Sacaton Middle School Celebrates O’otham Himthag

Emma Hughes

Gila River Indian News

Despite the completion of end-of-year testing, the learning continued at Sacaton Middle School (SMS) before the summer break. Over two days, from May 9-10, SMS hosted its annual O’otham Himthag Thash. This vibrant event showcased a plethora of cultural presentations, performances, and lessons from various GRIC departments, guests, and groups representing tribes from across Arizona, truly highlighting the richness of Native American heritage and the diverse Community involvement.

“It’s just a day to celebrate who they are,” said SMS Culture teacher Marcella Hoover on the final day of the celebration at the school’s gymnasium. “It’s not just concentrating on our culture tribe here. It’s branched out to other tribes.”

Hoover has been with SMS for 23 years and said the celebration is usually held in May once school testing is complete. Students rotate to different classrooms for presentations on culture, history, land, and resources from various Community departments, such as the Tribal Education Department (TED), Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Boys & Girls Club, Community Council, Akimel O’otham Pee Posh Youth Council (AOPPYC), and Pima Maricopa Irrigation Project (P-MIP).

Local veterans, Gila River Royalty, and elders also shared time with the students and their knowledge and understanding of the Community. O’otham food demonstrations were given and traditional games were taught and played.

Visiting tribes also participated in O’otham Himthag Thash, forging a connection with the students who, having completed another successful school year at Sacaton Middle School, were at the heart of this celebration, fostering a sense of pride and belonging in their cultural heritage.

On May 10, Harry Antone provided the blessing and Miss Gila River Susanna Osife gave a welcoming. Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis also addressed the students.

“He’s always encouraging them,” said Hoover of Gov. Lewis, an alumni from Sacaton.

Miss Indian Arizona First Attendant Tonana Ben gave a blessing, followed by cultural presentations and performances from champion hoop dancer Sampson Sixkiller Sinquah, Cibecue Creek Dancers, and O’odham Pako’ola, among others.

Hoover stated, “It’s a lot of planning, and I love doing it because I want our students to know who they are and to get that not just from me but from other adults in our community.”