The Orme Dam Project –
In the early 1970s, construction of the Orme Dam was proposed at the confluence of the Verde and Salt rivers, a short distance from the reservation’s southern border. The project would have flooded the reservation and forced the community from what remained of its ancestral homeland.
With limited financial resources, individuals from the community spearheaded an opposition movement that rallied the support of fellow tribal members. Other Indian tribes and non-Indian groups also opposed the dam.
By referendum in 1976, the community members voted 144 to 57 against selling their land to the federal government for the dam site. Then on November 12, 1981, after consulting with the Fort McDowell Tribal Council and the Governor’s Advisory Committee, Interior Secretary James Watt announced that Orme Dam would not be built. Each year a tribal fair and rodeo is held to commemorate the event. Copied from the Fort McDowell Web site
Preparing the arena.
You have to have paramedic and they are kept pretty busy.
Teens getting in some roping practice.
He roped the dummy steer.
Getting ready to be chased down.
7 Year old was selected to the Queens’ court.
I was taking her photo and as she turned to go away from me I stopped shooting and then she fell of the horse. It was a long way down and it was a fall she will not forget.
Her mom ran out to console her and after being checked out by the para medics, all was well.
Natalie Thompson Miss IIFR (Navajo)
Rounding up the Steers.
Future champion sitting on her mom’s horse.
One of the rodeo judges.
Action shots will be posted in the next few days.
There are some really great shots here. Love the close-up shots of the kids and the detail shots of saddles, etc. Next year invite me to go with you!!