Fall Piipaash Matasheevm Community Social

3 Takeaways:

• The annual social allowed all singers and dancers a space to perform in the Gathering Area in Lehi, also known by the people as God’s Country.
• The next Piipaash Matasheevm takes place over two days starting April 2.
• SRPMIC Council members Deanna Scabby and Michael Dallas Sr. provided remarks. Pacer Reina served as event emcee.

“It’s a real privilege to be here on this beautiful day,” began Deanna Scabby, a member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Council.

It was time for the annual Piipaash Matasheevm Community Social, which was held on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Lehi, also known by the people as God’s Country. This year, as at previous gatherings, Pacer Reina served as emcee, sharing his trademark sense of humor and photogenic smile. The fall social is on one day, compared to the spring’s popular Matasheevm, which usually takes place over two days in early April.

Scabby was joined by Council member Michael Dallas Sr., and the duo helped welcome guests to the celebration, which saw many bird singers and dancers, both local and those who traveled to attend the event.

“This place is where songs and dances happen,” said Scabby. “It teaches our young people. This was the elders’ vision and it’s their dream come true. It’s here right now.”

She continued, “I recall a couple of years back when my mother was here. She said, ‘I remembered a lot of the words when I was growing up. I understood what they were saying and what it all means.’ That really touched me because I thought, you know, my mother was a very quiet person, but she had a remembrance, and this special place brought it back to her. I’m grateful for the elders and their vision to have this wonderful spot here.”

Later, Dallas provided additional remarks, including sharing his appreciation for the many staff and departments that help get the fall celebration underway. “It’s a beautiful morning today. I was talking with the guys this morning from Public Works. I just want to thank them for everything they do.”

Dallas mentioned that a rainstorm in September ripped through Lehi and toppled one of the massive mesquite trees near the Gathering Area. Thankfully, the Public Works team worked together to properly inspect and remove the tree while trying to save it. Dallas noted his appreciation for their efforts.

He continued, “We’ve also had some visitors from different tribes that came by, and they liked to know how we went about things. I told them to come by and visit. We can share what we’ve done and how we do things here. Today is a good experience to do that, socialize and talk with people.”

One of the cornerstones of the social is the open-door invitation, which encourages performers from across Indian Country to share their culture, songs and dances with the people in Lehi.

As his speech neared its end, Dallas provided his appreciation to Garfield Nish for performing the sunrise blessing, which is a staple of both the fall and spring Matasheevm gatherings as the world seemingly continues to be experiencing turbulent and uncertain times.

During the performance portion, SRPMIC Vice-President Ricardo Leonard, a band member of the Bird Singing and Dancing by the River group, talked about the importance of coming together to share the songs and dances with the people.

“It’s always a good thing to get together as one tribe,” said Leonard. “[We have] two differently distinct languages and different ways of looking at things. But we’re one when it comes to the harder parts. Let’s dance.”

In between songs, Leonard also gave special recognition to one of his fellow singers who was casually sitting underneath the shade, Meldon Fulwilder.

“We’ve been singing together for the last 40 years or so,” said Leonard. “He’s one of the gentlemen that actually sang with Mr. Leonard Carlos (baḍ) and Mr. Felix Richards (baḍ). Me and him are probably the last ones to actually be singers from those two teachers. I wanted to introduce him to you all.”

Fulwilder flashed a small grin and gently nodded. Leonard then waved to Fulwilder before beginning the next song and said, with his trademark wit, “Sorry to embarrass you,” adding, “I’m just a singer in a band.”

The celebration also featured the White Mountain Apache Crown Dancers, dancers from the Hopi Tribe, and many more performers and singers.

Later in the night, the SRPMIC Royalty court also made an appearance in Lehi.

Miss Salt River Jizelle Juan, Miss Salt River First Attendant Ella McGilbary and Jr. Miss Salt River Lanae Medina introduced themselves and shared a special message. During the Matasheevm, the royalty queens of Salt River hosted a “tiny tot” special for the little ones to bask in the good medicine that comes from the songs and dances of the people.

Additionally, in one of her final moments wearing the crown before handing it down to the next honoree, Miss Indian Arizona Sialik King made an appearance and joined her fellow “sash sisters” to dance the night away. Her reign ended in October.

The songs, smiles and support that were on display continued to prove why these songs and dances are so important to many. There are healing elements within the songs, dances and culture, not only from the Piipaash, but from other tribal nations as well.