Patricia Ann McGee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patricia Ann McGee
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| Prescott Yavapai Tribal president | |
| Preceded by | Don S. Mitchell |
| Succeeded by | Stanhope Rice, Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 9, 1926 Holbrook, Arizona |
| Died | April 6, 1994 (aged 67) Phoenix, Arizona |
| Resting place | Yavapai-Prescott Tribal Cemetery |
| Spouse | Ernest "Ernie" McGee (1931–1994) |
| Parents | Amy Jimulla and Albert Vaughn |
Patricia Ann McGee (July 7, 1926 – April 6, 1994) was an important leader of the Yavapai-Prescott Tribe. She worked hard to get millions of dollars for her tribe. These funds helped improve their land and resources.
She also helped the tribe get a special agreement for water rights. Patricia McGee even started the first gaming license for any Native American tribe in Arizona. She helped create a community center that won an award. This center helped teach and keep the Yavapai culture and language alive. In 2006, she was honored in the Arizona Women's Hall of Fame.
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Her Early Life and Education
Patricia Ann Vaughn was born on July 9, 1926. Her birthplace was Holbrook, Arizona. Her family heritage was half Yavapai and half Hualapai.
When her mother passed away in 1940, Patricia and her brother moved. They went to live with their grandparents, Sam and Viola Jimulla. Her grandparents were leaders of the Yavapai-Prescott Tribe.
Patricia went to an Indian school in Valentine, Arizona. Later, she graduated from Prescott High School. She continued her studies at Haskell University in Kansas. She also took classes at the University of Kansas. In the 1950s, she married Ernest McGee.
Leading the Yavapai-Prescott Tribe
Patricia McGee started working in her tribe's government in 1966. She first served as the tribal secretary-treasurer. In 1968, she was elected as vice president.
In 1972, Patricia McGee became the president of the Yavapai-Prescott Tribe. She was the first woman to hold this position. She served for 16 years. After a short break, she was re-elected in 1990 and served until her death.
Building a Stronger Community
When McGee became president, she wanted to build up the tribe's resources. One big goal was to get money for a tribal community center. After many tries, they got the funds in 1974.
The center aimed to have a library and protect the tribe's history and language. Patricia McGee helped start the Yavapai Language Program. She received an award from the governor for her work. The project also won a national award for its design.
In 1975, McGee got another grant. This money helped the tribe build an industrial complex. This project created more job opportunities for tribal members.
Improving Tribal Economy
Patricia McGee worked hard to bring money to her tribe. She secured millions of dollars from the government. These funds helped build a resort and conference center for the tribe.
She also leased tribal lands for shopping centers. This helped the tribe earn more money. She successfully negotiated a water agreement with the government. This was very important for the tribe's future.
In 1992, McGee signed a special agreement with Arizona. This allowed the tribe to open Bucky's Casino at the Prescott Resort. Her efforts to improve the tribe's economy were noticed nationally. They were even featured in magazines like Time and Fortune.
Besides her work on economic projects, McGee also served on important boards. President Richard Nixon appointed her to a national council for Indian education. She also served on state and national inter-tribal groups.
Honoring Her Memory
Patricia McGee passed away on April 6, 1994, in Phoenix, Arizona. She was buried in the Yavapai-Prescott Tribal Cemetery.
In 2006, she was honored again. She was inducted into the Arizona Women's Hall of Fame. This was a special recognition of her amazing work and leadership.
