News Briefs: Phoenix Indian Center’s AZ Excellence in Leadership Awards

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PHOENIX The Phoenix Indian Center announced the winners of the Arizona American Indian Excellence in Leadership Awards 2021. This annual recognition honors Arizona individuals and organizations who have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and dedication to promoting, advancing, and developing the Native American community, or who have made significant contributions to the Native American economy. “Each year we have an extraordinary group of award winners who are making a tremendous impact on the Indian community, and this year is no exception,” said Patricia Hibbeler, CEO of the Phoenix Indian Center. “We invite the entire Arizona community to join us virtually to celebrate and recognize the winners.” Submitted | Mark PetermanEthel Branch Ethel Branch, interim director of the Navajo & Hopi Families Relief Fund, was named Woman of the Year. James Ridingin, Pawnee won the Kent C. Ware Lifetime Achievement Award. Barbara Poley, Laguna / Hopi, won the Phyliss J. Bigpond Lifetime Achievement Award. Frances Stout, Tonono O’odham, won the Spirit of the Heard Award. Christopher Sharp, Colorado River Indian Tribe, was named Man of the Year and Raul Mendoza, Tohono O’odam, was named Community Friend. The Medicine Wheel Riders and the Rez Riders were named Volunteers of the Year. Titan Facility Services with CEO David Beaver, Winnebago, was named Business of the Year. Shay Allison, Navajo, and Trinity Manuelito, Navajo, were named College Student of the Year. Stephen Louis, Navajo, and Angel Polk, San Carlos Apache, were named High School Student of the Year. Virtual Mass Marks Summer Solstice WINDOW ROCK – Continuing the great tradition of annual Navajo Nation fairs and celebrations, Yee Ha’ólníi Doo has served the Navajo people for over a century on the 19th. For Yee Ha’ólníi Doo, celebrating the summer solstice honors the traditional Navajo belief system of preparing the land for the fall harvest. In the Navajo language, the name for the month of June, Ya’iishjááshchilí, means “planting the early harvest”. Yee Ha’ólníi Doo Interim Executive Director Ethel Branch said one intent of the virtual fair is to sow hope for the future. “Our people look forward to our annual fairs to reconnect with relatives and share their stories from since they last saw each other,” said Branch. “We want to provide a safe space where we can all virtually celebrate the many events we have come to love with the Navajo Nation fairs.” The virtual fair will host events such as a baby photo contest and a re-ride photo contest , a virtual fashion show, cultural performances, a concert with local musicians like Lyla June and a comedy show by the dynamic duo James and Ernie will take place on Sunday. Yee Ha’ólníi Doo’s deputy director Cassandra Begay said the tide of support for the event was inspirational. The organization of the virtual fair is led by Wendy Atcitty, Yee Ha’ólníi Doo, Director of the Public Health Education Program. If you are an interested artist or musician, now is the time to secure a slot. “I am really pleased with the response we have received from the many artists who want to take the stage in a safe and responsible manner,” said Atcitty. “James and Ernie are hysterical and I’m looking forward to their humor and laughter they instill in the audience.” June 20, 5 p.m. All performances take place on Yee Ha’ólníi Doos Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief fund group page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/214813476301051. Contest and voting events are held at www.navajohopisolidarity.org. Information: Wendy Atcitty, wendy@navajohopisolidarity.org

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