'Their tragedy is our tragedy'
Kalle Benallie
ICT
Some Arizona tribes have lended a hand to the San Carlos Apache tribe hit by a destructive wildfire days ago.
The Watch Fire began the evening of July 11, destroying 13 homes and burning over 1,110 acres. Seventy five people were left homeless and more than 400 people have been evacuated, according to a tribe’s press release on July 14. The Watch Fire is the most serious structural fire in San Carlos in at least 30 years.
San Carlos Apache Chairman Terry Rambler shared on Facebook how the Tohono O’odham Nation, Gila River Indian Community, Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community and the Ak-Chin Indian Community offered their support to San Carlos people.
“Thank you Chairman Verlon Jose, Governor Stephen Lewis, President Martin Harvier and Chairman Robert Miguel for spending time with us today, to listen to updates from our employees on the Watch Fire, and to share your heart warming words,” Rambler said in his post. “I respect our O’odham brothers for being with us today and letting us know they stand with us. It is so awesome to see people come together during times of crisis.”
Ak-Chin Indian Community Chairman Robert Miguel said he initiated the joint effort to visit with San Carlos leadership to show their support from the O’odham bands, called the Four Sister O’odham Tribes.
Together they visited the San Carlos High School on July 15 to be updated on fire containment, destruction of structures and what they can do to help. They additionally visited major fire damaged areas in the San Carlos community and Peridot.
“Their tragedy is our tragedy. We as the Sister Tribes will do all we can do in providing support in donations, friendly neighbor assistance, continued advocacy, and through other means necessary. We all need to continue to practice the spirit of who we are as Native Americans, and that is to help our brothers and sisters in a desperate time of need. San Carlos will persevere and rebuild, and continue to strengthen their efforts to provide a better way of life for their people,” Miguel said.
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According to the U.S. Census Bureau data, the San Carlos Apache reservation, two hours east of Phoenix, is home to about 10,200 people and is made up of 1.8 million acres.
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Martin Harvier expressed his sympathies in a press release.
“We commend the relentless efforts of the fire resources and first responders who are working to control the fire and ensure the safety of the community. Their dedication and bravery are deeply appreciated,” Harvier said. “We stand in solidarity with the San Carlos Apache Tribe and all those tirelessly working to combat the fire and provide relief to those in need.”
(Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs (middle) visiting the San Carlos Apache community on July 18, 2024. Photo courtesy of San Carlos Apache Chairman Terry Rambler on Facebook)
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs also visited the San Carlos Apache reservation. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren visited and donated supplies as well.
“In times of crisis, tribal nations come together to help each other as we have been taught by our ancestors. Thank you President Nygren for being with us today. God bless you and the Navajo Nation,” Rambler said in a Facebook post.
The San Carlos Apache Tribe Emergency Response Commission confirmed on their Facebook that the fire was fully contained on July 17.
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