Membership Directory

(1912-2014) Born in Tapawa, Arizona, on the Tohono O’odham reservation, in 1912. Served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Navajo Code Talker during WWII where he trained over 200 men to transmit and receive messages. Appointed by Governor Jack Williams as Director of Indian Development District of Arizona (IDDA), a non-profit agency serving as a Tribal Consortium. Became the first Native American in the State of Arizona elected to the State Legislature; served as State Senator for District 3 (now 2) for 12 years. Raised a Christian with Navajo traditions and dignities, he has served as a leader bridging the Native and Non-Native community. Continues, at age 92, to serve as a board member and consultant to the Tohono O’odham Nation, advising them on water rights, and on the board of directors for a Senior Housing Association on the Navajo reservation.