It was time to officially turn the tassels. 

The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community once again hosted the American Indian Convocation at Salt River Fields for all Indigenous students graduating from the Maricopa County Community College District. The convocation took place at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.

The district schools are Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, GateWay Community College, Glendale Community College, Mesa Community College, Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix College, Rio Salado College, Scottsdale Community College and South Mountain Community College.

In 2025, the community college district was forced to cancel its convocation ceremonies due to federal funding cuts. Thankfully, the SRPMIC stepped up to host the inaugural convocation. 

This year, the SRPMIC, Ak-Chin Indian Community, Gila River Indian Community and Tohono O’odham Nation collaborated to help celebrate Indigenous graduates on May 13. 

Sixty-plus students participated in the ceremony, which saw many graduates dressed in their traditional regalia. The SRPMIC was well represented as several Community-member graduates participated. 

Melody Lewis (Fort Mojave Indian Tribe) served as the mistress of ceremonies for the event. “This moment represents more than academic success; it reflects sacrifice, support, identity and the enduring strength of our community,” she said. 

Drum group Comanche Red shared a song as part of the welcoming blessing and Miss Indian Arizona Sialik King performed the national anthem. 

After her performance, Tohono O’odham Chairman Verlon Jose sang “The Honor Song” and provided a few words. In his remarks, Jose offered his congratulations to the graduates and their families. He added, “I do want to also acknowledge the O’odham tribes, [SRPMIC] President [Martin] Harvier and his administration, because together we are stronger. When this happened and they called the O’odham leaders together, we united, for you, the people.” 

The convocation keynote speaker was Jacob Moore, associate vice-president of tribal relations at Arizona State University. From the Tohono O’odham Nation, Moore expressed gratitude for being selected.

“It’s good to be here with my relatives,” began Moore. During his speech, Moore described how he turned his life around after first being academically ineligible when he began his college career. 

“Your path doesn’t have to be straight,” he said. “As you probably already know, confidence builds with every small victory and every step, one at a time. A strong foundation matters when it comes to academics and pursuing goals and dreams. Having a support system with those around you changes lives in a good way.”

South Mountain Community College graduate Rigoberto Tavena (Pascua Yaqui Tribe) served as one of the three featured student speakers. “Choosing college wasn’t always clear for me. I faced moments of doubt. There were times where I questioned whether I should be here or not. Because when you’re from south Phoenix [like I am], college can be a step into the unknown. But my Yaqui culture guided me. I’m not here by accident,” he said.

Following Tavena’s words, Mesa Community College graduate Nizhoni Shandin Smith (Diné) also expressed key insights from her academic journey thus far. “Back in the early 2000s, my mother enrolled at Mesa Community College. I figured, maybe being a second-generation Thunderbird would not hurt after all,” she said. “At first, it was a difficult pill to swallow. But my mother told me, ‘We are all living this life for the first time and mistakes are inevitable.’ Those words reminded me that changing direction is not failure, it is growth.”

The third and final student graduate speaker was James Schaaf, a Community-member graduate of Scottsdale Community College. He spoke from the heart at the lectern while his parents, Yvonne and Michael, proudly watched him with tears of joy. “Having such a strong support system of family and friends made me grateful for the opportunity of having these people in my life and giving me confidence on my journey,” he said. 

His speech highlighted how valuable his grandmother, Patricia King, is to him because of the O’odham traditions and values she provided to him while he was growing up. Schaaf will continue his education at Arizona State University. 

Later, the SRPMIC performance group Bird Singing and Dancing by the River sang three songs which called for the blessings to the graduates, their families and loved ones. 

Each graduate received a shell necklace when their name and degree were announced. Candace Hamana (Hopi/Navajo), director of tribal relations at Arizona State University, read aloud the names one by one. Tribal leaders, distinguished guests and Indian Country representatives all created a receiving line near home plate to congratulate each graduate. 

Once back in their seats behind home plate, the students were instructed to turn their tassels over to the left side, signifying that they have completed a milestone achievement, graduating from college. 

The night was capped off with a fireworks show, with many families taking group photos in different locations around Salt River Fields.

This year’s event proved that though there may be uncertain times happening throughout the United States, here in the SRPMIC and in Indian Country, tribal officials and leaders do their best to ensure that future leaders are supported and recognized for their hard work and achievements in and out of the classroom. 

Photos by Andreea Miguel and Juan Ysaguirre

Click here to check out OAN’s 2026 Graduation insert.