Core Values and College Motto

T-Wohocudadag – Our Beliefs

At Tohono O’odham Kekel Ha-Maṣcamakuḍ we believe that T-Wohocudadag provides balance, strengthens, and helps us respect ourselves, other people, and cultures. 

Things in our lives (e.g. nature, people, the environment, animals) keep us in balance.  Everything is here for a reason, to learn from, to care for, and to respect.

T-Apedag – Our Well-Being

We, at Tohono O’odham Kekel Ha-Maṣcamakuḍ, believe that T-Apedag includes what is healthy and good for us (physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally) and all that is around us. 

How we interact with the world and our relationships influences our health.  Well-being is how you give, how others give to you, and how to take care of yourself  and others – (mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically).  Self-reflection provides understanding of one’s place in the world, one’s effect on others, and vice versa.

T-Pi:k Elida – Our Deepest Respect

We, at Tohono O’odham Kekel Ha-Maṣcamakuḍ, believe that T-Pi:k Elida is a deep sense of respect for the land, the people, and the things upon the land, yourself, and your life.  

This includes valuing the people and the culture.

I-We:mta – Working Together

We, at Tohono O’odham Kekel Ha-Maṣcamakuḍ, believe that I-We:mta is crucial for the success of the college.

In years past, when someone shot a deer they shared it with the people.  This was also true when planting and harvesting the fields where everyone helped one another.  Providing food was not just for oneself; it included the concept of sharing, taking care of others, and giving back to the community.  Tohono O’odham provided help when help was needed, particularly in times of loss and death.