Brenda Robertson honored at Cultural Circle

Christopher Lomahquahu

Gila River Indian News

“I’m thankful for this honor, I do it to help our little ones, who are growing up in the Community,” said Brenda Robertson. She said the role of a cultural teacher is not to her alone, but of parents and grandparents, who possess the same knowledge. “It’s a joyous day for me, I can’t help, but feel all the strength that I have today,” said Robertson.
 

“She has been coordinating the cultural circle for many years and has been teaching others, even as she served on Community Council,” said Antonio “Gohk” Davis, master of ceremonies for the Mul-Chu-Tha cultural circle. 

“It’s good to be here, to recognize Brenda Robertson, who has helped at the cultural circle for a very long time,” Lt. Gov. Robert Stone. “We all have our relationships amongst us, amongst our families, and that is what Brenda represents in the Community.” 

He said Robertson has put a lot of heart into the cultural circle, to bring in groups from the Community and elsewhere to showcase O’otham traditions. 

“I’ve know her all her life, she always dedicated her life to preserving [our] culture, sharing her knowledge about O’otham traditions to so many,” said Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis. “She is at the center of our Community, that is why we are here today, to honor all that she has done to make a difference in people’s lives.”  He said Robertson has also been an advocate for the Community’s water rights, as a former District 5 Council Representative.  

“They are the ones that inspired me to keep walking that road, and it’s because of her influence, it’s brought me back to this Himdag,” said Harry Antone, who spoke about Robertson’s impact on his life. 

He said the cultural circle at the Mul-Cha-That fairgrounds, plays a significant role in the teaching of O’otham traditions, a place for all O’otham to gather, to learn about our Himdag. “Outside of the cultural circle You will be rewarded when you put effort into teaching your children, to help them understand our culture, songs and everything we have been given.”