THE 25TH GATHERING OF THE PAI
By Harrison J. Bahe
It was a great weekend to be Yavapai! On April 11 and 12, 2025, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation proudly hosted the 25th Gathering of the Pai celebration at the Fort McDowell Recreation Center. This annual event brings together the five Yuman speaking Pai tribes to honor their shared history, language, stories, and culture.
For the past 25 years, the Yuman speaking tribes—the Fort McDowell Yavapai, Yavapai-Apache, Yavapai Prescott, Hualapai, and Havasupai—have gathered in unity to celebrate their ancestral bonds. The Gathering of the Pai rotates among the five tribal communities, each taking turns to host on their respective reservations. This year, Fort McDowell was honored to host the event.
The celebration began with a heartfelt welcoming ceremony led by former FMYN President and event master of ceremonies, Raphael Bear. The posting of the colors marked the official start, followed by words of gratitude and reflection from tribal council members of each participating tribe.
Day one featured the Elder Pai and Pai Woman festivities, where women from all Yuman tribes proudly showcased their cultural heritage and talents. From storytelling to displaying handcrafted jewelry, each presentation reflected the rich traditions passed down through generations.
Day two was the heart of the cultural celebration. After a hearty breakfast, attendees were introduced to tribal dignitaries and royalty. The rest of the day was filled with a vibrant series of traditional performances. Highlights included Terrance Williams and his youth troupe, the Havasupai Ram Dancers; Donald Beckman, the bow-and-arrow-wielding Warriorettes, and Garfield Nish with his son Jeremiah Shaw from Maricopa. Each group performed traditional songs and dances, some accompanied by drums, others with traditional gourds—all deeply engaging and educational.
Wendy Thomas was crowned Pai Woman, while Leatrice Walema was honored as Elder Pai Woman. A moving social dance closed the celebration, with tribal elders and royalty paying tribute to the late Emily Pike in a solemn and respectful ceremony.
The entire event was nothing short of inspiring. Seeing all five tribes come together as one people—united in language, culture, and spirit—was a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the Pai communities. The gathering not only honored the past but also shined a light on the future. With such strong participation from the youth, the legacy of the Pai people is clearly in good hands.
