June 21, 2019, Prescott, Arizona, as the month of June is coming to an end. The Annual Pai(People) Gathering event. Hosted by each Pai tribe on their respective reservation lands. Was hosted in Prescott by the Prescott Yavapai Tribe- Yavapai-Apache, Havasupai, Hualapai, Yavapai Fort McDowell, and Yavapai Prescott.
The Pai’s are a people from Arizona, California, and Mexico. Yes, MEXICO-!! The Pai Pai people reside in Baja, Mexico. Since 1999, every August the Pai Pai’s host an annual event in Mexico. They speak the Yuman language. It can be considered a first language like the Havasupai and elder Hualapai people. Once upon a time -Yavapai, Mojave, Hualapai, Pai Pai, Havasupai, Cocopah, Quechan, kum’yay and Tribes as far as the West Coast of California and Pima. Where one people – Yuman.
As the people gathered on Friday to enjoy traditional dances and songs from the PEOPLE. As the evening settled, the folks traveling far and near enjoyed a meal cooked by the designated Pai tribes- women and men. With breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The Elder Pai Woman- Pai Woman Naming ceremony is also held during each gathering, honoring our Elder Pai Women and Pai Women of each Pai Tribe.
The family and I had the privilege of performing”Bird Songs” for the People. My brother Luka Montana, nephews Phillip Powskey and Sterling Selana. With dancers Mom- Flora Selana, nieces Shaileen and Eileen Gonzales. My daughter Lavonne(Piggy) Gonzales. Our first time as a family. As our family from the Walapai Tribe joined us- elders and young men. It was heartwarming, a very special day. As we sang songs, we saw life from creation to the struggle for our ancestors who have gone. Then for the people here. As it is a different time. Lastly, for the land and for the spirits.
As Saturday afternoon came to an end, we had a tragedy happen. It was a sad time and brought everyone together to pray for our elder. We saw and heard traditional Havasupai Ram dancers- the Guardians- who travel worldwide as a group. Yavapai dancers and Pai Pai singers. Also, the Hadagwiva dance group. Havasupai Elder – Rex Talousi with Elder Havasupai dancers and Mr. Garfield Nish.
Big thank you to the Yavapai Tribe- Prescott and Camp Verde for everything. Also, to the Pai woman who put their efforts into these events year after year. Lastly, to the Yuman coalition. I will be looking forward to being a part of anything in the upcoming years to come!!! Hangyu-!!!
Courtesy: RezconnectEnt & Promotions, Reservation Bosses, Mohawk Canyon Singers, The Guardians, Pics- Donated by Ava Lynn, Yuman Coalition, and Soul Central Magazine Arts and Culture.
