At present the proposal is to do exploratory drilling in several locations on site.
Quechan has vigorously fought to keep mining away from our sacred sites located in and around the area.
Quechan Cultural Committee was able to halt the project 20 years ago. The moratorium has expired and the changing of hands of the property has led to a renewed pursuit for a permit by the latest company Oro Cruz. We have approached the fight to save the property in two ways:
- The Cultural Committee under the direction of Manfred Scott and the Quechan Office of Historical Preservation with Jill McCormack (Historic Tribal Preservation Officer) have worked diligently covering the legalities and keeping a watchful eye on the BLM and the mining company to be sure they are following proper procedure and protocol for acquiring a permit.
- On another front Tribal members from Quechan, Colorado River Indian Tribes, and other representatives were protesting at a gathering “OUR LAND IS SACRED – Stop Oro Cruz Mining Project” which was held March 18th at the Quechan Community Center on March 18, 2023.
KWANAMII SPIRIT RUN:
On that same Saturday, thirty-seven runners participated in a run through Quechan Reservation and through the desert, with the run ending near the site of the Oro Cruz Project. Runners from many tribal nations ran in the footsteps of our ancestors for eighteen grueling miles. The spirit of the runners was challenged that day. However, there was one goal in mind, to help stop the Oro Cruz gold mine, because running is the only way to tap into the physical and spiritual power that defines the Quechan.
Special thanks to:
Colorado River Indian Tribes - Mojave Spirit Runners, C.R.I.T. Mojave elders, Philly Emerson, Preston Arrow Weed – Ah Mut Pi Pah, Lucia Ortega, Pierce Cachora – Xuumar Akuuts, Jared Naimark, Bobby Wallace, Chris Illingsworth – Xanapuk, Anna Miller, Tudor Montague, Quentin Barley Jr., Charlotte Hills – Kwatsaan iiya, Michelle Eagleman, Patricia Lumas, Donald Medart Jr., Dezmond Juan, Brian Golding Sr., David DeGrande, Dana Chino, Sarah DeCorse Jeffers – advisor to.Students of San Pasqual, Strong Hearts of San Pasqual – Andre Polk Estrada and Lucia Polk, advisors, and Zion White.
TRAINING FOR TRIBAL COUNCIL
By Virgil S. Smith
On April 10th and 11th, 2023, the Tribal Council along with the Quechan Housing Board of Commissioners took a training in Role and Responsibility of Tribal Board and Council Members put on by Falmouth Institute. The training was held at the Quechan Turquoise Community Center located in the Quechan sub-division. The training can be applied to amu of our committees but was centered on Quechan Housing and their requirements.
The training covered the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996, Title 25 U.S.C. § 4101 et seq., the Indian Civil Rights 25 U.S.C. § 1301 and 1302 its definitions.
The training also covered Member Liability Immunity from Suit as it pertains to tribal sovereignty; that is the idea that Native American/Indian Tribes have inherent authority to govern themselves, free of interference by federal or state governments. An essential aspect of tribal sovereign immunity from lawsuits in federal, state, and tribal courts. More specifically, under federal law, an Indian tribe has immunity not only from liability, but also from suit. This is not limited to the Tribe itself, instead it also extends to entities as “an arm of the Tribe.” This includes Tribal Housing Authority. Tribal Sovereign Immunity also extends to individuals associated with the Tribe or tribal entities, such as officers or employees, at least in some circumstances. Officials may be sued when they act out of their scope of authority and tribal employees may be sued for trot claims within the scope of their employment because sovereign immunity does not cover trial employees for suits in their individual capacity.
Also covered was Ordinance No, 8-08 A – Ordinance Amending Ordinance Establishing the Housing and Authority; Tribal Councils and Boards: General Duties and Responsibilities; Compliance; Prohibitions i.e., Not to manage or influence QHA’s day-to-day operations.
Role of the Council/Boards: This can be divided into two tasks.
- Establishing policies for achieving goals and purpose of the organization.
- Controlling the funds and assets obtained for achieving tribal goals.
A policy does three things: It describes who is served; It describes how they will be served, and it sets the framework for all other kinds of decision-making. Other important topics include Micromanaging, Policy-Making responsibilities, Program planning, and funding.
Additional Topics included: How to Handle Real Difference of Opinion; Root Causes of Council/Board Conflict, Ethics, and Standards of Conduct for Tribal Officials and Indian Board Members, Standards of Conduct, which identifing types of suspect behavior, identifying environments that allow corruption, how to identify strategies to minimize unethical acts by tribal leaders and employees and adoption of a tribal code that is tailored to your needs.
Overall, the training was very educational and identified weaknesses that can be improved within our tribal structure. The Tribal Council will be working on those issues as well as clarifying processes that may have been overlooked.
QUECHAN TRIBAL EDUCATION STUDENT RECOGNITION CELEBRATION
By Donald Medart Jr.
The Quechan Tribal Council along with the following:
- Higher Education Department, Ora Lee Durand, Director,
- The Johnson O’Malley program, Pam Manchatta, Director,
- Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention Program, Claudia Reyes
- Quechan Language Preservation Department, Charlotte Hills, Director
- Parks and Recreation Department, Interim Director Quentine Barley
- Head Start, Family Services Manager and Interim Director, Danette Joaquin
will be hosting a celebration to honor the accomplishments of our Tribal and Community Students. We will be honoring promoted and graduated students of Pre-School, Kindergarten, eighth grade, High School, Adult Education, and college graduates and postgraduates.
The event will be held at the Quechan Community Center beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 23, 2023. A fillable PDF form if you wish to us to acknowledge promotion and any outstanding accomplishment earned will be available on the tribal website quechantribe.com. The form must be completed and submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on June 16, 2023. Hope to see you all there, let’s celebrate our future leaders together!
EASTER EGG HUNT
By Gloria McGee
On Saturday, April 8th the Quechan Tribe sponsored an Easter Egg Hunt. Many families came to enjoy the fun. The excitement began with an Easter egg hunt. There were a variety of games of competition (3 legged race, egg toss, balloon toss, and bunny hop) afforded to a range of age groups. There were a generous supply of prizes and gifts awarded in the raffle.
Lunch was provided. Once the hunt was over participants were able to enjoy a jumping station, a dodging game, and a train ride. It was a day of fun for families. Also the Quechan Post 802 American Legion Auxiliary awarded raffle winners with a variety of gifts such as a coffee maker, a TV, surprise bags, a purse, and many more gifts.
Thank you to the Vice President Ina Hall, Maintenance Department led by Mike Jackson, Jr. and crew, the Events Committee and members of Quechan Tribal Council who participated in person or through donations. Special thanks to Wilfred Emerson who emceed the event from Gabby Emerson and Elmer Emerson.
MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATIONS
By Gloria McGee
Quechan Mothers were celebrated on three separate occasions at the Quechan Language Department on May 10th many moms were in attendance. It was a well attended event.
The Quechan Tribal Council, Park and Recreation, the Events Committee, Paradise and Quechan Casino and Resort helped to provide a great celebration of Motherhood. There were prizes galore donated by many departments. The luncheon was held on May 11th at the Community Center. The event was catered by the casino and casino staff served a delicious meal. Wilfred Emerson was the emcee. A number of tribal members presented gifts to the lucky recipients. The gifts ranged from beautiful gifts bags donated by Pipa Market, earrings, gift cards, a number of gift baskets, and tickets to events.
The third event was held at the Quechan Senior Nutrition Center on May 12th. Elder Moms enjoyed a delicious meal, played games and were awarded prizes. Gale Johns was the emcee.
SPOTLIGHT ON A TRIBAL MEMBER – SHE’S SPOTLIGHTING THE QUECHAN PEOPLE
By MaryJane Barley
My name is MaryJane Barley I am currently a student at Imperial Valley College (IVC) in Imperial, California. I am majoring in Communications and I hope to transfer to San Diego State University (SDSU) to complete my Bachelor’s Degree.
I have recently joined a Communications Club at IVC to help gain more experience in communication. The club fundraise and hold events for other students, so they may become aware of the club. One goal is to visit places such as the Tolerance Education Center in Rancho Mirage, California.
Recently we held an Open Mic Night the theme was” Lost Years”. It gave me the opportunity to show our Quechan Culture to those who were not aware of it. I invited Strong Hearts to the event to help present our beautiful dances, songs, and even educate them on what we do. I hope to present more of our culture as well as talk about it to friends and professors.
Since then I have been asked by my professors to talk more about our culture and what is important to us. I have reminded them that our people are still here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- June 23, 2023 – Student Recognition Celebration
- June 29, 2023 – Ms Quechan Pageant
- July 3, 2023 – Fireworks
- Regular monthly meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm (time are subject to change).
