‘Ira Hayes Social Pow Wow’ returns, honors late former GRIC Gov. Dana Norris Sr.
April 7, 2023
Emma Hughes,
Community Newsperson
The First Nations Warriors Society hosted the Ira Hayes Veterans Social Powwow at the Mul-Chu-Tha Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 1, sponsored by the Gila River Indian Community.
First Nations Warrior Society is an organization that honors Native American warriors to preserve and enrich tribal cultures and assist the Native community when needed.
The powwow returned to the Community for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. In previous years, it was held in conjunction with the Iwo Jima Flag Raising Anniversary events, in Feb.
This year, veterans, Community members and the public gathered once again for gourd dancing, a grand entry featuring GRIC veterans, and craft and food vendors. GRIC’s Veteran and Family Services Office also was on site with an information booth.
Marcus Sekayouma from First Nations Warriors Society is the event coordinator for the powwow, which began in 2003. Each year they honor a veteran, and this year recognized the late Dana R. Norris Sr, former governor of the Gila River Indian Community.
Norris’ family was present for a special recognition, and his eldest daughter, Cheryl Norris,shared his life, hard work and commitment to his family, Community and country.
Norris served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and the Korean War. He enlisted when he was only 17, serving in the South Pacific at Iwo Jima, and was a First Class Private with special training as a scouting sniper.
Cheryl Norris said, “Upon returning home, he dedicated 38 years of his life to his Community, he was not only dedicated to his family but to the future of the tribe, he served this Community with integrity and faith.”
Norris was an instructor and counselor at Central Arizona College, where he taught Native American studies and language. In 1978, he was elected to the Gila River Indian Community Council and was also appointed to the Community’s Central Arizona Project task force.
In 1982, he served as governor for the Community, successfully negotiating the acquisitions of the Huhukam Hospital and the Juvenile Detention and Rehabilitation Center. He testified before Congress to acquire funding for GRIC programs and advocated for other tribes. He was a minister for the Presbyterian church in Blackwater.
Norris also served as chairman for the national gaming task force, which supported Native American gaming throughout the U.S.
“He was a water warrior,” said Cheryl Norris. “He had negotiated with communities for the CAP’s water; attended federal court hearings on water matters. He had attended meetings in Washington, D.C. to secure and acquire the water rights for the Community.”
Norris was appointed director of the water rights office which held negotiations with federal governments and entities throughout the state to secure water rights.
“He was a wealth of information when it came to water rights and its history,” his daughter said.
First Nations Warriors Society also expressed their gratitude to the Community. “We would like to thank the Gila River Indian Community in sponsoring this powwow,” said Sekayouma. “Without them we couldn’t do it.”
On behalf of the Community, Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis and Lt. Gov. Monica Antone were then presented with a handmade quilt featuring the silhouette of the flag raisers atop Mt. Suribachi and the names of the United States Marines at that historic event.
Gov. Lewis said, “Thank you on behalf of the Gila River Indian Community, myself, Lt. Gov. Monica Antone, and our Council. We appreciate and honor [it], and we will cherish this.”
He also thanked all the veterans for their service and sacrifices. “I know that each of us have stories of families who have served, sacrificed; some who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Gov. Lewis said, as he emphasized that Native Americans serve in the armed forces at a higher rate than any other group in the U.S.
“I just want to thank everyone for coming out,” said Lt. Gov. Monica Antone.
“I really admire First Nation Warriors Society for always putting this on and making it happen for the veterans.”
