163rd Annual Five Tribes Treaty of Peace Celebration Shines in District 7

May 8, 2026

Jeston Morris

Community Newsperson

MARICOPA COLONY, Ariz. — Community members gathered April 11 to celebrate the 163rd Annual Five Tribes Treaty of Peace. The festivities included a flag salute, parade, posting of colors, welcome remarks, bird dancing, a luncheon catered by Café Zupas, youth activities, and evening entertainment by Walia Style 87.

The Five Tribes — Maricopa, Pima, Yuma, Hualapai and Chemehuevi — first recorded their peace talks at Fort Yuma on April 7–11, 1863, when Arizona was still part of the New Mexico Territory. The inaugural Treaty of Peace festival was held at Maricopa Colony on April 11, 1940. The tribes are recognized for agreeing to protect Arizona settlers, as cited in the original treaty document.

The celebration opened with a flag salute at the Maricopa Colony Cemetery by the Pee Posh Veterans Association Honor Guard. The parade followed along Baseline Road and 83rd Avenue, with the announcement stand at the Service Center bus stop. Community Council Representative Jeanette Blasingim served as master of ceremonies under the ramada, and Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis and Lt. Gov. Regina Antone delivered welcome remarks.

The Estrella Mountain Bird Singers and Dancers, led by Nathan Mercado, “sang in” the colors for the posting ceremony. Bird dancers Nancy Ahmsaty, Michelle Mercado and Samantha Mercado took part in a special presentation.

Michelle Mercado also performed the national anthem in Pee Posh. “I am thankful to the District 7 elders for composing the song in our language. Our language and songs give us a sense of belonging. I learned bird dancing as a young girl,” she said.

The Gila River Royalt Court, led by Ms. Eliana Rhodes, recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Community member Cher Thomas read the treaty of peace document. Xvik A’an of the Komatke Boys and Girls Club performed O’otham traditional singing, and Gov. Lewis led the O’otham social dance.

District 7 Coordinator Jasmine Reece announced Lloyd Sundust and Martha Miller as parade grand marshals. Sundust, an elder and native Pee Posh speaker, teaches weekly language lessons. Miller, a former Community Council representative, is known for her advocacy for youth and community members. Marina Molina was recognized as Volunteer of the Year.

Parade Results 

• First place: Blackwater Color Guard

• Second place: Gila Crossing Aristocats

• Third place: Blackwater Cheer Squad