AN EVENING UNDER OUR YAVAPAI SKY GALA
By Harrison J. Bahe
On the evening of April 19, 2025, the Yavapai Indian Foundation proudly hosted its inaugural Evening Under Our Yavapai Sky Gala at the Saguaro Grille, nestled within the award-winning We-Ko-Pa Golf Course. This elegant gathering brought the community together in a heartfelt celebration of culture, unity, and purpose—supporting youth sports, local families, educational programs for youth and seniors, and the ongoing preservation of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation’s rich cultural heritage.
Guests were treated to an unforgettable night beneath the breathtaking Arizona sky, bathed in the iconic deep orange glow of a desert sunset. The event featured exquisite fine dining and live entertainment, creating an atmosphere of both reverence and celebration.
Culture Coordinator Clissene Lewis guided attendees on a moving journey through the history of the Yavapai people—from their early days as nomadic hunters to their victorious opposition to the Orme Dam project and the eventual achievement of Sovereignty in the early 1990s.
Adding to the evening’s spirit, sisters Autumn and Louella Tsosie from the Navajo Nation, performed traditional songs. Both girls are active members of the Fort McDowell Church of All Nations, led by Pastor Virginia Curtis. One of their featured songs, Spirit of God by the late Johnny Curtis, holds special historical significance, having been played during Orme Dam marches as the Yavapai people rallied at the Arizona State Capitol in the early 1980s.
Traditional dancers Jorge Gonzales, Eddie Munoz, Rene Blackwater, and Ipa Gray showcased powerful performances, including the captivating hoop dance, leaving the audience in awe of the beauty and strength of Indigenous expression.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a series of lavish dishes enhancing the gala’s sense of luxury and warmth. Adding a celestial touch, a high-powered Celestron telescope was set up, offering guests a close-up view of the planet Jupiter and three of its moons—further highlighting why Fort McDowell and Fountain Hills are ideal locations for Dark Sky Community recognition.
The Yavapai Indian Foundation is guided by four core objectives: preserving Yavapai heritage and culture, promoting the health and well-being of its people, honoring and caring for its elders, and supporting programs that foster student academic success. Through events like the gala, the foundation continues to honor its past while building a resilient and thriving future.
