ON THE DEATH OF ANSELMO VALENCIA TORI.
Anselmo Valencia Tori, traditional chief and spiritual leader of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, passed away on May 2, 1998 at the age of seventy-seven.
Born and raised in southern Arizona, Anselmo Valencia Tori distinguished himself through a lifetime of service to the Yaqui people. A World War II veteran, he lacked a formal education but went on to become a revered teacher, tribal historian and outstanding political and spiritual leader of the Yaqui Tribe.
Among his proudest accomplishments, Anselmo Valencia Tori was a driving force behind the tribe's efforts to gain federal recognition and to achieve designation as a historic tribe, a status giving it full governmental powers. A premier authority of Yaqui Indian culture, history and language, he was instrumental in the establishment of the Yoemem Tekia Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating the Yaqui Indian culture. Anselmo Valencia Tori also founded the Pascua Pueblo, now the Yaqui reservation, and capably served as chairman of the Pascua Yaqui Association and as vice chairman and an elder of the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council.
Dedicated to bettering the lives of the Yaqui people, Anselmo Valencia Tori worked to secure social and medical services and economic development opportunities for the tribe. He fought diligently for human rights and tribal sovereignty and self-determination, and he supported the traditional Pueblos in Rio Yaqui, Sonora, Mexico, in their efforts to secure land and water rights. Anselmo Valencia Tori gained strength from his critics and lived by the motto "Yaqui and Proud". He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends and the Yaqui people.
Therefore
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona:
That the Members of the House of Representatives express sincere regret at the passing of Anselmo Valencia Tori and extend their sympathies and condolences to his immediate and extended family members.
UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MAY 15, 1998.
FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 15, 1998.
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