Tuba welcomes MacDonald home

TUBA CITY—Immediately upon his release from the federal prison in Ft. Worth, Texas, Peter MacDonald headed for those golden arches. He was suffering one of those impulsive, uncontrollable “mac attacks” that could only be satisfied with a couple of patties, medium fries and a real coke.

MacDonald, once the most influential Native American in the nation, shared some of his experiences in prison with an overflow crowd of family, friends and well wishers who assembled at the Chapter House in Tuba City last Saturday to welcome him home. It was his first public appearance since his prison sentence was commuted by President Clinton hours before he left office in January.

Hope MacDonald Lonetree, MacDonald’s daughter, shared the family’s ordeal and told how they all suffered from the anxiety of not knowing if and when President Clinton would affect his release. She acknowledged many of the local, state and national leaders who were influential in obtaining her father’s commutation.

MacDonald addressed his family, friends and well wishers in English and Navajo. He told of his dark days in prison and said that he would not wish that experience on his worst enemies.

MacDonald thanked his supporters for their prayers and said he was back with them now because of their faith. “It wasn’t because of money or special favors,” he added.

MacDonld people tend to be traditional Navajos. They look to the ex-marine codetalker and graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a degree in engineering to help bridge the gap between their traditional way of life and the complexities of the modern technological world.

They elected him to four terms as chairman of the Navajo Nation. He served until he was removed from office by the Navajo tribal council in March 1989. Because of a financial scandal that bitterly divided the Navajo people he was later convicted in 1993 and sentenced to 14 years in prison by a federal court for his role in a bloody riot in Window Rock when his supporters attempted to restore him to office.

The council later pardoned MacDonald for his involvement in the incident. “Now is a time for healing,” he told his followers and urged him to love and respect all Navajos.

MacDonald said he was proud to be back in Tuba City, the Home of the Warriors—making a specific reference to the boys and girls who just won two back -to - back state basketball championships.

In addressing concerns about his health and his need to get around in a wheel chair, MacDonald said he threw away the chair and the walker as soon as he left prison. He said he just needs a cane now to get around and attributed his physical recovery to the love he received from his family, friends and the Navajo people.

The meeting in the chapter house followed a welcome home parade through Tuba City. That was followed by a community meal at the chapter, blessed by Eddie Nez of the Native American Church. Navajo Nation president Kelsey Begaye and vice president Dr. Taylor McKenzie were also present to share in the festivities. Tribal council delegate, James Bilagody, served as the master of ceremonies, assisted by local chapter officials Paul Begay and Frank Bilagody. The invocation was delivered by Keith George, a local medicine man. Paul Ghee, a local minister with the Tuba City Church of Christ, delivered the benediction.

“Lookin’ good,” said one woman, who traveled all the way from Shiprock to shake MacDonald’s hand and be with the hundreds of Navajos who welcomed Peter MacDonald home. She offered nothing more than a smile when asked for her name. “He looks and sounds better than ever,” she said.

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