The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community returned to an in-person Thanksgiving Dinner this year, with an agenda full of food, fun and entertainment. Held in the Two Waters Courtyard on Saturday, November 19, the event kicked off with early-bird door prizes and chicken scratch music from Mumsigo Ha’Hajun. Miss Indian Arizona 2022-23 Sistine Lewis served as the event’s emcee.

Members of the Salt River Girl Scout troops opened the program with the Pledge of Allegiance, and Miss Salt River 2022-23 Nani Reina provided the blessing of the food. SPRMIC Vice-President Ricardo Leonard welcomed everyone in attendance, sharing his joy at seeing everyone back together after two years. 

Round House Café staff and volunteers helped serve the meal consisting of turkey, dressing, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, pinto beans, squash and pumpkin pie. 

Other entertainment included Kilali’s Polynesian Revue, which featured young women from the Community, and Bird Singing and Dancing by the River, which performed a number of Piipaash songs and dances. In the turkey-calling contest, Community elder Ramona Loring won first place and Garrett Lewis came in second place. 

The event ended with dancing to more music by Mumsigo Ha’Hajun. For information on upcoming events in the Community, follow the SRPMIC social media pages.