In a direct response to the Maricopa Community College District's cancellation of cultural graduation ceremonies, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community held an American Indian Convocation this past Friday. Nearly 60 graduates of indigenous heritage gathered at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick to celebrate their academic achievements alongside community members and Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. "You are a representative of your people, you are the answer to your ancestors’ prayers, so let’s get it done," Anita Soto, a graduate and member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, told ABC15.
This symbolic convocation came to fruition after the Trump administration's mandate required educational institutions to cease activities based on race or identity to maintain federal funding. Maricopa County Community College District, which includes 10 colleges, had to ax its plans for a special convocation that honored minority groups. "We recognize that these required changes may be disappointing to some of our students and employees. However, we remain committed to fostering a welcoming learning environment for all students as they pursue their educational goals," an MCCCD spokesperson said in a statement acquired by ABC15. Despite the district's decision, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community chose to put politics aside and carry forward the tradition of acknowledging indigenous graduates' success.
For many of the graduates, like Diondra Descheenie of the Navajo Nation, finding out via email that the culturally significant celebration was cancelled left them feeling underrecognized. "I felt like it’s a little bit degrading... because we are not really recognized," Descheenie shared with 12 News.
The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community's decision to host its convocation was a demonstration of resilience and cultural solidarity. Council Member Mikah Carlos expressed the community's disappointment at being "lumped into a DEI program" and subsequently scrapped with those programs, calling it "hurtful that confusing and that was frustrating," as she explained to 12 News. Nevertheless, the gathering resounded with hope and pride, with graduates like Niyah Joaquin of Chandler-Gilbert Community College, stating, "It took a while to get here and it took a lot of hardships but I’m here and I’m so proud to be here."
While the continuation of this convocation hangs in uncertainty, the graduates remain optimistic, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their traditions for future students. "It’s about building and celebrating each other’s accomplishments," Zach Thomas, a graduate of Mesa Community College, told 12 News. This reinforces the narrative that even in the face of systemic obstructions, the native community's strength in unity and commitment to cultural heritage remains unshaken.
