Akimel O’odham/Pee Posh Youth Council hosts 37th Annual Gila River Youth Conference
Joseph Morales
GRIN Intern
200 youth attended the 37th Annual Youth Conference, hosted by the Akimel O’odham/Pee-Posh Youth Council (AOPPYC) on July 13-14 at the Double Tree by Hilton in Mesa.
The conference’s agenda for the weekend provided the youth in attendance with many opportunities to attend workshops, informational sessions, and socialize. This year’s theme was “Revitalizing the River.”
Both days began with welcoming blessings and guest speakers to kick off the general assembly. Day one featured Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis and former GRIC Gov. Greg Mendoza, now the Youth Program Director for United National Indian Tribal Youth Inc. (UNITY). Both shared their thoughts on the importance of the conference and the theme of being tied to the land and the river.
“You are part of the future for all of us; you are part of the river, the keli akimel,” said Gov. Lewis. We are the caretakers of what our ancestors left us.”
He shared the history of the Community and how it was nearly brought to extinction, “It was our leaders then, our last traditional Chief, Antonio Azul. It was his leadership that fought to keep us where we’re at,” said Gov. Lewis. AOPPYC President Junior Pancott presented Gov. Lewis with a special gift for his continued support for the youth.
Mendoza recognized AOPPYC as the longest-running and tribally-supported youth council.
Day two would follow with guests Lt. Gov. Regina Antone and former Phoenix Suns player Amar’e Stoudemire, keynote speaker, sharing essential messages for the event.
“One of the most important factors of being successful is planning how to pursue your craft or what your goals are and what you want to accomplish,” said Stoudemire.
Stoudemire was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2002. During his 14-year NBA career, he was a six-time NBA All-Star and five-time All-NBA team member.
The youths in attendance really got their excitement going when Stoudemire made his way to the stage. During his speech, he mentioned his hobby of farming and his connection to the land, which opened the whole crowd’s perspective. He runs Stoudemire Farms in New York, a family-run business that began in 2015.
“I think it’s important for farming because you’re cultivating the land, growing your crops, growing your agriculture, and connecting back with the soil,” Stoudemire said. It’s a beautiful space, a very spiritual space to be in.”
Gov. Lewis jumped in after Stoudemire’s speech to express how connections can be made with Stoudemire’s farming, “We’re traditionally agriculturalists and farmers, and the whole theme is ‘revitalizing the river’, making sure we’re sustainable,” said Gov. Lewis.
Following the speech, the youth in attendance had time to be more engaging and ask any questions for Stoudemire. Questions ranged from what sparked his interest in playing basketball, his most challenging practice and game, to any advice he could give on achieving goals.
The youth conference had many opportunities to listen to speakers and attend workshops of their interest. Multiple sessions allowed everyone to get the chance to participate in traditional sandal making, Pee-Posh bird singing, and playing basketball, which were some of the workshops held over the weekend. Many informational booths and exhibitors were in attendance, including the Office of Emergency Management, Gila River Health Care, Gila River Telecommunications Inc., and GRIC Employment & Training Department, some of the few in attendance. After workshop sessions ended, the youth council would have tables distributing some gear for the weekend, such as water bottles, hats, and T-shirts.
The conference concluded each night with dinner and live performances by DJ Lokie (Jaime Jackson) and Walia band Group Passion, who would play music and allow the dance floor to open for the youth.
Junior Pancott, President of the youth council, had the pleasure of sharing some words about the conference: “Overall, the conference was a major success. The youth in attendance were all eager to learn in the various workshops. That is the biggest highlight for me as an outgoing AOPPYC member. Speaking and organizing this event for the new generation of youth is important.”
