After serving the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community for the past six years, former Council member Wi-Bwa Grey now looks toward her new beginning. Her Council tenure came to an end in December after November’s SRPMIC tribal election results were announced. 

When she was first sworn in on January 23, 2019, Grey was the youngest Council member to serve at the time. Joined then by her uncle and former Council member of 27 years, Lance Grey, her lengthy list of accolades, accomplishments and improvements she helped introduce to her Community are more than apparent. 

“This is a special recognition this evening,” began SRPMIC President Martin Harvier during Grey’s farewell celebration on December 18 inside of the Salt River Council Chambers. 

During his welcoming speech, Harvier detailed Grey’s career highlights as a Council member. “Council member Grey was elected in a special election on January 14, 2019. The special election was held because Council member Ricardo Leonard was elected as vice-president. This left the district council 1 seat [vacant].”

He continued, “After completing her two-year term, in the general election on September 1, she was re-elected to a four-year term. Unfortunately, a lot of us weren’t here for it because it was during the COVID time. Most everything was done virtually at that time. 

“I know over the past six years in serving District D, I just wanted to let you all know, those members that are part of District D that had concerns and voiced those issues to her, she always brought those issues to our table to get resolved.”

In addition to being a Council member, Grey also served on the boards for the Donation Committee, Education and the Salt River Landfill. Furthermore, Grey was also appointed to non-SRPMIC boards and committees which include the Indian Country Gang Task Force, the State Indian Education Advisory Board and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Task Force for Arizona. 

Following Harvier’s remarks, the floor was open for Council members to share a few words. Council members David Antone, Mikah Carlos, and Vice-President Ricardo Leonard were absent and excused. 

Michael Dallas Sr. 

“I want to thank you for your dedication and leadership that you brought to the Council. One of the things that I can say is that when we now look at our Community calendar of events, we now have the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Day because that was one of the events you advocated for, that was never on there. I want to acknowledge you and your family for your compassion and your willingness you brought here. Thank you and I’ll continue to see you around. Nothing but blessings to you.”

Cheryl Doka

“Thank you to Council woman Grey. It was a joy serving with you. We came in together and learned together, it was great to have you here. The thing I noticed is that it wasn’t about the title or recognition for you, it was all about the people. I truly enjoyed seeing that. I know you’ll go on to do great things and who knows, we might see you again back here at this table. I know I’ll see you around. Thank you again.”

Deanna Scabby

“It’s been a real pleasure and joy to work with Council woman Grey. We spent hours talking and picking one another’s brains. I really appreciate her for being on the education board the last few years, her work at the schools was very important. I know that because of her experience and dedication to the kids and youth, things were improved, thank you for that. Thank you for everything you’ve done, you have been a powerful voice, and I know your powerful voice will continue to uplift others. Good luck and it’s not ‘goodbye’, it’s ‘see you later.’”

Jacob Butler

“I just want to say it’s been an honor to serve with you, to serve our community. You try to do the best for the people. You’re able to hear a different perspective and factor it into the decisions you’ve made, even mine. I’ve changed my mind because of things you’ve said. To me, I consider you a friend, not just a collegue. As councilmembers, we’re elected by different demographics of the community. I think through this work and our mutual work and understanding, it’s been an honor to serve with you because this is a big role, not just for you, but your family. I respect you for that. I wish you luck in all you do, don’t be a stranger.”

Following the SRPMIC Council members’ words, Grey remained professional as she fought back emotions as she gave the Community her utmost appreciation. 

“In 2019, I received a knock on the door from my mom. She said, ‘Someone is here to see you’ and it was former SRPMIC President Diane Enos. I said, ‘What does she want?’ So, I talked to her, and she asked me, ‘Have you ever thought about running for Council?’ I said ‘No’ and she said, ‘I want you to think about it.’”

After her conversation with Enos and her mom, Grey approached her family and after receiving their approval, decided to run for Council. “I was chosen by the people here to serve,” she said. “The Community came first. You all continue to come first.”

She continued, “Everyone asks me, ‘How do you feel?’ I feel the same. I will still represent the Community on the Indian Country Gang Task Force and on Gov. [Katie] Hobbs’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Task Force. I will still advocate for those to come home.”

Grey was recently informed by Hobbs’ administrative team that she has two years left as a member of the MMIP Task Force for the state of Arizona. “I’m not going anywhere,” said Grey. 

The emotions inside of the Salt River Council Chambers peaked as Grey thanked her mom, daughter, son, and family members that were in attendance. Sitting amongst her family was Diane Enos. 

Also sitting inside the Council chambers was newly elected and incoming Council member, Su:k Fulwilder, who will fill the seat left vacant by Grey. “I’ll give you my number,” said Grey to Fulwilder. “I’m here to help you in any way.”

Grey was gifted a traditional basket detailing her years of service to the Community, as well as a bouquet of flowers and a celebratory cake made by Tigg Bakes. Grey posed for photos with the Council as well as her family and loved ones. Grey also received a gift from Addie Garcia. 

She finished, “This was tough, it was not easy. We make the decision to sit here and be leaders in our community. I just want to say thank you to everyone. Thank you for the opportunity for allowing me to serve in a leadership capacity for six years. It’s a humbling experience to be here. I still have a lot of leadership in me. I did enjoy sitting here. My service isn’t over, I’m still going to represent the Community on the state-level. Thank you, everyone.”