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2010 Yavapai-Apache Nation Council Candidates Submission
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Gah'nahvah/Ya Ti'
Yavapai-Apache Nation Newspaper
The Yavapai-Apache Nation publishes a monthly newspaper called the Gah'nahvah / Ya Ti', covering news, special events, and community
The Gah'nahvah / Ya Ti'
August 2010
NIGC Vice Chairwoman, Steffani Cochran Visits the Yavapai-Apache Nation
By: Fran ChavezAugust 12 – National Indian Gaming Commission (‘NIGC’) Vice Chairwoman, Steffani Cochran met with members of the Tribal Council, Tribal Gaming Commission and Tribal Gaming staff today to discuss regulatory concerns of the Yavapai-Apache Nation (‘Nation’).
Cochran was accompanied by NIGC Phoenix Region Staff Attorney, Heather McMillan and NIGC Phoenix Region Director, Ken Billingsley.
In introducing herself, Cochran informed the attendees that the purpose of her visit to the Nation was to, “ask questions, to provide answers to questions you (Nation) might have, and to build a relationship.”
Questions prepared by the Tribal Gaming Commission and Tribal Gaming staff were posed to Cochran by Councilman Jon Huey. The questions ranged from the status of the Tribal Access Portal (TAPS) system to the status of proposed internet gaming bills being presented to Congress.
Carol Carrillo, Tribal Gaming Office Executive Directors says of Cochran’s visit, “I thought it was a very positive and productive meeting and it shows the new NIGC administration has an open door policy and is receptive to the Yavapai-Apache Nation Gaming Commission’s concerns, which is creating a better rapport and positive relationship with NIGC.”
Cochran, a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma was appointed to the NIGC Commission on January 4, after being nominated for the position by U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.
Prior to her appointment at NIGC, Cochran served as general counsel to the Pojoaque Pueblo in New Mexico. She has served as a judge on the Southwest Intertribal Court of Appeals and was an administrative law judge for the Oregon and New Mexico state governments.
Office of Public Relations
Public Relations, Legislative and External Affairs
Phone: 1-928-567-1006
Fax: 1-928-567-1082
Email: editor@yan-tribe.org
Mailing Address:
Office of Public Relations / Newspaper
2400 W. Datsi St.
Camp Verde, AZ 86322
News Submissions and Letters to the Editor.
To submit news articles, art submissions or other items for printing consideration in the monthly tribal publication please email: news@yan-tribe.org
The 2010 WIA Summer Youth Program
The 2010 WIA Summer Youth Program has come to an end and turned out to be a great success. A total of 66 Yavapai-Apache Nation tribal youth had the opportunity to work in various departments within the Nation, as well as off the Reservation, to gain the knowledge and understanding of the workforce. On behalf of the Workforce Investment Act Program, I would like to give a big thanks to those that helped make the 2010 WIA Summer Youth Program a success:
Participating Departments/Worksites:
Land and Water
Clarkdale Chamber of Commerce
Yavapai- Apache Police Department
Yavapai-Apache Construction
Tribal Housing
Farm Bureau Insurance
Higher Education
South Verde High School
RecreationCamp Verde School District
Human Resources
Town of Camp Verde-Maintenance
Tribal Court
Bethany Baptist Church
Yavapai-Apache Culture
Village of Oak Creek Christian School
Preservation and Technology
Chinle High SchoolPublic Relations
The New Thrift Store
Day Care Center
Social Services
Public Works
Administration
Economic Development Authority
Water UtilitiesSummer Youth T-Shirts-
David MonrrealDonations-
Cliff Castle Casino
Social Services
Laura JonesASU College Tour-
Taloa Hood
Albert Wathogoma
Crystal Rivera
Gabe JacksonAlso a big thanks to all those that stood in the sun to help prepare our end of the program lunch on Friday, July 30, 2010!!!!
And we can’t forget the youth, where would the program have been without the summer youth. I congratulate all those youth that really engaged themselves and gained something from this year’s program. I hope you take the experience and knowledge that you have earned and use it in your futures to come.
2010 WIA Summer Youth Program Participants:
Jesse Alvey IV
Kyla Alvey
Amy Anderson
Francisca Batopis
Jose Batopis III
Kayla Bonnaha
Kera Bonnaha
Mary Bonnaha
Malachi Cardona
Deon Che
Shawnee Cooperrry
Nicole De La Torre
Alec Eppinger
Maleah Eppinger
Mina Eppinger
Felipe Ruiz
Mitchell Fields
Leahla Garcia
Billie Jean Garner
Mary Garner
Delana Green
Shaina Gyce
Nathan Harlan
Edwin Hazelwood Jr.
Adam Hernandez
Lachey Honwytewa
Shayna Honwytewa
Toya Hood
Ellen Jackson
Marley Juan
Richard Juan
Shalese Kaaekuahiwi
Trudy Kaska
Hazel Lewis
Jacob Lewis
Jordan Lewis
Thaddeus Lewis
Joshua Lomaintewa
Julian Lomaintewa
Heather Loring
Bethany Lowry
Joshua Manuel
Brandon Marquez
Elizabeth Martinez
Venessa Martinez
Steven Mendez
Israel Montijo
Arthur Olvera
Desiree Perez
Celia Reyes
Regina Salazar
Eddie Scott IV
Mayem Sehongva
Sage Sehongva
Avery Smith
Danielle Smith
Scotty Smith III
Courtney Tenakhongva
Johhny Turner
Mariah Turner
Zayna Turner
Bryan Wathogoma
Jess White Jr.
Jerrica Yazzie
Anthea Young
And lastly, to the parents, this year’s program really put a lot of the responsibility on all the parents of the youth to get them to and from their drug screenings, background checks, orientation, workshops, and work. I commend you for taking the initiative and time to allow your child to have the experience and participate in the summer youth program. I know for some it was difficult, but you still did what ever was necessary for your child. Thank you for allowing your child to participate in the 2010 WIA Summer Youth Program, and allowing them to have an experience that will follow them for the rest of their lives.
WIA Summer Youth Program Submitted
By: Rachel Hood and Fran ChavezJuly 31 – The Nation’s WIA program came to a close with a barbeque celebrating the accomplishments of the youth participating in the summer program as employees of the Nation.
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) is a program designed to address the employment and training needs of dislocated workers, and low income adults and youth.
Each year, tribal youth are recruited to participate in the WIA program as apprentices within the Nation’s departments. They are provided training that enhances their communication, writing and verbal skills to assist them in gaining meaningful employment in the future.
This year the program consisted of 66 participants and 25 employers.
The celebration included a presentation by WIA Adult and Youth Case Administrator, Delight Plunkett in which she thanked the Nation’s departments for hosting the youth in their departments. Each department received a Thank You card and certificate for their participation. As part of the program, the youth were required to attend workshops. Plunkett said of the workshops, “This year the youth spent 2 days in workshops learning about various topics such as Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Career Goals and Planning, Saving and budgeting, and Culture Awareness. They even got to have their own Teen Health Fair that included Healthy Eating Choices, Dental Hygiene, WIC, Tobacco use and they had the opportunity to enjoy some fitness and ice breakers. Another activity the youth got to experience this year was a campus tour of ASU. About 23 youth took part in the tour, giving them the opportunity to experience college life and ask questions form those that have had the opportunity to experience it.”
The WIA summer youth workers were recognized with a t-shirt and certificates for their participation in this year’s program.
Five youth were recognized as outstanding youth workers:
• Courtney Tenakhongva, EDA
• Mary Garner, Recreation
• Mina Eppinger, Yavapai Culture
• Sage Sehongva, Water Utilities
• Arthur Olvera, Land & WaterThe W.I.A. Summer Youth Program is funded through Tribal, State and Federal Funds.
Nation Loses Over 500 lbs. in First Two Weeks of Challenge
By: Fran ChavezWith $2,500 up for grabs, Nation members have embraced the Shed the Frybread Weight Loss Challenge with vigor and are battling for first place. Pounds are being shed as witnessed by a total loss of 576.4 lbs. in the first two weeks by the 97 participants who weighed in on Friday, August 6.
“The participation in this event has been amazing.” states Fran Chavez, Public Relations Manager. “The number one goal is to affect as many tribal members and employees as possible. This started with one family having the courage to make a difference and from there it has spread to 127 individuals. We are hopeful that this number triples, as those 127 persons pass the lessons they’ve learned on to their family members and friends.”
The Nation is working with three fitness experts, ‘gifted’ to the Nation by the Plunkett/Marquez family. The trainers were brought in to teach the tribal members and employees how to implement strength training, cardio and toning into their daily lives using the tools available to them.
Fitness Trainer, Karl Samter says of his experience with the Nation, “The biggest thing I’ve experienced working with the Nation is that change is possible for anyone, no matter your age, culture or body type. They’re working hard and they’re trying to change.”
“We are well on our way to combating diabetes. It’s just a matter of keeping the momentum going once the challenge is over. We can do it and we will do it, because the Nation is committed to this effort.” says Chavez.
The Shed the Frybread Weight Loss Challenge is scheduled to culminate on September 23, as a grand finale event to the Nation’s annual Indian Week celebration.
Pavatea and Kwail Emerge Victorious In Yavapai-Apache Nation Primary Election
By: Fran ChavezThe Yavapai-Apache Nation’s primary election resulted in a victory for Roberta Pavatea and David Kwail as they emerged victorious from Saturday’s election. Both incumbents are vying for the Chairman’s seat, up for grabs during the Nation’s general election on September 18.
Pavatea emerged as the front runner with 132 votes, Kwail came in a close second with 122 votes. Current Chairman Thomas Beauty came in third with 92 votes, while current Vice Chairman Norman Smith came in fifth with 72 votes.
In a second battle, Nancy Guzman and Robert Jackson Sr. will be vying for the Vice Chairman’s seat during the general election.
Guzman garnered 154 votes, while Jackson took first place with 199 votes. The
Nation’s General Election is scheduled for Saturday, September 18.
With Fifteen Years Experience In Indian Gaming
Robert Pokorney Is Appointed General Manager Of Cliff Castle CasinoA nationwide search has resulted in the appointment of Robert Pokorney as General Manager for Cliff Castle Casino. Pokorney, most recently General Manager for Camel Rock Casino in New Mexico, competed against more than two dozen applicants before being appointed Cliff Castle Casino General Manager.
“Cliff Castle Casino has a really outstanding reputation in the business. I’ve gotten to know hundreds of people in Indian gaming and Cliff Castle Casino is known as one of the most exemplary casinos in Indian country, if not the nation. I am proud and honored to be associated with Cliff Castle Casino and the Yavapai-Apache Nation,” states Pokorney.
Pokorney began his career in Indian gaming as the Director of Marketing and Public Affairs with the Bad River Band of Chippewa in Wisconsin, but soon discovered that the casino operations were an integral part of the marketing strategy. “I could do all the advertising and promotions I wanted,” said Pokorney, “but it wouldn’t have any long-term effect if we didn’t have the games people wanted to play, or if the food was no good, or if we had dirty bathrooms, or if we didn’t acknowledge and reward our players.”
With casinos to be built in Flagstaff and the Valley of the Sun, the Nation is facing the very real threat of increased competition in the Northern Arizona gaming market. The tribal council sought a candidate that would be able to streamline expenses without sacrificing customer satisfaction, in an effort to counter that threat.
Pokorney fit that bill. He is able to claim success in achieving double digit increases in profits where most casinos suffered double digit declines.
“Robert has extensive marketing experience and is aware of the casino expansion threatening Northern Arizona. We needed someone on board who would be able to strategize and set goals and objectives to counter those threats. I’m very confident that Robert will be able to meet the tribal council’s goals of maintaining Cliff Castle Casino as the #1 casino in Arizona,” say Council Member Linda Evans of Pokorney’s appointment.
The Nation anticipates Pokorney will begin his new position mid-July.
Copyright © Yavapai-Apache Nation
