Ruben Balderas was sworn-in as the newly- elected president of Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.

The small ceremony was held Aug. 22 in the nation’s gymnasium and witnessed by nearly 200 tribal and community members.

“In respect to the recent passing of our former president, the late Dr. Pattea, I wanted this ceremony to be small, low-keyed and community oriented,” Balderas said.

“Formal inauguration festivities are being planned for the next election cycle, and I look forward to participating in those activities in late January.”

Conor, the youngest son of the new president, proudly held the Bible while his father pledged the oath of office.

Robin Russell, representing the Fort McDowell Veterans Association, presented the president with both the United States and Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation’s flags to be displayed in his office.

“It is both a privilege and an honor to serve the people of Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation,” Balderas said.

“As a former councilman and a Fort McDowell firefighter/EMT, I believe it is important to give back to the community that is so fundamentally important to me and has been my home for nearly 30 years.

“I look forward to working with the Tribal Council, every tribal government department and enterprise, the surrounding communities and governments, and most of all, the Yavapai people as we deal with today’s issues and tomorrow’s challenges.”

Balderas has established priorities for his presidential tenure.

“Our tribe is facing a number of pressing matters,” Balderas said in a prepared statement.

“My near-term focus will be on the 4 ‘E’s’ – the elderly, improved educational outcomes, protecting the environment, and economic sustainability and expansion.

“I believe these are the highest priorities. Of course, finding solutions to these challenges should be in the context of and in respect to our Yavapai beliefs and culture.”

Focusing on these strategic goals will be a hallmark for his presidency, Balderas said.

“As our nation moves forward, we must have a plan of action that defines not only what and who we are, but how we wish to advance,” he said.

“However, we must also have the courage of our convictions to follow through on that plan. Thus, I want to start my presidency with a serious dialog on the development of this strategy – we can achieve this together.

“The goal – to keep this great nation a safe, sustainable community for future generations to live, work and enjoy.”