The Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe has issued a formal statement demanding a public apology and a comprehensive infrastructure action plan from Imperial County Supervisor John Hawk, following controversial remarks he made during a recent transportation commission meeting.
The controversy centers on comments Hawk made while responding to approximately 75 tribal members who were advocating for their community regarding local bridge closures. During the meeting, Hawk characterized the interaction as "brutal" and stated that he felt he was being "scalped."
In a statement signed by Tribal President Joathan E. Koteen, the Quechan Tribal Council condemned the language, noting that it relies on racial stereotypes.
"The Quechan Nation will not tolerate them from anyone, least of all an elected representative," the council stated. "Our people have lived along the Colorado River since time immemorial. We are not a punchline. We are neighbors, taxpayers, employers, voters, and a sovereign Nation."
The council clarified that their stance is not partisan and is not related to the upcoming November election, but is instead focused on the conduct of a sitting official toward the constituents he serves.
The tribal members originally attended the commission meeting to raise urgent concerns regarding the Picacho Road Bridge, which has been closed since March 2025. The resulting detour redirects traffic over the Arnold Road Bridge, a structure the Board of Supervisors previously declared an emergency.
"Families, elders, school buses, patients reaching the Fort Yuma Health Care Center, and emergency responders depend on these routes every day," the statement said. "Our citizens deserved a serious answer."
The council’s formal demands include:
- A public apology, delivered in person to the Quechan Tribal Council and stated on the record at a regular Board of Supervisors meeting.
- A written timeline within 30 days for the replacement of the Picacho Road Bridge and repairs to the Arnold Road Bridge, including funding details and construction schedules.
- An emergency-access plan developed in coordination with Quechan tribal authorities.
- Regular public updates regarding the status of the bridges.
- A formal government-to-government meeting between the Board of Supervisors and the Tribal Council.
During a subsequent Board of Supervisors meeting, Hawk apologized for his comments, calling them "insensitive," and highlighted his history of meeting with tribal leadership. However, the Tribal Council maintains that words must be matched by action.
"This Board has shown before that it can hear Quechan voices and respect our sovereignty," the council wrote. "We expect that same respect now."
KAWC's efforts to reach Supervisor Hawk for comment on the tribal statement have been unsuccessful.
