Clinton Pattea, president of Fort McDowell Nation, passes away

Friday, July 5, 2013  

Clinton Pattea, the president of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation of Arizona, passed away this morning.

Pattea led his tribe for more than 44 years. He played a key role in the introduction of Indian gaming in Arizona in 1992, when the tribe prevented federal authorities from raiding the reservation.

The tribe held a celebration of Pattea's achievements on June 29, The Fountain Hill Times reported. The Dr. Clinton M. & Rosiebelle Pattea Foundation was announced and will be establishing a scholarship fund.

"The first lady, vice president, myself and the Navajo Nation extend our condolences to the family of Dr. Clinton M. Pattea," Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly said today. "Our thoughts and prayers go out the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation for the loss of a leader and a champion of Native rights. His exemplary 50-year public service career was an inspiration to all of Indian Country and is a model for our future generations. His commitment to improving the education, health and wellness of our children forged policy changes in the nations capitol that will be felt for decades to come. Dr. Pattea was a friend of the Navajo people and will be greatly missed.”

Get the Story:
Dr. Clinton Pattea passes; longtime tribal leader (The Fountain Hill Times 7/5)
A little of this and a little of that [see second item] (The Fountain Hill Times 7/3)