Latest News
The Quechan Indian Tribe has been informed of a community member testing positive for COVID-19. The Tribal Council recognizes the severity of this public health emergency and is concerned about the welfare of our tribal members. We are committed to the continued response to this unprecedented pandemic.
Due to this recent development, it is with the upmost urgency that the Tribal Council mandates a Public Health Emergency "Stay at Home Order" requiring all residents of the Quechan Indian Tribe to remain home and minimize contact to prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. We ask for you to only travel for essential items, medications and limit interactions with each other.
There are people still being out in public and putting each other at risk. This is a very serious situation and we need to urge all members of our community to STAY AT HOME now more than ever before. As more people go out in public, the greater the risk is for a massive health crisis for our community. We urge our tribal members to stay home to protect themselves and others, which will help our health care providers and our front line responders to take care of those who need urgent medical attention.
We ask that you consider the health of our elders, and those at high-risk. We must do our best to
remember COVID-19 is extremely dangerous for our elders, over 60, those with pre-existing medical conditions. (such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma)
The Tribal Council commits to continue the work on necessary protocol for business to maintain
operations as this crisis continues. We must all do our parts to slow the spread of this rapidly growing virus. At this time, those we require adherence to this temporary provision and restrictions that are set in place at this time, such as staying at home and only leaving for essential needs and continue to practice social distance and hygiene recommendations from CDC.
Jordan Joaquin, President
Quechan Tribal Council
Tips for social distancing, Quarantine, and isolation during an infectious disease outbreak.
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ON BEHALF OF THE QUECHAN INDIAN TRIBE, THE TRIBAL COUNCIL FINDS IT NECESSARY TO CONTINUE TO SUSPEND TRIBAL OPERATIONS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and growing disruptions to the daily lives of is customers, Imperial Irrigation District announces that it is temporarily suspending all electric service disconnections due to non-payment for residential and commercial customers until further notice.
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Quechan Membership:
The Quechan Tribal Council, with growing concern for the health and safety of our Tribal membership, guests, employees and the surrounding communities of Yuma and Imperial Counties we have made a decision to cease casino operations and reduce certain tribal programs and facilities in support of the nationwide effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
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The Quechan Utility Company holds no higher priority than the protection of our community's health and safety by the diligent operation and maintenance of the Quechan Tribe's drinking water system. Per the US Environmental Protection Agency's regulations for public water systems, our trained and certified operators carefully test each month the water produced by our two wells. The test results confirm that our water is safe to drink and to use for cooking, washing, and so on. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has not been detected in drinking water supplies, and based on current scientific evidence, the risk to water supplies is low.
In 2019, with funding and technical assistance from the Indian Health Service, the Tribe successfully developed a new well and completely refurbished an existing well. While our water is safe to drink, as confirmed by monthly test results and our Annual Reports, we acknowledge that it is also "hard", which affects quality but not safety. To address this and enhance the appeal and usefulness of our water, the Tribe is currently using grant funding to develop a drinking water treatment facility that will both disinfect and reduce the hardness of our water, with completion anticipated by late 2021. In the meantime, you can be confident that our water system is safe for use by you and your family and friends. Please contact Jeremy Douglas, Quechan Public Works Director, at (760) 572-0667 (office), (928) 920-4238 (cell), or Publicworksdirector@quechantribe.corn, with any comments or questions.
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Do I need to boil my drinking water?
Boiling our water is not required as a precaution against COVID-19.
Is tap water safe to use for hand washing?
EPA recommends that Americans continue to use and drink tap water as usual. According to the
CDC. washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds helps prevent the
spread of COVID-19
Do I need to buy bottled water or store drinking water?
EPA recommends that citizens continue to use and drink tap water as usual. At this time, there
are no indications that COVID-19 is in the drinking water supply or will affect the reliable
supply of water.
Can I get COVID-19 from wastewater or sewage?
WHO has indicated that "there is no evidence to date that COVID-19 virus has been transmitted
via sewerage systems, with or without wastewater treatment."
Will my septic system treat COVID-19?
While decentralized wastewater treatment (i.e., septic tanks) do not disinfect. EPA expects a
properly managed septic system to treat COVID-19 the same way it safely manages other viruses often found in wastewater. Additionally, when properly installed, a septic system is located at a distance and location designed to avoid impacting a water supply well.
For questions or concerns or more info please contact the Quechan Utility Company below.
Office: (760) 572-0667
Director: (928) 920-4238
Email: publicworksdirector@quechantribe.com
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Based on the current events surrounding the COVID-19 the Yuma County Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority (YCAT) is implementing a reduction in service.
With the COVID-19 rapidly evolving situation nationwide, Fort Yuma Health Center is shifting from business as usual to an emphasis on minimizing risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. One of the most important ways to do this is to look at what can be done before patient and visitor arrival, upon arrival, and throughout the visit. It is particularly important to protect individuals at increased risk, which includes many of our patients with chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure, as well those over age 60. You may have seen our Public Health tent outside the front entrance of the clinic.
Due to COVID-19, the BIA Fort Yuma Agency is taking precautionary measures to reduce exposure and mitigate spread of the virus. All Employees will be working from home and are available via phone, email and if necessary, by appointment during normal business hours of 8:00 to 4:30.
Please see contact list below and emergency calls may be directed to the Superintendent after hours.
- Realty: 928-248-3378 or johnita.whiteman@bia.gov
- Probate: 928-248-3376 or danielle.duran@bia.gov
- Administration: 928-248-3372 or annette.chelius@bia.gov
- Superintendent: 928-920-3195 or denni.shields@bia.gov
All San Pasqual students and children in the community ages 0 through 18 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
The Quechan Tribal Council is closely monitoring local, state and national health agencies on the coronavirus (COVID-19) daily. We are participating with updates from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, CAL/OES along with Indian Health Services tele-conferences provided by the CDC Media Telebriefings.
The Tribal Administration is meeting with personnel from the TERO, Public Works, Administrator and Chief of Police to access concerns within the community as well as the Casino Management. We are in communication with our local agencies keeping them informed of our efforts and to assist each other if needed as we go through this epidemic.
We remind our community members and employees to continue to take precautionary measures to wash their hands often, and to use the proper disinfectants. We have suspended all non-essential travel for Tribal Operations and Casino Operations.
The Quechan Senior Center will be closed down effective tomorrow until March 31, 2020 and will be re-evaluated at such time. The participants will still be able to pick up breakfast from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM and lunch from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Also the Quechan Headstart, JOM, Quechan, Paradise Daycare Programs have been closed, along with the Language, Parks and Recreation and Wellness classes will be shut down until March 31, 2020. All programs will be re-evaluated on or before this date.
On Friday, March 13, 2020 President D. Trump declared a National Emergency over the coronavirus outbreak following a week of cancellations, suspensions and growing case numbers that unsettled Americans nationwide. The declaration makes more federal funds available along with supplies, personnel and other support. We will monitor and seek what federal funds will be available for Indian Tribes.
If you are feeling ill from flu-like symptoms, and require medical attention, seek medical attention from your local health care provider. The Fort Yuma Health Center, provided a toll free number for evenings and week-ends 1-866-896-1585. You may also call the Yuma County Health Department Toll free number 1-844-542-8201.
The Quechan Tribal Council will continue to monitor closely the situation daily. Please check the Quechan Tribe’s website for any new updates.
On March 6, 2020, Quechan Tribal Chief Game Warden Gordon Osborne was given the Outstanding Exceptional Service Award and was recognized as the Police officer of the year 2019 during the Indian Country Intelligence Network’s annual awards ceremony in Camp Verde, California. The Yuma Sector Border Patrol nominated Chief Osborne for the award.
Chief Warden Osborne currently serves as the Chief Warden of the Quechan Fish and Game.
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With the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) affecting everyone worldwide. The TERO/Safety Emergency Management has been closely monitoring the situation and would like to provide the following information about the virus/disease.
The Quechan Indian Tribe is Seeking Letters of Interest from Enrolled Tribal Members for the following Committees that are still in need of members:
- Advisory Committee (Language) Open
- Pageant (1) Vacant
- Impact Aide (5) Vacant
- Legislative (2) Vacant
- Health Committee (3) Vacant
- Higher Education (2) Vacant
- Culture Committee (1) Vacant
- Commissioner (1) Vacant
- Housing Board (1) Vacant
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Please submit letters of interest to:
Regina Escalanti,Tribal Council Secretary of the Tribal Administration Office
Monday – Friday During the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Quechan Indian Tribe is Seeking Letters of Interest from Enrolled Tribal Members for the following Committees that are still in need of members:
- Advisory Committee (Language) Open
- Pageant (1) Vacant
- Impact Aide (5) Vacant
- Legislative (2) Vacant
- Health Committee (3) Vacant
- Higher Education (2) Vacant
- Culture Committee (1) Vacant
- Commissioner (1) Vacant
OPEN UNTIL FILLED Please submit letters of interest to: Regina Escalanti, Tribal Council Secretary of the Tribal Administration Office Monday – Friday During the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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On Friday December 20, 2019, The Quechan Tribe hosted a company-wide Christmas Party for both Tribal & Casino employees at the Yuma Hilton Garden Inn Pivot Point Hotel Conference Center. The company party was the first in many years for the Tribe, with approximately 500 employees attending. The evening events included raffles, dancing, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres, as well as fun and togetherness. The night also served as a celebration of a successful year and as a Thank You to all of the employees who contributed to that success. The Tribal Council would like to recognize the Party Planning Committee and all their efforts to the year-end event.
On Wednesday December 4, 2019, Parents, Grandparents, Family and Friends arrived at the Quechan Community Center for the 2019 - 2020 Strong Hearts Native Society’s Miss Native San Pasqual Pageant.
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On Tuesday, November 19, 2019, The Arizona Western College Indigenous Student Association and Student Government Association presented the Native American Heritage Days, a two day event held at the Arizona Western Yuma Campus.
