Thirty years ago, between 25 and 50 federal agents and marshals raided the Fort McDowell arcade. They confiscated over 100 tribe members, community members, casino employees and casino patrons before leaving with 349 slot machines and blocked the only exit. Her ensuing three weeks of nonviolent confrontation culminated in Arizona making a pact with Arizona tribes, paving the way for statewide Indian gaming.
On May 12, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation near Fountain Hills will host a milestone 31st Annual Sovereignty Day Celebration to mark one of the most important days in Fort McDowell’s history.
After eating a continental breakfast and posting colors at the Fort McDowell Old Casino Bingo Hall memorial statue, veterans will begin the 4-mile memorial march from the Fort McDowell Old Casino Bingo Hall parking lot to Fort McDowell beginning at approximately 7:15 a.m. lead the way. Parks & Recreation Center.
This historically significant highlight of the morning’s event mimics the 1992 protest march from the Fort McDowell Casino to the Arizona State Capitol, where Fort McDowell Adventures helps the elderly, young children, and others travel four miles. We provide hay wagon rides for those unable to complete the trek. . The walk is followed by informative programs, luncheons and entertainment at Recreation Center Ramada.
Thirty years ago, between 25 and 50 federal agents and marshals raided the Fort McDowell arcade. They confiscated over 100 tribe members, community members, casino employees and casino patrons before leaving with 349 slot machines and blocked the only exit. Her ensuing three weeks of nonviolent confrontation culminated in Arizona making a pact with Arizona tribes, paving the way for statewide Indian gaming.
“Each year at this time, we pay tribute to our parents, grandparents, friends and other tribal members who bravely and peacefully thwarted the efforts of government officials to attack our tribal sovereignty and self-determination. ,” said Fort Chairman Bernadine Burnett. McDowell Yavapai Nation. “Their passion, dedication, and steadfast belief in preserving what rightfully belongs to us has shaped not only our tribal councils and members, but the entire Arizona gaming landscape. It is a very proud day for the people of , and we would like to thank everyone involved for their dedication and hard work in making this annual event meaningful and memorable.”
Since that fateful event in 1992, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation has continued to thrive, give back to its community, and celebrate its rich heritage.
In October 2020, this resilient, progressive and inclusive spirit was demonstrated by the opening of WeCopa Casino Resort, a state-of-the-art dining and entertainment facility that has set a new standard for gaming in the Valley. Since then, the AAA Four Diamond property has added his Betfred-powered WKP sportsbook, a new restaurant and other offerings designed to attract both new and returning guests.
The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation is a tribe of 889 Native Americans from the upper Sonoran Desert of central Arizona. Located near Fountain Hills, northeast of Phoenix in Maricopa County, this 40-square-mile reservation was home to the Yavapai, a once nomadic herder who hunted and foraged in vast areas of Arizona’s desert lowlands. A small part of the tribe’s ancestral territory. The country of the mountainous Mogollon Rim.
The tribe operates successful businesses such as Wee Kopa Casino Resort, Wee Kopa Golf Club, Fort McDowell Adventures, Eagle View RV Resort, Baja Gas, Yavapai Materials and Tribal Farms.
