Pascua Yaqui Tribe - an overview

April 11 - Francisco "Frank" Montiel, Director of Education Programs for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, helped us understand the culture of his people. He explained their story of creation, their first encounters with Europeans, and their relocation history. While the Yoeme (true name of the Yaquis) are a peaceful people, when necessary they fought hard and well under great leaders. Frank gave us an introduction to their traditions and Yaqui Easter ceremonies. Frank is an excellent example of a young man who has been able to bridge two cultures very successfully; but he did talk about the difficultly some young Yaquis are having dealing with the pulls of their own culture and American society.