The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community was established on June 14, 1879. The 52,600-acre parcel of tribal land is surrounded by the cities of Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe and Fountain Hills. With over 11,000 tribal members, the Community gathered on Saturday, June 13, at the Community Building to celebrate its culture, identity and history. 

The celebration brought out fashion, fun and, of course, talent. 

Vendors were set up throughout the parking lot, with artists showcasing their work for sale. The items included jewelry, T-shirts, kitchenware, traditional attire and much more. Nearby, Community government departments were lined up, providing information on resources that are accessible to Community members.

The evening was packed with an itinerary of O’odham and Piipaash socials, and a photo booth and tables and chairs were set up for guests. 

“I know the majority of these people, so it always makes me feel good to see everybody again and come and have a good time, to come out and dance with the Piipaash or the O’odham,” said SRPMIC Vice-President Ricardo Leonard.

In another room a talent show was being held, Salt River Spotlight, followed by cumbia dance contests and chicken scratch music and dancing with Molina Music. 

Salt River Spotlight offered Community members the opportunity to showcase their special talents on stage. Many people signed up to perform, and it was a reminder that there are many talented people here. Those who courageously stepped on stage were rewarded with prizes and praise, and even treats—Bogo the dog, a special entry, showed just how much of a good boy he was by doing his special tricks in front of the full house.

“My favorite part was the talent show and the cumbia contest because they were really [interactive]. I’m kind of glad they brought the talent show because it shows that Community members out here have talent and they’re willing to come out and show what they have,” said attendee Carmen Scott.

Prizes were given out to the first-, second- and third-place winners: hoop dancer Tizoc Lopez, Omar Villipando giving an acoustic guitar performance, and the duo of Mia Ruiz and Zoe Loring dancing to popular music hits while wearing inflatable baby costumes. 

More Community members were able to show off their dancing talents at the three cumbia contests, which featured contestants sorted by age. 

As the night began coming to an end, attendees got their last dances in, made last-minute decisions to buy those earrings, or visited the photo booth one last time. It was a reminder that the Community is rich in culture and life. 

“[I like it because] I get to be around all my family. I don’t say nobody’s not my family. Everybody is my family here, and I enjoy being a member here, and I like being part of this Community,” said Scott.

“It makes me feel really happy that people get to enjoy themselves. Seeing them having fun makes me really happy,” beamed Miss Salt River Emma Scabby.