FORT MCDOWELL — Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation hosted the 25th annual Gathering of the Pai at the Fort McDowell Rec Center in Fort McDowell on April 11 and April 12.
The event involved a gathering of five nearby Yuman-speaking Pai tribes, including the Havasupai, Hualapai, Fort McDowell Yavapai, Yavapai-Apache, and Yavapai Prescott. Every year, each of the five tribes rotates as the host.
The Gathering of the Pai brings these Pai tribes together to honor their shared history, and features prayer songs, dance, and cultural demonstrations.
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.
