2015 Water Rights Day

December 18, 2015

By Christopher Lomahquahu

Community Newsperson

On the eleventh anniversary of the signing of the Arizona Water Settlement Act, the Gila River Indian Community honored past and present leaders at the 2015 Water Rights Celebration.

At the Rawhide Western Town Frontier Hall on Dec. 10, the festivities highlighted a mixture of culture, history and the current state of GRIC’s water plan.

Billy Allen, District 5, and Daryl Lynn Jay, District 6, facilitated the program, which included addresses from Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis, Lt. Gov. Monica Antone, former Gov. Donald Antone Sr., and water rights video presentations.

In his address, Gov. Lewis emphasized GRIC’s efforts to reclaim their water rights. “It’s important to talk about our story, both historical and contemporary.”

Gov. Lewis also outlined the establishment of a permanent water fund that will allow the Community to utilize Central Arizona Project water in a financially responsible way.

Lt Gov. Monica Antone also acknowledged past GRIC leaders who fought for water rights. “We cannot go forward, without honoring our past,” said Lt. Gov. Antone. 

Lt. Gov. Antone hinted at the many possibilities that are afforded to tribal members that will be the backbone of GRIC’s water infrastructure as projects get underway.

“The future of the Gila River Indian Community is bright, when you look at the many benefits Community members have because of the water rights settlement,” she said. 

Former Gov. Donald Antone Sr. said there was a lot to fight for when the Community was working to obtain its water rights.

“I learned the traditional issues as well as the modern issues,” he said.

After the formal program, singers gathered outdoors on the lawn where many participated in social dances. The event closed with a chicken scratch dance provided by the Two Rivers band.