The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation is celebrating the 42nd Anniversary of Orme Dam Victory Day celebrations.
An element of the Central Arizona Project (CAP) federal water reclamation project was to construct Orme Dam, a water storage reservoir, near the confluence of the Verde and Salt rivers resulting in the flooding and displacement of the Fort McDowell Yavapai land and the people living there. Protests from members of the tribe, environmentalists and supporters resulted in the cancellation of Orme Dam with CAP selecting another alternative for additional water storage.
This year’s victory celebration will take place Saturday, Nov. 18, and Sunday, Nov. 19, with Native American pow wow dancers and All Indian Rodeo competition taking place at the Fort McDowell Rodeo Grounds off SR 87 east of the Verde River. The Frasier Shows carnival will also be set up at the Rodeo Grounds on Saturday and Sunday.
