Gilbert student completes tribal cultural exchange

Gilbert Sister Cities Youth Ambassador Grace Tong, a senior at Gilbert Classical Academy, recently completed a cultural learning initiative with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community focused on strengthening local relationships, cultural understanding and civic engagement.

The program provided Tong with opportunities to learn about the history, culture and contemporary operations of the Onk Akimel O'odham, or Salt River People, and the Xalychidom Piipaash, or Upriver People.

Her activities included participation in cultural education programs, public safety and judicial system visits, and youth leadership discussions.

"This experience expanded my view into what Native American culture consists of and showed me that there can be small, tight-knit communities even in a city as big as Phoenix," Tong said.

During the initiative, Tong:

• Participated in culture and language classes focused on Native alphabets, traditional introductions and local customs.
• Toured Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community police facilities to learn about tribal public safety operations, emergency response equipment and community protection efforts.
• Visited the community's Justice Center and observed mock proceedings with community leaders, including Judge Deer and Darren Manuel.
• Met with members of the Young River Peoples Council to discuss youth leadership, service and community engagement.

Gilbert Sister Cities President Elaine Kessler said Tong's efforts helped establish and strengthen relationships between the organization and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

"Grace Tong has done an extraordinary job building a meaningful and authentic relationship between Gilbert Sister Cities and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community," Kessler said. "What she initiated goes far beyond a single program or exchange. She created a foundation of trust, mutual respect and genuine friendship.

"Grace's ability to listen, connect people and approach this relationship with curiosity and cultural humility exemplifies citizen diplomacy at its very best."

Tong said the experience highlighted the importance of building connections between neighboring communities.

"Local diplomacy means connecting the reservation with the greater Phoenix area and increasing understanding of Native American culture and history," she said.

Looking ahead, Tong said she hopes to continue developing relationships formed through the program.

"I am most excited to get to know the rest of the YRPC better," she said.

Gilbert Sister Cities officials said the initiative provides a foundation for future partnerships and engagement between the organization and neighboring Indigenous communities.

"I am incredibly proud of what Grace has accomplished and excited about the possibilities this relationship creates for our young people and our communities for years to come," Kessler said.