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May 18, 2022Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Healing and Memorial Tribute Remembering all Those Lost During the Pandemic
Since the spring of 2020, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community has lost more than 300 Community members, some from COVID-19 and some from other causes. On Saturday, May 7, SRPMIC held a Healing and Memorial Tribute event at the Salt River Ballfield to remember those whose lives were lost during this time. It was fitting that this tribute was one of the first in-person Community events since the pandemic.
“In March 2020, the world we once knew stopped, and the Community, alongside the rest of the world, began to endure new day-to-day life experiences due to COVID-19. This virus changed how we lived, how we worked, how we learned and how we interacted,” explained master of ceremonies Pacer Reina before inviting SRPMIC member Marty Thomas to the stage to provide the opening prayer.
Council Representatives Cheryl Doka and Michael Dallas read the family approved names of Community members who passed away during the pandemic. As the names were read, photos submitted by the families were displayed on two screens and family members rang a bell in honor of their loved ones.
“This evening, we come together to start the healing process. This evening we will be remembering fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, husbands, wives, grandmas and grandpas that we lost during these last two years during this COVID pandemic,” said SRPMIC President Martin Harvier. “As a Community, we would always come together when somebody lost somebody. We would come together to help as a part of the grieving process. During the pandemic, we were not allowed to gather, and some were even unable to be with their loved ones at the hospital. Funerals and wakes were not allowed at government buildings or even inside homes, and gravesite services had limited attendance. Some families were left to deal with grief alone. So, this evening as we come together for this special event, we come together to remember, to reflect, to cry, to laugh and to give thanks to those who shared themselves with us but are no longer with us. It is our faith knowledge that the short wait will be over and we will see them again.”
Everyone in attendance participated in a candle-lighting ceremony to remember lost loved ones and their laughter, their compassion, their friendship and so much more.
Community members Antonia Reina, Russell Ray and Robin Ramirez shared their personal stories of living through the pandemic. Reina and Ray talked about their experience battling COVID-19 and how they continue to have lingering symptoms. Ramirez talked about being a teenager during the pandemic, and how the sudden halt in socializing with family and friends made life difficult. Like many other students, she also struggled with online school. But that was only the beginning for Ramirez, as she would eventually lose her sister, two aunts and an uncle to COVID. While still being safe, she said, her grandma tried to make life normal for Ramirez and her younger family members by taking them to drive-in movies.
A number of musical groups performed in honor of those lost, including the Salt River Presbyterian Church Choir; drum group Comanche Red, which performed a memorial song and an honor song; Grammy-nominated flautist Robert Tree Cody; and Bird Singing and Dancing by the River, which performed traditional bird songs. Paster Len Andrews concluded the memorial with a message of healing.
Leroy G. Andrews
Randal D. Arthur Sr.
Lois D. Ferguson Smith
Phillip Antone
Melanie Reina-Lopez
Michael Norris, Jr.
Michael Norris, Sr.
Mariah Makil
Eugenia R. Osif
Clayburn D. Osife
Leon C. Judge
Ciara Armenta
Robert “Bob” Scabby
Francisco M. Perez Sr.
Leota Standing Elk
Isaac G. Burnette
Elaine S. Williams
Cara L. Cough
Ruth A. Perkins
Aaron A. Garcia
Lily M. Landis
Ralston Cashoya
Bonnie De Lowe
Erik N. Thomas
Lansford E. “Lenny” Azule
Kennedy J. Enos
Leota G. “Bella” Azule-Manuel
Rowena J. Andreas-Duran
Brandan Paukgana
Bernardo C. Rosero
Brian F. Antone
Richard “Rick” Judge
Elvia R. A. Ramirez
Angela Honeycutt
Allen Samuel Lawrence Juste
Joe De La Rosa
Bernadine “Berni” Mahle
Dale K. Waters
Geraldine Carlos
Mary M. Andrews
Russell “Bosco” Fulwilder
Phyllis Johnson Banashley
Malcolm Wood
Daniel Wood
Pernell D. Mahle
Eva Ludlow
Royal “Arnie” Schurz
Melvin Thomas
Charles J. Coops
Talon Manuel
Loretta Robles
Ambrose E. Moore
Dean E. Emerson
James P. Moore Jr.
Elisha Anton
Judum Burke
Elizabeth “Shisco” Sebahe Makil
Aaron D. Easchief
James S. Boni
Marisella Ortiz
Anthony P. Lewis
Davis Jackson Sr.
Joyce A. Manuel
Michael L. Carlos
Shirley L. Howard-Washington
Melanie Smith
Rudy G. Butler
Dexter D. Loring Sr.
Edgar N. L. Carlyle Jr.
Thomas D. Manuel
Royce Manuel
Lapu Lapu R. Largo
Trista M. Lewis
Her-val-vo-poy Shurrie French
Marie A. Carlos
Loranda J. Carlos
Davis Enas
Sierra M. R. Powers
John Michael Landis
Ronald White
Betty Largo Flores
Sylvia Goodwin
Leland M. Johnson
Norene I. Burke
Geneva Ann Richards
Merle Andrews
Nehemiah L. Hill Sr.
Melva Charles
Christina G. Lerma
Briana Charlie
Billman H. “Hog” Hayes III
James B. Thomas
Arlen K. Biakeddy
Earl D. Jackson
Marcellus M. Chiago
Kazehn N. Zotigh-Lewis
Tyson D. M. Johnson Sr.
Christina M. Peters
Selene E. Wopsock
Sivilano L. Antone
Mateo L. Vavages-Lewis
Verna C. Espinoza
Lucinda L. “Cindy” Enas
Rickey L. Nelson
Joel D. Rhoades
Barbara A. Carrillo
Roger R. Smith Jr.
Kristen R. Salcido
Gabriel F. Ortiz
James Harrison Jr.
Roxie Anna Lewis
Nicollet Flores
Isaac G. Burnette