Board of DirectorsÝ issues challenge to other Arizona tribes

YAVAPAI PRESCOTT INDIAN TRIBE TO DONATE $250,000 TO AMERICAN RED CROSS

PRESCOTT, Ariz. (Sept. 14, 2001) ñ The Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe Board of Directors today announced their unanimous decision to donate an unprecedented $250,000 to the American Red Cross disaster relief fund to aid their efforts in New York and Washington, D.C. following Tuesday's terrorist attacks.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ According to President Stan Rice, Jr., speaking on behalf of Vice President Ernie Jones, Sr., Secretary/Treasurer Betty Hunter and board members Calvin Hunter and Floyd James, the decision was an easy one for the central Arizona Indian tribe.Ý "We have been extremely fortunate and feel strongly that it is our responsibility as Americans to assist those suffering from Tuesday's disastrous events."Ý

Rice further issued a challenge to other Indian tribes throughout Arizona to follow suit and provide monetary aid to the American Red Cross.Ý Arizona is home to 21 Indian tribes located on reservations throughout the state.

"We, like all Americans, are grieving for those affected by this disaster," said Rice.Ý As an additional sign of the tribe's patriotic spirit, they distributed American flags and observed a moment of silence at noon today in their two Prescott-area casinos, Bucky's Casino and the Yavapai Casino.

The tribe, tiny in comparison to most other Arizona Indian tribes, counts only 159 members and occupies a reservation of less than 1,500 acres.Ý Rice plans to present a check to the local American Red Cross affiliate by Tuesday, September 18.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ The Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe is located adjacent to the central Arizona community of Prescott, approximately one hour north of Phoenix.