S-ke:g Taṣ,
We, the St. Francis Committee of the Great GuʼAchi District, invite all to join us for the feast day of St. Francis on
October 4th, 2026.
The day will begin with a morning communion service at 6 AM for public helpers before people arrive.
At 10 AM, we will have Mass for the public. People will be arriving around this time, so please allow ample time to find parking and a seat for Mass.
On the north side of the main tent, there will be a drop-off spot for the elderly and handicapped. Signs will be posted for drop-off locations.
After Mass, we will open the kitchen to begin serving the public. Please keep in mind that we will need assistance throughout the day, such as preparing food, serving our elders, taking out trash, stocking water coolers, and any other help would be greatly appreciated.
Our Gu Achi District member, Fred Lopez, will serve as the MC for the event. He will announce the entertainment lineup and important information as needed for the public.
As you may know, people who are making their pilgrimage will be arriving from all directions, so please be vigilant when driving on the main roads. We encourage everyone to stay safe and hydrated during the event. We will do our best to ensure water is available for all, and we will also have a cooling station and EMTs on site if needed.
Lastly, we thank everyone who has given food donations, bingo items, monetary donations, suggestions, and prayers. This would not be possible without the members of the Tohono Oʼodham Nation!
The day will be filled with great music and entertainment, so we invite all to come out and celebrate with us. Different food vendors and arts and crafts vendors will be on site, so come and support them as well.
Thanks to all, enjoy the day, and be safe!
Blessings,
The Great Gu Achi District St. Francis Committee
Schedule of Events
October 4th, 2026
| 10:00am | Mass |
| 11:00am | Kaij Mek Ne’edam Kc Kehindam MC – Fred Lopez – Host of the Rez Cowboy Show & KOHN Mornings |
| 12:00m | Feeding Music by – Desert Sky Winds Waila Band |
| 1:00pm | Ajo Folkoloria Dance Group |
| 2:00pm | Schuk Toak Elderly Dance Group |
| 3:00pm | The Boys Waila Band |
| 4:00pm | No:ligk Traditional Singers & Basket Dancers |
| 5:00pm | Kitchen Closes, prepare for procession, line up |
| 6:00pm | Procession Ribbon Exchange Gu-Achi District St. Francis Committee to Sif Oidak District St. Francis Committee |
| 8:30pm-5:00am | Dance: South Image & Carl and Buddies |
October 5th, 2026
| 6:00am | Procession |