Shows
Cocopah Now PodcastHarvest Time at the Cocopah Head Start GardenAfter more than six months planning, preparing, and planting, Cocopah Head Start children reaped the fruits and vegetables of their labor. Cocopah Head Start Director Tabitha Navotny, Elder Paula Koolick, EPO Border Projects Technician Luis Sanchez and EPO Director Jen Alspach talk about this milestone for the tribe.
2025-01-1704 min
Cocopah Now PodcastResiliency and Environmental RestorationCocopah Environmental Protection Office Director Jen Alspach talks about resiliency as it pertains to environmental restoration projects. Arizona Conservation Corps crew members Martin Leon, Derrick Lameman and Helen Eifert talk about their experiences from projects on other regions in the state compared to the desert southwest.
2024-12-1312 min
Getting Up To Speed With Ben DeatherageBeyond The Flags: Cody WilliamsCody Williams' 2024 campaign was nothing short of spectacular, marked by a series of wins. He emerged victorious at the IMCA.TV Winter Nationals at Cocopah Speedway, claimed track titles at Dodge City Raceway Park and Salina Speedway, and triumphed at the Spring Nationals at Beatrice Speedway and the Osborne County Fair Race. His impressive tally of over 30 feature wins further underscored his dominance. As the Minneapolis, Kansas Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stock driver achieved numerous firsts throughout the season, his journey is one to be admired. Uncover the story behind his nickname 'Meatloaf' and more!Don't miss an e...
2024-11-2828 min
Cocopah Now PodcastProtecting ParamedicsMass shootings in the US have forced first responders to change their tactics. Among those changes is to outfit paramedics with the same ballistic helmets and vests as the police have in their inventory. Cocopah Emergency Manager Mike Fila, Cocopah Public Safety Director Paul DeAnda, and Somerton Cocopah Fire Department Chief Javier Hernandez talk about how first responders have changed their tactics to protect the public
2024-11-2107 min
Cocopah Now PodcastSome of the Most Inspiring Conservation WorkRepresentatives from the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society visited Cocopah to get a first hand look at a $5 million restoration project encompassing 400 acres of Cocopah land. Cocopah Environmental Protection Office Director Jen Alspach and Museum Manager Joe Rodriquez talk with NAFWS Executive Director Julie Thorstenson and Grants Coordinator Megan Hawkins about their partnership.
2024-10-3117 min
Getting Up To Speed With Ben DeatherageBeyond The Flags: Gavyn ManningGavyn Manning is an emerging in the Friesen Performance IMCA Modifieds among the competitors in the Shaw Race Cars Western Region. The Bakersfield, California tells us about his championship season at Bakersfield Speedway, his success at Santa Maria earlier this year, his hope of making it to the IMCA TV Winter Nationals at Cocopah Speedway, and more!Don't miss an episode of the Beyond The Flags podcast! You can catch it on a variety of platforms including YouTube, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and iTunes. Simply follow the link at https://linktr.ee/gettinguptospeed to start listening.
2024-09-2816 min
Cocopah Now PodcastAir Quality and Pesticide Training at CocopahCocopah Environmental Protection Office Director Jen Alspach, Border Projects Technician Luis Sanchez, Air Quality Specialist Emily Matcham, and Tribal member Krista Phillips discuss air quality and pesticide safety training.
2024-09-2709 min
Cocopah Now PodcastCocopah Head Start Garden Project Phase 4Cocopah EPO Border Projects Technician Luis Sanchez, EPO Director Jen Alspach, Councilmember Jennifer Townsend and Cocopah Mom Jessica Serrano talk about the intersection of education, the environment and culture.
2024-09-0603 min
Cocopah Now PodcastCocopah Head Start Students Get Ready For Planting a GardenCocopah Environmental Protection Office Director Jen Alspach talks with Councilmember Jennifer Townsend and Cocopah Mom Jessica Serrano about the learning process for children as they prepare to plant a garden.
2024-09-0401 min
Cocopah Now PodcastMaking Seedlings for the New Cocopah Head Start GardenCocopah EPO Border Projects Technician Luis Sanchez and Cocopah Head Start Director Tabatha Novotny talk about teaching children how to make seedlings.
2024-08-1402 min
Cocopah Now PodcastCocopah Earth Day Festival Retrospective PodcastCocopah Environmental Protection Office Director Jen Alspach, former Miss Cocopah Santana Salazar, and Parks & Rec Administrative Assistant Kat Gibbs reflect on the first Cocopah Earth Day Festival that was held on Saturday, April 20.
2024-06-0615 min
Cocopah Now PodcastThe Experience of a LifetimeMore than a dozen college students from around the country toured the Cocopah Museum. For some of them, this was their first time in Arizona, but for most of them, it was their first time visiting a Native American tribe.
2024-06-0609 min
Cocopah Now PodcastConstruction of New Cocopah Head Start Garden Phase OneCrews started grading the land and installing the framework for a new garden in the playground portion of Cocopah's Head Start facility on the East Reservation. The project will be completed after five phases. The Cocopah Environmental Protection Office and Head Start won a GroMoreGood Garden Grant, totaling $5000. The funding came from The Scotts Miracle-Grow Foundation and the national Head Start Association.
2024-06-0104 min
Cocopah Now PodcastThe Bridge Between People and the EnvironmentCocopah Environmental Office Director Jen Alspach, Museum Director Joe Rodriquez and KAWC Reporter Victor Calderon discuss the intersection of history, culture, environmental restoration and journalism.
2024-01-2911 min
Cocopah Now PodcastWater Is LifeCocopah Museum Director Joe Rodriquez talks with Journalist Evan Bourtos about how the Colorado River is central to Cocopah life and culture.
2023-11-2707 min
Cocopah Now PodcastWe Love What We DoCocopah Environmental Protection Office Director Jen Alspach and Journalist Evan Bourtis talk about their passion for the environment and educating the public about environmental issues. Jen’s interview will soon be featured on Mongabay.
2023-11-0810 min
Cocopah Now PodcastA Tale of Two MuseumsCocopah Museum Director Joe Rodriquez and Children's Museum of Yuma County Operations and Education Manager Christine Bryant talk about their shared mission to educate and engage children. The Children's Museum invited Cocopah to set up a display booth on Friday.
2023-06-1004 min
Cocopah Now PodcastExploring A Career In ConservationCocopah Environmental Protection Office Director Jen Alspach interviews three Arizona Civilian Conservation Corps crew members who partnered with the tribe on a restoration area on the West Cocopah Reservation. Quinn Bujewski, Emely Inzunza, and Megan Gossen talked about how they were inspired to do this type of work
2023-05-0115 min
Cocopah Now PodcastEvery Day Can Be Earth DayCocopah Environmental Protection Office Director Jen Alspach and Cocopah Head Start Teacher's Assistant Alicia Mills talk about engaging students when it comes to learning about nature and the environment. Alspach taught a dozen Cocopah Head Start children how to plant seeds and grow flowers.
2023-04-2103 min
Cocopah Now PodcastRestoring the Colorado RiverThree Cocopah Council members share their thoughts about restoration work on the Colorado River near the international border with Mexico. Vice-Chairwoman Rosa J. Long and Councilmembers Neil White and Wynnie Ortega participated in a two day tour that was led by two representatives from the Audubon Society.
2023-03-2010 min
Cocopah Now PodcastRestoring the River To What It Once WasCocopah Vice-Chairwoman Rosa J. Long returned from a week long session among Federal, State and Tribal officials to discuss the future of water rights and needs. In this podcast, Long talks about the cooperation among tribes and what Cocopah is doing to restore the Colorado River.
2021-12-2303 min
Cocopah Now PodcastEveryone Has A Hand In Water ConservationEvery year Cocopah Vice-Chairwoman Rosa J. Long participates in the Colorado River Water Users Association conference in Las Vegas. In this podcast she shares her thoughts on water rights and conservation.
2021-12-2202 min
Cocopah Now PodcastReconnecting With The RiverA restoration project on the Arizona-California border is underway. In this podcast, Cocopah Environmental Protection Office Director talks about construction of a new park that aims to reconnect the Tribe with the Colorado River.
2021-11-2303 min
Cocopah Now PodcastWe Need To Be Able To Save This AreaCocopah Environmental Protection Office Director Jen Alspach and former EPO Technician Willadena Thomas talk about its impact on the area and what they are doing to restore the habitat.
2021-11-1803 min
Cocopah Now PodcastYou Have To Be High IntensityArizona Conservation Crew Leader Anthony Chesney talks about it's like and what it takes to help save the good earth. Chesney and his roving restoration crew are helping reduce the risk of wild fires on the West Cocopah Reservation and help restore the habitat.
2021-11-1503 min
Cocopah Now PodcastWhen Every Second CountsSomerton Cocopah Fire Department has another life-saving tool in their inventory to extract people from vehicles. SCFD Capt. Steve Clark demonstrates how a reciprocating saw coupled with the Jaws Of Life can get someone out of a wreck in less than two minutes. This is a taped version of a live stream that was posted on Oct. 27.
2021-10-2902 min
Cocopah Now PodcastFollowing In The Footsteps of My AncestorsCocopah Elder Cynthia Villanueva talks about what inspired her to get traditional Cocopah face tattoos.
2021-10-2601 min
Cocopah Now PodcastI Was Blessed To Receive TheseCocopah Elder John Villanueva talks about how he recovered two petroglyphs thousands of years old and delivered them to the Cocopah Museum.
2021-10-1203 min
Cocopah Now PodcastYou Can Accomplish Anything You WantCocopah Tribal Court Presiding Judge Heather Vinci talks about what inspired her to pursue a career in law. Vinci was among 20 up and coming professionals under the age of 40 who were recognized for their accomplishments. In addition to her career in law, she and her husband are co-owners of a popular coffee shop in Yuma's North End.
2021-01-2905 min
ConfluenceAn Indigenous Response to a PandemicIndigenous communities in our region have been hit disproportionately hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Join Emily Washines (Yakama) and Chuck Sams (CTUIR) to hear first-hand stories of the different ways Tribes have responded. This conversation will go beyond statistics and headlines to consider the daily lives of Native people as they confront what, for them, the most recent pandemic.
Emily Washines is an enrolled Yakama Nation tribal member with Cree and Skokomish lineage. She speaks Ichiskiin (Yakama language) and other Native languages. A scholar, with a Master’s in Public Administration, her research and work in film, writing, speaking and ex...
2021-01-2818 min
Cocopah Now PodcastThe Art and Tradition of Cradle Boardsn this episode, Cocopah tribal member Amanda Twist talks about her memories of the cradle board her family made for her. Cultural Resources Manager Justin Brundin and Museum Curator Ulises Heredia talk about the artistic and material aspects of cradle boards.
2020-09-2611 minCocopah Now PodcastBeadwork, Train rides, and a Steak DinnerIn this episode, Cocopah Tribal member Kamie Phillips reflects upon the time 31 years ago when her late mother and other Cocopah elders sold beadwork to visitors who arrived at the West Cocopah Reservation by train. Those moments, and the Older Workers Program, were featured in a February 1989 edition of Arizona Highways Magazine.
2020-09-1906 min
Cocopah Now PodcastCocopah Elder: Learn More and Teach OthersIn this podcast, Cocopah Elder Marlowe Barley, his daughter Kiki, and Cocopah tribal member Deanna Thomas talk about their experiences learning and playing the ancient game of peón. The game teaches its players about mental and emotional strength, agility, patience, stamina and resolve.
2020-08-1716 min
Cocopah Now PodcastCocopah Elder: Everyone Should Have The Experience FishingIn this podcast, Cocopah Elder Irene Sharkey talks about her life long love of fishing along the Colorado River and area canals. Museum Curator Ulises Heredia displays some wax models of Mullet Fish, a species that once thrived in the Colorado River.
2020-08-1608 min
Cocopah Now PodcastCocopah Elder: All Of This Has Come TogetherIn this episode, Cocopah Museum Curator Ulises Heredia talks about a series of photographs that show the development Cocopah housing in the 1960s and 70s. Cocopah Elder Becky Stevens, who had worked for the Cocopah Indian Housing & Development office, shares her insights and memories of that time and what it means today.
2020-08-1503 min
Cocopah Now PodcastWe've Come TogetherCocopah Elder Neil White and Museum Curator Ulises Heredia talk about a unique set of three modern gourds that are in the Cocopah Museum's collection. All three were made by a Cocopah elder who also served in the U.S. Military during the Vietnam War.
2020-07-2505 min
Cocopah Now PodcastSomething Unique: Ribbon ShirtsIn thispodcast, Cocopah artist Paul Barley and Museum Curator Ulises Heredia talk about the art of Native American ribbon shirts. Ribbon shirts date back to the 1800s and are popular to this day. For this podcast, Barley talks about a ribbon shirt he made a few years ago and Heredia talks about another ribbon shirt that is in the Museum collection.
2020-07-2105 min
Cocopah Now PodcastThe Original Miss Cocopah CrownIn this video podcast, former MIss Cocopah Wendy Ortega (1998-99) talks about the original handmade Miss Cocopah crown that she wore for the entirety of her reign. Museum Curartor Ulises Heredia talks about the intricate bead work and design of the crown which is now in the Museum's collection.
2020-07-0605 min
Cocopah Now PodcastBead work: A Mixture of Different CulturesIn this video podcast, Cocopah Museum Curator Ulises Heredia talks about a beaded trucker's cap that was made in the mid-1980s through the Older Workers Program.
2020-07-0604 min
Cocopah Now PodcastDoor-To-Door With PrecautionsCensus workers are at Cocopah distributing the 2020 Census questionnaire. In this podcast, Cocopah tribal member Taleena Garcia talks about what inspired her to become a Census worker and what precautions these workers are taking because of COVID19.
2020-06-1104 min
Cocopah Now PodcastThe Crux of the MatterCocopah Museum Director Joe Rodriquez and Museum Curator Ulises Heredia talk about a beaded cross that dates back to the 1980s and was made by a Cocopah elder.
2020-06-0508 min
Cocopah Now PodcastCensus Workers Coming to Cocopah on June 8In this podcast, Cocopah Councilwoman Rosa J. Long and Cocopah Indian Housing & Development Executive Director Raymond Robles explain important details about June 8, the first day Census workers will be delivering questionnaires at each household.
2020-06-0307 min
Cocopah Now PodcastWe Leaned On One AnotherWilana Ortega and Elizabeth Garcia with the Cocopah Tribal Health Maintenance Program talk about the importance of self-care during COVID 19.
2020-06-0206 min
Cocopah Now PodcastLife in MiniatureCocopah Museum Director Joe Rodriquez and Curator Ulises Heredia talk about the cultural and historical significance of Cocopah dolls.
2020-05-2907 min
Cocopah Now PodcastFingerprints From The PastCocopah Cultural Resources Manager Justin Brundin and Museum Curator Ulises Heredia talk about the connection between pottery, culture, and history.
2020-05-2315 min
Cocopah Now PodcastWe've Seen This Happen BeforeMost wildland fires in Arizona are caused by people. In this podcast, Cocopah Cultural Resources Manager Justin Brundin and Chuck Jachens, a fire investigator with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, talk about preventing wildfires and protecting cultural resources.
2020-05-2208 min
Cocopah Now PodcastHelp For Those Who Need It the MostThe Cocopah Indian Tribe and Quechan Indian Tribe donated a combined total of 10 ventilators to the Yuma Regional Medical Center. In this podcast, Cocopah Councilwoman Rosa J. Long and Cocopah Emergency Manager Mike Fila talk about what it took to make this donation possible and what it means for community partnerships in the future.
2020-05-2004 min
Cocopah Now PodcastA Love and Respect for the EnvironmentIn this podcast, Interim Cocopah Environmental Protection Office Director Andrea Mitchell and Yuma Audubon Society President Nancy Meister talk about what Earth Day means to them.
Here are some online resources:
https://www.plt.org/educator-tips/earth-day-activities/
https://parade.com/1014585/marynliles/earth-day-activities-adults-kids/
https://www.epa.gov/earthday
2020-04-2407 min
Cocopah Now PodcastUtilizing Our Inherited KnowledgeIn this podcast, Cocopah Education Coordinator Wynnie Ortega and Project LAUNCH Community Coordinator Wilana Ortega talk about educational activities for kids and families staying home during the COVID19 pandemic.
2020-04-0908 min
Cocopah Now PodcastCensus Day: Every Tribal Member CountsCocopah Councilwoman Rosa J. Long and Housing Director Raymond Robles talk about the importance of completing the 2020 Census. With people staying home during the COVID19 pandemic, now is a good time to take the Census online, by mail, or by phone.
For a guide on how to complete the Census online click here:
https://youtu.be/vCM0XrSynFw
2020-04-0206 min
Cocopah Now PodcastA Smarter Way To FishIn this podcast, Cocopah Museum Director Joe Rodriquez and Cultural Resources Manager Justin Brundin reflect on their personal experiences fishing along the Colorado River.
2020-03-3025 min
Cocopah Now PodcastContinuing A Musical TraditionCocopah Museum Manager Joe Rodriquez was a guest on Z93's Today in Yuma Show where he talked about what the Cocopah Tribe is doing to promote traditional Native American music.
2020-03-0212 min
Cocopah Now PodcastSplit-Second DecisionsCocopah Tribal Police officers recently participated in high-tech firearms training on a virtual range. In this podcast, Firearms Instructor Lt. Marty Grosvenor talks about how this state-of-the-art system helps police make split-second decisions.
2020-02-2708 min
Cocopah Now PodcastNow It's For RealIn this podcast, Cocopah Emergency Manager Mike Fila talks about how a nationwide preparedness exercise that the Tribe participated in six months ago foreshadowed what is happening today with the COVID-19 or coronavirus.
2020-02-2511 min
Cocopah Now PodcastBringing Back A Musical TraditionCocopah Cultural Resources Manager Justin Brundin talks about what inspired him to start an initiative to bring back the musical tradition of flute playing to the Cocopah Indian Tribe.
2020-02-2213 min
Cocopah Now PodcastA History of MiningCocopah Cultural Resources Manager Justin Brundin talks about mining in the desert southwest as it relates to Cocopah history and the challenges of finding more evidence to add to the historical record.
2020-02-1411 min
Cocopah Now PodcastBe Your True SelfYuma Jaycees Rodeo Chairman Damian Moore, Queen Kaitlynn Salter and Teen Queen Mya Preston were among several special guests who made an appearance at the 23rd Annual Cocopah Cultural Celebration. Each year the Tribe sponsors the Rodeo which kicks off Feb. 7 at the Yuma County Fairgrounds. In this podcast, Mya and Kaitlynn talk about how their roles have empowered them.
2020-01-2804 min
Cocopah Now PodcastWe've Been Through The GrindFormer heavyweight boxing champions Chris Byrd and Lamon Brewster visited the Cocopah Indian Tribe last summer as part of a men's health month program. Byrd and Brewster talked with Cocopah Now about what inspired them to put on the gloves and how the sport has changed. Chris Byrd kicked off the talk with his take on how 1992 was a pivotal year.
2020-01-2713 min
Heritage VoicesTribal Collaboration on the Lower Colorado River - Episode 18What happens to a people when the river no longer flows to them? Or it flows, but no longer supports the associated plant and animal communities so important to their culture? What do they do about it? Today’s podcast features Nora McDowell, former Fort Mohave Indian Tribe Tribal Councilwoman and Jill McCormick, Historic Preservation Officer for the Quechan Tribe and the former Cultural Resources Manager and Archaeologist for the Cocopah Indian Tribe for 12 years. They talk about their collaborative efforts with other tribes in both the US and Mexico towards environmental, cultural, and spiritual restoration of the Lower Co...
2018-06-191h 16