Manataba Messenger

Page 20 Megathrow XVI postponed due to Coronavirus, watch their Facebook page for new dates TBA Raffle Announcement- SUPPORT THE MOHAVE ELDERS WITH YOUR TICKET PURCHASE—$5 each or 5 for $20. Items pictured above. Drawing will be at Megathrow, need not be present to win. C.R.I.T. Mohave Elders Committee News —Elections for Treasurer & Secretary tabled until next month. April 7, 5:30 PM in chambers. —April 4 Road Trip-5 Tribes Treaty Day at Laveen, AZ., and Lehi Mastacheevan (overnight trip). The deadline to sign up to go is March 20. —May 12-14 Fort Yuma Senior Games. The deadline to sign up is April 30 . Email: sksworks@msn.com for more info. CRIT Recognition Days 2020: The 155th Anniversary AHA MACAV’AVAACH —-March 3, 1865, is the day the United States government federally rec- ognized the homeland of the people indigenous to the Colorado River. The Mohave has lived along this river for over 12,000 years, where their reservation remains on its original ancestral ground. By executive order of President Lincoln, almost one month before his passing, the reser- vation was established. In ensuing years the Chemehuevi in 1876, and in 1945, the Hopi and Navajo united with the Mohave to form what is now the Colorado River Indian Tribes. This day is remembered with an event hosted by the Mohave Elders Committee in their designated Mohave village (Aha Macav’ Avaach) and celebrated as a day of honor, remembrance, cultural practices, and historical education. The day began with a Spirit Run to ‘Avii Suukwily (Black Mountain), a centuries-old tradition of prayer by the Mohave, known for being long-distance runners and fierce warriors. The day ended quietly and humbly with a social Bird sing and dancing at sunset. A day spent learning, enjoying a meal together, and giving thanks to those “that had gone before” for their resiliency, common sense, and foresight, which made survival possible for the River people. This year, Neil Flores and Symanthia Ameelyenah were chosen and honored with respect and gratitude by the Mohave Elders Committee; they are pictured right with dignitaries. Biography of Neil Flores: Neil T. Flores Sr. is a member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes. After graduating from Parker High School, he moved to San Francisco to pursue his artistic ability. He studied technical illus- tration at Industrial Technical College and received a Diploma of Completion in 1969. Returned home to Arizona, but illustrator jobs were scarce. Flores put down his draftsman pencil and picked up a mop working with Irataba Hall. While working as a janitor was approached by the CRIT Chief of Police and asked if he wanted to work with the police department. Accepting the offer started serving with the police department. In 1970 Flores was tapped on the shoulder by the Arizona Highway Patrol. Worked as an officer for the Arizona Highway Patrol until 1980 when he was recruited by CRIT to be a tribal judge. He attended the National Judicial College in Reno. After completing courses in 1981, he began a long career as a CRIT tribal court judge. In 2002, Flores began working as an independent contractor doing judge pro tempore for 10 Arizona tribal courts. During this time was recruited once again by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, remaining there until 2008. Returned to CRIT in 2008, off and on with CRIT, and resigned in March of 2012. He remains active as a Judge Pro Tempore. Flores' dedication extends beyond the courtroom. He and his wife, Amelia, will celebrate 34 years of marriage in November. Between them, they have four boys (one passed) and nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Biography submitted by Amelia Flores. CRIT Historical Reference regarding the establishment of this day: By Resolution #40-93, on March 2, 1993, the Colorado River Indian Tribal Council Proclaims March 3, 1993, as the Colorado River Indian Tribes’ Day in Recognition of the Establishment of the Colorado River Indian Reservation. Passed 5 for, 0 against, and 0 abstaining. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Tribal Council encourages all Colorado River Indian Tribes membership to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. CRIT Historical Reference regarding the establishment of the Mohave Elders Committee: By Resolution #128-93, on August 14, 1993, the Colorado River Indian Tribal Council Formally Recognize and Organize the Mohave Elders of the Colorado River Indian Tribes into a Standing Committee of the Tribal Council. Passed 6 for, 0 against, and 1 abstaining. On behalf of the Mohave Elders Committee, they wished to thank the following for their assistance and support for the Annual CRIT Recognition Day: Colorado River Indian Tribes, CRIT Maintenance Department especially (Steve, Anson & Carlos), Special Thanks to Jackie Humeumptewa in Accounting, American Legion Post #70, Manataba Messenger, Spirit Runners (Poncho, Quentin, Lane), Spirit Run Singers (Lorenzo Tahbo Jr, Lathaniel McCowan, Justin Howard Jamahke Welsh), Spirit Run Organizer Quentin Fernandez, CRIT Police Department for Escort Service, Terry Moses, Sr., PA System, Tracy Stanley, Volunteer, Vendor CRIT Royalty, Vendor Carter Family, Instructor Laverne Mahke, Instructor Monte Stevens, Instructor Lynette Stevens, All Parade Entries, Miss Indian AZ and CRIT Royalty, Miss Parker Princess Grissum, Vice Chairman Keith Moses, Secretary Amelia Flores, Councilman Granthum Stevens, and Councilman J.D. Fisher for their opening remarks, Chairman Dennis Patch for attending, Maria Chavez, Meal Prep, Steve Eddy, Meal, All Tortilla Makers!, Activity Coordinators Elders: Geneva Moore, Etta Anderson LeAnne Stone, Candace Carter, Toni Carlyle, Judy Thomas, and all the elders who donated water and drinks. Photo L-R Back row: Tribal Council Secretary Amelia Flores, Vice -Chairman Keith Moses, Honoree Symanthia Ameelyenah, Honoree Neil Flores, CRIT Tribal Councilman Johnson “J.D.” Fisher. L-R Front row: Miss Colorado River Indian Tribes Nokomis Stone, Jr. Miss 1st Runner Up Harmony Howard, Little Miss Winter Harper, Little Miss 1st Runner Up Kylana Howard, Jr. Miss Marilyn Lomayesva, Miss Indian Arizona, CRIT Tribal member Audriana Mitchell, and Miss Parker Princess Grissum. Content: www.crit-nsn.gov/Colorado River Indian Tribes - Wikipediaen /itcaonline.com.