Procession and blessing honors Chief Antonio Azule

February 19, 2016

GRIN staff

On the day when the United States of America honored U.S. presidents past and present, the Gila River Indian Community took the time to recognize one of their own leaders from the past.

A procession and blessing held in Sacaton, District 3, paid respects to the late Chief Antonio Azule on Feb. 15.

The procession started at Azule’s old homesite and ended at his resting place in Sacaton.

Traditional male runners started the procession followed by dancers, singers, horse riders, the American Legion Post 51, Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis and Community Council representatives.

Chief Azule fought for the O’otham and Pee Posh in battle and also in Washington D.C., in establishing GRIC’s water rights.