Gila River Health Care Celebrates 30 Years of Tribal Self-Governance

November 07, 2025

Joseph Morales

Community Newsperson

SACATON, Ariz. — On Oct 18, the Gila River Indian Community marked a historic milestone: 30 years of tribal self-governance in health care. Held at the Viola L. Johnson Administration Building, the event honored the Community’s decision in 1995 to take full control of its health services, a move that reshaped care delivery and reaffirmed sovereignty.

Master of Ceremonies Roberto A. Jackson opened the program by reflecting on the bold choice made three decades ago. “We believed no one could serve us better than we could serve ourselves,” Jackson said, highlighting how self-governance led to the creation of Gila River Health Care, an organization rooted in cultural values and community accountability.

The ceremony began with a Posting of Colors by the Ira Hayes Post #84, followed by a blessing from Mr. Joseph Enos and traditional Bird Singing and Dancing by the River, honoring the Pee Posh heritage.

Lt. Governor Regina Antone and District 3 Councilwoman Kristina D. Morago offered reflections on the early years of tribal leadership, while former Health Care Board Member Marlene Norris spoke on expanding access to care. Dr. Anthony Santiago, CEO of Gila River Health Care, recognized employees who have served since the organization’s founding.

Board Chairman Myron Schurz addressed the challenges faced along the path to self-governance, and Governor Stephen Roe Lewis closed the program with remarks on the enduring strength of the Community’s commitment to sovereign care.

The celebration concluded with a performance by the Keli Akimel Hud Cudkdam Basket Dancers and a communal lunch. GRHC staff assisted Elders with meals, and guests were invited to enjoy music, cultural zones, and fellowship throughout the event grounds.

“We honor the past 30 years with gratitude,” Jackson said in closing. “We meet the present with strength. And we step into the future sovereign, unified, and Gila River strong.”

The event served as both a tribute and a reaffirmation of the Community’s belief that healing begins with self-determination, and that tribal-led care is not just a policy, it is a path forward.

This year marks a major milestone for the Gila River Indian Community and Gila River Health Care (GRHC): three decades of tribal governed healthcare. To commemorate this achievement, the organization celebrated 30 years of dedicated service on October 18 and 25.

During the celebration, Governor Stephen Roe Lewis and the Executive Office signed a proclamation declaring October 1, 2025, as Gila River Health Care Tribal Self-Governance Day.

Before the era of self-governance, the Indian Health Service (IHS) hospital opened its doors in Sacaton during the 1940s. This federal agency provided healthcare for the Community. However, the system presented many challenges, often due to a lack of funding and a limited understanding of the culture rooted in the Community. Clinics and programs operated under the same structure, and tribal members had no voice in key decisions about building and providing healthcare. Despite these obstacles, the Community pushed onward to establish its own governance and health system. The shift to Tribal Self-Governance and control over the Community’s health began in 1995. The Gila River Indian Community took a massive step forward through actions under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (Public Law 93-638). This legislation provided means for tribes to take control of programs and services previously managed by federal agencies. “We were fighting from the beginning. The federal government didn’t want to build these clinics. We built these on our values and traditions of being self-reliant,” Gov. Lewis said in his remarks.

Through this transition, the Community established GRHC as a tribally chartered 638 non-profit organization. Tribal leaders gained the authority to reorganize the system, providing different services, hiring staff, managing budgets, and implementing long-term goals.

The evolution of GRHC over the pass 30 years reflects a legacy of determination, sovereignty, and resilience. What began with the Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital, built in 1988 by IHS, expanded with new features. In 1997, an Emergency Department and Podiatry Clinic were added. By 2001, Behavioral Health Services, the Gila Crossing Clinic, and Non-Emergent Transportation Services were under new health care management. Growth continued in the following years, including the Su Pu Kum Ké Physical Therapy Clinic and Wellness Center in 2002, the relocation of the Ak-Chin Health Clinic in 2003, and expanded dialysis and behavioral health services in 2004. Today, GRHC’s key facilities include the Memorial Hospital, Komatke Health Center, and Hau’pal (Red Tail Hawk) Health Center.

All the progress and new expansions laid the foundation for the healthcare system the Community has today. “Everyone who spoke before me mentioned community. This is who we are, what we are, and whom we fight for. Gila River Health Care is the community, and that’s what this celebration is about,” said Anthony J. Santiago,

M.D., Chief Executive Officer of GRHC.

This anniversary honors the legacy built by past leaders and healthcare workers. As GRHC looks ahead to the next 15 years, its mission will be to increase life expectancy and growing the number of Community-member doctors. The 30th anniversary stands as a symbol and a powerful reminder: when the Community governs its own health, it strengthens spirit, sovereignty, and the future.