Kwi I’ivakithak Mashath 2024

Submitted by
Huhugam Heritage Center

The name for this month references the Kwi (Mesquite tree leafing out) and is nature’s way of letting us know that spring has arrived. On March 19, 2024 the Vernal Equinox will mark this event.  Nighttime and daytime will be of equal length, until the days become longer and nights shorter. 

During this time we celebrate our Community’s Annual Celebration called Mul-Chu-Tha. The name originates from the O’otham root word “melch” (to run/race) and originally referred to footraces for men and woman teams between villages. Another form of competitive races for men is called “shoñgivul” (foot races with the kicking ball).  Other traditional games included “thoka” (field hockey) for women teams, and “gi:ns” (gambling stick games) for individual men.  As with all competition, O’otham set wagers and chose the winner of each match.   

The Blackwater calendar stick for 1875-76 (Russell 1908:55) records that “For a short time the Pima were free from hostilities, and ventured into the mountains to gather mescal.  While there, a race took place between a man and a woman, in which the woman won.  Later in the season there was a general gathering of the villages to witness a race with the kicking-ball.”

When livestock were introduced into our community, O’otham readily adapted to the horses and cattle.  One Elder stated: “We were not originally horse people, we adapted.” Over time, new competitions were added to the rodeo events. Rodeo events were held throughout the community near certain villages in the wide-open ranges. Livestock competition included visil vu:pda (calf roping), “tho:la cheggia” (bull fighting) and “chuchul be’be” (chicken-pull).  Over time, the chuchul be’be was eliminated, due to being too dangerous for the riders.

In the early 1960’s the original Mul-Chu-Tha combined several events, such as a parade, free bar-b-que, rodeo, exhibit booths, food sales and a carnival. A Miss Pima Pageant had been initiated with teenaged girls and young adults.  A complaint was issued from the Pee-Posh teenaged girls and young adults. The title of the Pageant was then changed to Miss Gila River.  The overall goal of the Mul-Chu-Tha back then, was to construct a community swimming pool and recreation hall for youth.  Since those early humble beginnings, we have most certainly, came a long way.  

This month’s word match will test your knowledge of Tribal competition games. Speak with an Elder or Speaker and learn to say the competition events. The names and spelling may be slightly different between the villages.

A special Thank You to community Elders.  Whose memories of the Mul-Chu-Tha over the years that made this article possible.  Other sources related from the Gila River News Archives September 1964- November 1969. The Pima Indians, Frank Russell, Re-edition 1975, The University of Arizona Press.