For nearly two decades, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community’s annual Glow Walk has seen increasing participation as the Community continues to heal together and raise awareness to one day bring an end to suicide and sexual and domestic violence.

3 Takeaways:

• The 2026 SRPMIC Glow Walk commemorated its 15th year in October.
• The walk brings awareness to suicide, sexual assault and domestic violence.
• This year’s course was one lap around the Two Waters campus, ending near the Helping Hands thrift store.

“This event is getting bigger and bigger,” began Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Health Educator Vurlene Notsinneh-Bowekaty as she looked at nearly 250 guests attending the annual Glow Walk.

She continued, “Fifteen years ago, when this walk started, it started out as just a suicide awareness walk done by one of my coworkers, Marylynn Marshburn. She lost her nephew to suicide, and she wanted to do a walk in his memory and honor.”

The walk now raises awareness about suicide, sexual assault and domestic violence.

For this year’s walk, which occurred on Oct. 13, participants walked one lap around the Two Waters campus, ending near the Helping Hands thrift store.

Various vendor booths from tribal government departments packed the Two Waters Courtyard near Friendship Park. Additionally, local collaborators such as Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV), the Phoenix Indian Center and others were also on hand to provide support, resources and more for those in need.

“I have family who are victims of sexual assault, and I lost a brother to suicide,” said SRPMIC Council member Jacob Butler during his opening remarks. “People say ‘Time heals all wounds.’ Really, that wound is always with you. You just learn to cope with it a little better. Things like this for me are really meaningful. I appreciate every one of you here.”

Following Butler’s opening remarks and prayer, Tribal Council member Su:K Fulwilder also provided some words.

“There’s a lot of us struggling; a lot of mental health things are going on right now,” said Fulwilder. “Thank you all, and [especially] you young people who are here to move your legs with us. Be healthier together, be united.”

During her speech, Fulwilder disclosed the loss of her son Joaquin to suicide. “We’re going on four years; [the anniversary] is coming up at the end of the month. I mention it because I know I’m not the only one who’s hurting. We need all of us to join together and be unified in these times. My condolences to everybody who’s been affected.”

Just before the walk started, additional words were provided by the SRPMIC Royalty court. Miss Salt River Jizelle Juan, Miss Salt River First Attendant Ella McGilbary, Miss Salt River Second Attendant Cherish Vavages and Jr. Miss Salt River Lanae Medina all provided inspirational messages to the people.

“It’s so important that we’re here for one another; you never know what one is going through,” said Juan. “Something simple as saying ‘Hello’ and ‘How are you?’ can mean so much to someone, so please check on your loved ones. For those that are going through something, you are seen, you are loved, you are heard. We love you so much; the whole Community is here for you.”

As far as the walk, participants completed the official lap as daytime slowly turned into nighttime under the mid-October moonlight. The Salt River Police Department and additional staff ensured participants remained safe, navigating traffic away from the course lap.

If you or anyone you know is dealing with domestic violence or experiencing thoughts of suicide, please refer to these telephone numbers. Help is available. Do not suffer in silence.

• Emergency: 911
• Suicide Emergency Line: 988 (voice or text)
• Salt River Crisis Line: (480) 850-9230
• Salt River Behavioral Health: (480) 278-7742

24-Hour Crisis Hotlines

• 1-800-273-8255 (nationwide)
• 1-800-631-1314 or (602) 222-9444 (Maricopa County)
• (844) 534-4673 (State of Arizona)

Non-Crisis Warmlines (a “warmline” allows you to speak to a peer)

• (602) 347-1100 (Maricopa, Pinal and Gila counties)
• (520) 770-9909 (Pima County)
• (888) 404-5530 (Northern Arizona)

Regarding terms used when discussing sexual assault, the term “victim” is used when someone has experienced a sexual assault. The term “survivor” is used to describe someone who has been sexually assaulted and is attending or has gone through a recovery process and has regained a sense of peace. Both terms are needed as they serve different purposes. These terms change depending on individual preference.