Visions and Voices

Frank Javier Felix

The major influences in my life were my father who taught me perseverance and tenacity, Congressman Morris Udall who provided my first job out of College and taught me you earn respect and credibility, and State Senator Harold Gisi from Yuma who taught me the legislative process and how to focus on working for the public good always.

Growing up the Yaqui was always described as violent and uneducated so that no one wanted to be identified as one. Reading history, I realized that the Yaquis were the only unconquered people by a Government. Learning more about Yaqui and visiting Vicam and Potom regularly with my father made me proud and want to show the world that we have intelligence, can succeed, and most importantly, do help others.  

Being made fun of because you were Yaqui and did not speak English was not fun. Coupled with being poor and wearing hand-me-downs provided other kids an opportunity to ridicule and stay away from you. This only made me stronger and confident that I could overcome other people's ignorance. Now wearing ties and suits and having a Ph.D. helps, but the disdain for not being white is still very evident.

Tribal affiliation:  Yaqui
Dr. Felix is U of A Associate Director of Scholarship Development

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