October 2017

E CH - KAH - NAV - CH A The Story Teller 2017 OCTOBER Makav huukan naTion The Mojave Proud ProjecT Mojave Shinny Boys travel to Cocopah Article By: Tribal Council The Fort Mojave Tribal Council established the Mo- jave Proud Project on September 28, 2017. It is a pilot work program which will run through December 31, 2017. Participants will work at various work projects throughout the reservation. Continued on Page 2. On October 14, 2017 the Tribal Youth Shinny teams headed out on a journey to Cocopah. Two vans and a truck departed the administration office at 10:00 a.m. and arrived at their destination around 4:00 p.m. where the people of Cocopah greeted them with open arms. Continued on Page 3. HoMe owner assisTance PrograM ForT Mojave vocaTional rehabiliTaTion Article By: Tribal Council annual Mojave glow/color run 5k deposits) up to $2,500. This is a one Article By: Vocational Rehabilitation time assistance and is paid directly to Each year FMVR is to tes is the second highest the designated landlord/utility com- hold a disability aware- disability of the program. pany. We are pleased to announce ness event due to the We had 279 individuals that Tribal Member Jose Yanez was Grant awarded to the who participated in the the first to receive this assistance. We program by the Depart- event, ranging from tod- congratulate Jose and his family as ment of Education. This dlers to adults. The event they will be moving in October 13, year we teamed up with is to bring awareness to 2017. the Fort Mojave Indian the tri-state area regard- Left to Right: Cellina Reyes (Council Member), Timothy Tribe, SDPI Program as ing disabilities and the Williams (Chairman), Jose Yanez, Colleen Garcia (Coun- cil Secretary), Shan Lewis (Vice Chairman) If you are interest in the HAP, complications of diabe- services that are avail- please contact Continued on Page 6. On October 2, 2017 the Fort Mojave Tribal Council implemented the New Housing As- Colleen Garcia (760) 629-4591 sistance Program. The program is designed or to assist tribal members who are 18 years Nichole Garcia (760) 861-4213. or older who have no outstanding warrants with costs (rental payments and/or utility

ECH-KAH-NAV-CHA OCTOBER 2017, Page 2 Mojave Proud ProjecT Continued On Monday, October 2, 2017 the Mojave Proud Project began with the first project, painting the elders home in the California Village. Representatives from Lowe’s store in Bullhead City, Arizona came to the job site to train and guide the work crew on the first two houses. We are very appreciative of their workers for all the training they provided. We will continue with painting all the elders homes in the California Village. Another project was painting and clearing out the old carwash next to the Ft. Mojave Smokeshop. The evening crew cleared, cleaned and painted the walls there. The plan is for artists of the FMIT to paint murals on the bays. Any tribal member artists interested in painting one of the bays contact any member of the Tribal Council. Paint and supplies will be provided. The first week we have had several tribal members who participated in the project. In speaking with some of the elders we received the following comments: “Isn’t it great how we have everyone out there work- ing!” “That’s good, it keeps the workers busy and gives them the opportunity to work!” “I’m thankful for everything! It’s good how they are all working together. That’s the way it should be, ev- eryone working together. They are doing a good job!” Persons must satisfy the following eligibility criteria to participate in the Mojave Proud Project: Must be an enrolled member of the Ft. Mojave Indian Tribe who is eighteen (18) years of age or older, and Must not have an outstanding warrant for arrest issued by any jurisdiction Eligible persons shall not exceed 25 hours a week and compensation shall be at $10.00 per hour for each hour of work. There are 2 shifts, the morning shift which begins at 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and the evening shift which begins at 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

ECH-KAH-NAV-CHA OCTOBER 2017, Page 3 Mojave YouTh shinnY TeaM Travels To cocoPah Prior to the trip Shinny took off quick with dust Coach Wes Davis held flying, sticks swinging and practices and Shinny stick big contact between the making sessions every two teams. Originally the week for about a month, game was set to go up to so our Shinny boys were 10 points but the Mojave well prepared and excited boys are Spirit Runners when they reach the Co- and do not tire as easy as copah reservation. It was others which led to the a beautiful day for Shinny opposing team tiring out when the boys stepped out and requesting the game on their opponent’s home to only go to five points. Mojave Shinny boys with field with the energy of Our boys were victorious Cocopah elder Marlo Jones young warriors, the game with a final score of 5-1. Cocopah (left), Mojave (Right) Cocopah Elder Marlo Jones Telling Stories and singing for our boys. After the match I am very proud of you our boys set out to the all. Shinny is a warrior’s Cocopah campsite where game and you guys played they set up camp for the like warriors, and the way night. The camp fire was you guys are sleeping lit and the boys were set- outside afterwards makes tled around it when they me proud, that’s what had a surprise visit from you are supposed to do, respected Cocopah elder that’s what makes you Marlo Jones, who sang a stronger.” The following few songs and told stories. morning before heading Most importantly Mr. back to Fort Mojave Mr. Jones stated that his rea- Jones had arranged for son for visiting the camp- the Boys to eat breakfast site was to inform our at the Cocopah Casino on Shinny boys that they had the house. It was a great really made him proud experience for the Mojave at the way they played Shinny Boys, a big thank the game, he said “you you to Wes Davis for boys gave me chills earli- keeping Mojave Youth in- er, I have not seen Shin- volved in the Shinny Tra- Both structures built by ny played in such a way dition. Cocopah Elder Marlo Jones for a very long time and

ECH-KAH-NAV-CHA OCTOBER 2017, Page 4 MaYhi “sPiriT warrior” Medrano September 9th was fight night; many members of the Mojave community were in attendance in support of our own Mojave Warrior. While we all were enjoying the preliminary bouts there was a shocking announce- ment, a surprise that nobody knew about, teenage Trib- al member Mayhi Medrano was announced to the ring. Mahi, fighting name “Spirit Warrior” was to fight in a single seven minute round of strictly Jiu-jitsu against a brown belt opponent. The seven minutes were intense and the Spirit Warrior definitely held his own against a much more seasoned opponent earning a draw in the fight. Professor Rick Lucero stated that Mahi could not fight against opponents his own age because he is way to advanced, and the state of Nevada will not sanction a full contact match with an adult vs. a minor which is why he had to fight a non-striking Jiu-Jitsu match. Keep an eye out for this young man he will definitely represent the Mojave people proudly and undoubtedly be the next Tribal member to hold a championship belt up in the ring. We had a chance to ask the Spirit Warrior a few questions: FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2017 How long have you been training? 7:00 P.M. TICKETS STARTING AT $10 I have been training for about ten years. What inspired you to get started in the sport of mixed martial arts? I was bullied as a child and tired of being afraid. I wanted to be able to protect myself, my family and my friends. What is your favorite strike or submission hold? I do not have a favorite strike or submission, just the “Mayhi way” Have you had any full contact experience yet, if not are you looking forward to stepping in the ring in a full contact match? I have had experience in full contact matches in the past, but I am definitely looking forward to my next full contact fight. It will be exciting not only for me but for my supporters as well. Speaking of your supporters, do you have any words for the Mojave people whom you represent and will be representing throughout your career? As the only Mojave teenager who not only trains but fights, it really makes me happy to see the Tribe as well as the community coming together to support our academy. I want to show the art of Jiu-Jitsu to the younger generation because it has had a huge impact on my life. Hopefully I will be able to pass the message on to those who are willing to learn.

ECH-KAH-NAV-CHA OCTOBER 2017, Page 5 shane “Mojave warrior” MaPaTis The Mojave Warrior Shane Mapatis has success- fully defended his Heavy Weight Champion Title for a second time taking his record to an impressive 9 wins and 0 losses. His latest bout was a rematch against E.J. Diaz which was the initial oppo- Rez-Life Bird Singers Singing nent whom Shane won the Shane “Mojave Warrior” Mapatis into the ring. Title back in 2016. The first time around was a very exciting fight which the two heavy weights rarely went to the ground but rather stood toe to toe in a five round slug fest ultimately resulting in a win by unanimous de- cision earning the Mojave Warrior the Title he holds today. With the excitement of the first fight with Diaz it was only natural that there would eventually be a rematch, but before Diaz would get his chance at Mapatis’s title` Shane would ac- cept his first title defense against Chris Thompson whom The Mo- jave Warrior submitted in 2 min- utes 32 seconds in the first round. With no other challengers in sight E.J. Diaz would get his chance for a rematch. Mapatis knew that Diaz would be ready for another all-out brawl so he trained hard on his stand up boxing in preparation for part two of what was a great fight. Fight night came and it was indeed another heavyweight slug fest except this time the Mojave Warriors gloves seemed to be zoned in scoring one connection af- ter another at one point knocking the mouth piece right out of Diaz’s mouth. During the fourth round Diaz was getting pretty dazed and no longer able to withstand the attack Mapatis was bringing so the referee stopped the fight, rightfully so, giving Shane “Mojave Warrior” Mapatis his second title defense win by Knock Out proving that he is definitely the rightful WFC Heavyweight Champion. In speaking with Mapatis about what is next he stated that right now he is focused on his training and weighing his options on making a professional debut. Although uncertain on the route he will take, one thing is for cer- tain, Shane “Mojave Warrior” Mapatis is the truth.

ECH-KAH-NAV-CHA OCTOBER 2017, Page 6 annual Mojave glow/color run 5k Miss indian arizona Continued Shaandiin Parrish able to assist in breaking food vouchers and con- The Fort Mojave Tribal Council had an impromptu down barriers and mis- cert tickets for all who at- visit from 2016-2017 Miss Indian Arizona Shaandiin conceptions of individu- tended), as well as Bren- Parrish. The Tribal Council was able to take Ms. Par- als who have disabilities. den Theaters. In addition, rish on a tour of the AZ and CA Reservation in which This year the event began the event would not be a she also made a visit to the children and staff at the with presentations from: success without our vol- FMIT Boys & Girls Club. CA DOR (California unteers: Kiwanis Club of Department of Rehabil- Bullhead City, Public Re- itation), Deaf & Hard of lations, River Valley High Hearing, Our very own School national honor so- FMIT CrossFit Demon- ciety, FMIT Teen Council, strations, Joshua Springs FMIT Recreation, FMIT Senior Living Center, AZ Housing, and the Tribal DDD (AZ Department Community who stepped of Developmental Dis- in to help throughout the abilities), the Fort Mo- entire event. jave Tribal Royalty, Rez Thank you to all who life and FMIT SDPI. The came out and participat- program would like to ac- ed in the event we hope to Left to Right: Cellina Reyes (Council Member), knowledge the donation see you all next year! Timothy Williams (Tribal Chairman), Shaandiin Parrish (Miss Indian vendors; Spirit Mountain Arizona), Colleen Garcia (Council Secretary) Casino in which they “On October 6, 2017 generously donated Ham- I made it all the way to the burgers, hotdogs, and Fort Mojave Indian Res- chips, Kiwanis of Bull- ervation in Needles, Cali- head City who prepared fornia. It was definitely an the food and served all impromptu visit as you can who attended, AVI Pro- tell by the chairman and motions (snow cones, councilwomen’s attire. The three day two night stays, Fort Mojave Indian Tribal Council is amazing!! Right save the date when I got there they put me Ms. Indian Arizona visits to work. First it started off Boys & Girls Club Staff & Children with an Facebook live stream where I gave advice to the Miss fort Mojave contestants. Then the chairman took my Grandma and I around the California Village and Arizona Village, showing us the renovations they were in the middle of. The council believes in their people and have created jobs for them. Everyday they give the opportunity for their people to renovate homes for an hourly wage. Then the chairman and councilwomen veteran’s day took me to the Boys and Girls club where I said hello to the kids. ceremony I’ll always remember this day and remember how much you can fit into one visit. Thank you to the Fort Mojave saturday, november 11 th , 2017 Indian Tribe for having me.” ( Shaandiin Parrish) 500 merriman avenue, needles, ca 92363

ECH-KAH-NAV-CHA OCTOBER 2017, Page 7 geT in Touch wiTh Your ForT Mojave Tribal council TiMoThY williaMs, ForT Mojave Tribal chairMan Phone number: (760) 391-8323 e-mail: [email protected] shan lewis, vice chairMan Phone number: (702) 334-2611 e-mail: [email protected] colleen garcia, secreTarY Phone number: (702) 493-1128 e-mail: [email protected] nichole garcia, MeMber Phone number: (760) 861-4213 e-mail: [email protected] norvin Mccord, MeMber Phone number: (760) 362-2488 e-mail: [email protected] johnnY heMMers, MeMber Phone number: (928) 234-7465 e-mail: [email protected] cellina reYes, MeMber Phone number: (760) 718-0872 e-mail: [email protected]

ech-kah-nav-cha newsleTTer PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE 500 merriman avenue PAID needles, california 92363 BULLHEAD CITY, AZ Phone: (760) 629-4591 exT. 106 PERMIT NO. 57 Fax: (760) 629-6144 eMail: [email protected] The Fort Mojave Tribe appropriates NEW ENROLLED FMIT MEMBER Tribal funds and contracts BIA Highergrant funds to eligible tribal members who are pursing Associates, Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate degrees at accredited Institutions. College/University Application Deadlines: SPRING SEMESTER: NOVEMBER 1, 2017 Part-Time Scholarship: Deadline is no later than one week before classes begin. Adult Vocational Training Scholarship: Deadline is 8 weeks before the start date. The Fort Mojave Indian Tribe appropriated funds and contracts to BIA Higher Education Grant funds to eligible tribal members who are pursuing a Certificate or Applied Degree at a Vocational or Technical institute. Please Contact: Francisca Medrano For More Information Fort Mojave Tribe Education Department P.O. Box 7066, Mohave Valley, AZ 86446 Welcome Nicole Marie Jenkins Born on July 2, 2017 Phone: (928) 346-1121 or 1-800-226-1960 Daughter of Fax: (928) 346-1123 or Email: [email protected] Keifer Jon Jenkins and Rosaline Marie Villar.