The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community celebrated O’odham and Piipaash heritage with a full day of fun activities on Saturday, November 16. “We Are O’odham, We Are Piipaash, We Are Still Here” was the theme of the 2024 O’odham Piipaash Day. 

Classes in making ce:mait (tortillas) were open to Community members from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Huhugam Ki Museum. There were five classes total, each lasting about 45 minutes. Classes were taught by Candice Manuel, Debbie James, Tammy Walker, Kasheen Walker and Darren Harris. During the class, participants were taught how to prepare the mixture of cu’I, ‘on, mañjik and sudagi to cook on a komal and then package their ce:mait to take home. Teachers also introduced vocabulary words for different ingredients and utensils in both O’odham and Piipaash and provided flashcards for class participants to keep.

Meanwhile, at the Accelerated Learning Academy, Community members taught and played the traditional O’odham women’s game toka. The game, which is like modern-day hockey, is a beloved sport among O’odham women. Jessica Ruiz from the Onk Akimel Siviliki (Salt River Whirlwind) team and Melissa Rave from the Salt River Tadai (Roadrunner) team invited both seasoned players and first-timers to pick up an u’usaga (toka playing stick) and run after the o’da (game piece) together. Before each round, Marian Ruiz tossed the o’da to the lined-up players, shouting “Hemako, go:k, vaik, ce’cevi!” (one, two three, play!). (See the February 15 issue of O’odham Action News or the OAN website for some history on the game of toka.)

The fun continued in the afternoon with carnival games and snacks. The family activities included a corn maze, high striker and even a train that ran through the ALA campus. 

In the cool evening, the day concluded with traditional social dancing and singing on the ALA football field. Performers were dressed in their traditional clothing, and dances switched from bird dancing to round dances. Dances were open to all, and dinner was provided by the Round House Café.

OAN reporter Nalani Lopez contributed to this article.