Several generations of Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community families met inside of SRPMIC’s Council Chambers on April 16 to celebrate and honor Community seniors celebrating over 90-plus years of life. 

Prior to the recognition, President Martin Harvier provided insight as to how the celebration came to be. “A few weeks ago, Council member [David] Antone brought it to our attention that one of our elders was reaching 90 years of age,” he began. “Council had a discussion, and we all thought, ‘How many other Community members have reached the age of 90?’”

The answer? 10 Community seniors. 

The seniors recognized were:

• Alonzo Jose (Age 112)
• Barbara Johnson (Age 92)
• Damon Andreas (Age 93)
• Danny Harvier (Age 91)
• Eleanor Flores (Age 95)
• Hazel Rivers (Age 89)
• Ruth Chough (Age 95)
• Josie Duarte (Age 90)
• Shirley Martinez (Age 90)
• Thelma Gonzales (Age 90)

As families and their loved ones made their way into the celebration, a photo gallery of the 10 seniors decorated the inside of the council chambers. Many former SRPMIC presidents, Council members and managers, directors, and staff also attended the celebration. 

“It’s a special opportunity that we have to have our elders today, to be able to celebrate the wisdom and the life they have brought to our Community,” said Harvier in the moments leading up to the celebration. 

Each Community senior was recognized for their achievements in the workplace, academics, as well as sharing their favorite hobbies and interests they most enjoy. Additionally, each senior and the number of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren were also shared. 

Council members greeted each senior in attendance and congratulated their families as they all posed for photos. With nearly every seat filled inside of the Council Chambers, the overflow of guests had many standing in the back area as applause and cheers filled the venue throughout the celebration. 

Every senior in attendance received a bouquet of flowers and a blanket which contained the SRPMIC seal as well as their name stitched onto it.

In total, seven seniors and their families were in attendance to the celebration. 

Following the honoring, Council member Antone extended his appreciation to the seniors, their families, and the Community for hosting the celebration. “I think everybody on Council had the same idea that everybody that has reached that milestone and has contributed through their wisdom, knowledge and their ability to be here that long,” he said. 

“I congratulate all of the recipients that have lived that long and it’s just something to be very proud of.”

Then, with a smile, he finished, “And so, we’ll be back in 10 years.”