Ak-Chin celebrate ‘birthday’ with community events

A basketball tournament. A carnival. A country dance. A parade. A rodeo.

Those are just some of the activities the Ak-Chin Indian Community is hosting today and this weekend for the Masik Tas festival, which translates to birthday celebration.

Masik Tas celebrates the federal government’s formal recognition of the Ak-Chin Community. In 1912, the government recognized the Ak-Chin Community as a tribe, but it wasn’t until 1961 that it was recognized as a reservation. The Community also established a government during that time, said Carol Lopez, one of the event organizers.

Lopez said she’s excited for all of the events and activities this weekend.

“It’s going to help the community get together and showcase our culture – that we’re here and we’re willing to share what we have with the surrounding community,” Lopez said.

And Marla Antone, another organizer, said she’s excited “to have everyone come together and share our culture and our heritage.”

Masik Tas is open to the public and event organizers said they hope Maricopa residents will join them in the celebration.

The celebration started last weekend. On Saturday, women competed in a traditional game called Toka, which is similar to hockey. And later in the evening, a new Miss Ak-Chin was crowned in the Miss Ak-Chin pageant. Lisa Chavez was crowned Miss Ak-Chin, and Shannon Peters was the first runner-up.

The events will continue today and this weekend: At 5 p.m., a carnival opens at the Ak-Chin Circle Field at the UltraStar Multi-tainment center, followed by a social dance in the evening and fireworks. On Saturday at 9 a.m., there will be a parade on Farrell Road, basketball tournaments, a rodeo and a chicken scratch dance.

To see a list of the all the events, click here.