YOUTH COUNCIL TOURS TRIBAL OFFICE

By Harrison J. Bahe

On May 19, 2026, the Fort McDowell Youth Council toured the tribal office and met with members of the Tribal Council to discuss current issues and future initiatives they hope to bring to the community.

Representing the Youth Council were Mae Hooks (member), Amaya Kill (member), Danika Hosteenez (secretary), Millierose Duenas-Nelson (sergeant at arms), Duckee Wathogoma (treasurer), Kalious Hood (male representative), and Grace Thomas (female representative). They met with Vice President Paul Russell, Treasurer Ernestine Kill, and Council Members Gerald Doka and Bernadine Burnette.

During the meeting, Tribal Council members provided an overview of their roles, the departments they serve as liaisons to, and the projects currently underway for the Nation. Key topics included water rights, tribal enrollment, and financial planning. The discussion then shifted to the youth perspective, as council members invited the Youth Council to share concerns affecting younger members of the community. The Youth Council emphasized the need for greater engagement between leadership and youth, along with increased programming and events geared toward the youth at the recreation center.

The Tribal Council encouraged the Youth Council to develop formal initiatives to present as proposals. The tribal council provided funding sources and grant opportunities. Following the meeting, the Youth Council received a guided tour of the tribal office, where they were introduced to staff across various departments, and were later presented with gift bags containing a collectible water bottle and a bento box.

Overall, the gathering brought together two generations in a collaborative effort to address present challenges and build a stronger future for the community.