A bright year of leadership and transformative opportunity lies ahead for the new members of the Young River People’s Council.

Twenty O’odham and Piipaash youth leaders took their oaths of office at the YRPC inauguration held at the Accelerated Learning Academy in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community January 10.

YRPC is a group of Community youth who promote engagement through educational, traditional and governmental opportunities. New executive members and at-large members are sworn in every year. 

“In all of you, I see your parents,” said keynote speaker Council Member Jacob Butler. “In your actions, I see the teachings of your parents and grandparents. They paved the way for you to be here, and I hope that in a few years, you’ll be standing here in larger roles, representing our people and making an impact.”

Reflections of the past year were shared by the outgoing YRPC executive members: President Liam Enos, Vice President Jizelle Juan, Correspondent Secretary Tizoc Lopez, Clerical Secretary Maison Galindo and Treasurer Cruz Lasiloo. They thanked their families, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to attend events, such as the UNITY conference in Portland, Oregon, and felt blessed to make connections with Community members at local events. Advisors Janyse Salinas and Sommer Lopez were thanked for their support.

Enos served two consecutive terms as president—2023-2024 and 2024-2025—and plans to attend the University of Texas in the fall. 

“I will forever cherish my time as the Young River People’s Council president,” said Enos. “The experiences with my peers, Community and the places I visited taught me so much. This council helped me hone my potential and deepen my connection to our Community. I encourage other youth to join. It’s a transformative opportunity.”

As one journey came to an end, a new one began for others. Honorable Judge Janaya Johnson administered the oath of office for the 2025-2026 at-large and executive council members: President Jizelle Juan, Vice President Cruz Lasiloo, Correspondent Secretary Maison Galindo, Clerical Secretary Tizoc Lopez and Treasurer Amelia Lasiloo.

“I see the growing interest in learning about our culture and traditions within the YRPC,” Juan in her inaugural address. “I want to extend this knowledge to the Community by organizing events for those who may not have access or don’t know where to start. Together, we can spark interest, create opportunities and remind everyone of the importance of preserving our cultural practices.”

Juan presented bundles of segoi (creosote) to the incoming council for good medicine and protection.

The inauguration concluded with traditional singing and dancing. Young men with gourds sang O’odham and Piipaash songs, while young women performed traditional basket and bird dances. 

“Watching them step into their culture—singing and dancing our traditional songs on their own—fills my heart,” said Lopez, who is also a youth development specialist in addition to being one of the YRPC advisors. 

“Janyse and I often get emotional seeing how far they’ve come, and it’s so beautiful to see them carrying our traditions and representing our Community with such eagerness and love,” Lopez added. “This next generation is filled with so much empathy, creativity and brilliance, and I truly believe that if we continue to nurture and guide them, they will create a future more beautiful than we could ever imagine.”