Apache Tribe to get $1M tribal donation

FROM THE ARCHIVE

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THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2002

The White Mountain Apache Tribe of Arizona, devastated by a recent fire, will receive $1 million donation, thanks to a fellow tribe.

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians of California is providing the money to help refurbish and rebuild the Apache economy. About 60 percent of the Fort Apache Reservation was affected by the Rodeo-Chediski Fire.

"We feel it is our responsibility as American Indians to help our fellow tribal nations in a time of need, and the decision by our entire tribe to make this donation to the Apache nation was made quickly and with 100 percent support," said Deron Marquez, chairman of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. "We can only hope that by making this donation other tribes will follow suit to join us in the important mission of rebuilding the lives of the Apache people of Arizona."

The fire damaged the Apache tribal economy by destroying timber and forcing the closure of its casino, hotel and restaurant. Income for the tribe and tribal members will be affected for years to come.

The Rodeo-Chediski Fire, the product of two separate human-started blazes, burned more than 470,000 acres and cost more than $43 million to fight. It has been fully contained.

A White Mountain Apache tribal member, Leonard Gregg, has been indicted for the Rodeo portion. Federal authorities are weighing charges against a non-Indian woman who admitted starting the Chediski fire.

In an opinion piece, Arizona Republic columnist E.J. Montini today says Gregg has expressed remorse for his actions, unlike countless corporate executives responsible for billions of dollars in stock losses.

"Perhaps the most telling statement about our priorities was the U.S. magistrate's response when Gregg asked if he could say he was sorry," writes Montini. "No, he told him."

Get the Story:
Montini: Unashamedly applauding arson suspect (The Arizona Republic 7/11)
Hiker's fire is thorny legal issue (The Arizona Republic 7/11)
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