Indian guide honored with plaque  

 
Taken from San Juan Record July 4, 1984

By Marsha Keele

   A lasting tribute in the form of a large plaque was dedicated last Thursday in honor of Jim Mike, the Piute Indian who first led white men to Rainbow Bridge.  Feted at a program and banquet held at the Bridge were descendants of Mike and special guests Senator Arthur Hubbard, Arizona; Don Gillespie, Utah State park director; Melvin Smith, Utah Historical Society director; Mayor David Pate, Page, Arizona; and Mayor Cleal Bradford of Blanding.  Representing Utah Senator Jake Garn and Utah Congressman Howard Nielson were aides William Arseneau and Sam Klemm.
 
Picture of the plaque set up in recognition of Jim Mike's discovery of Rainbow Bridge.  This plaque was erected in 1984, and the picture ran in the San Juan Record July 4, 1984.
   Jim Mike the true discoverer of Rainbow Bridge was honored with a bronze plaque in 1984.  He led the first white men to the arch, but his place as the first person to gaze upon the magnificent arch was given to Nasja Begay who was credited to the discovery of the arch for almost a century.
       It was determination and knowledge of the Indian guides that made the Douglass and Cummings expeditions possible, said Jack Nichols, keynote speaker.  Nichols paid tribute to Clarence Rogers of Blanding, who, because of his friendship with Mike, insisted that proper recognition be paid to the Indian guide.
 Pochief, sister to Jim Mike and great grand-daughter Mary Jane Yazzie, helped unveil the bronze plaque bearing the likeness in bas relief of Mike mounted on a horse.  The plaque is dated August 1909.

   Loretta Posey, Anna Marie Nat, and Barbara Morris, descendants of Mike, sang backup as vocalist Stan Bronson of Blanding presented the Ute song Posey.  Framed pictures of the Douglas Expedition were given to Del Webb (for boat services) and to Clarence Rogers for his determined efforts to get an accurate record of the bridges discovery.

   Nasja Begay was honored with a plaque years ago through private funds and in 1973 Jim Mike was given a party, $50 in cash, and a trip to the bridge.  Rogers says that it bothered him that after Jim died in 1977 no proper efforts were made to right the error.      In 1982 a small plaque was placed above the Nasja Begay plaque.  Rogers felt this was insufficient and continued to pressure the Park Service for a more distinguished memorial. 

Ceremony taking place at Rainbow Bridge National Monument honoring Jim Mike for the discovery of Rainbow Bridge.  The speaker Jack Neckels briefly spoke about the Park Services role in getting the plaque which gives Jim Mike credit for the discovery.  This picture ran in the Lake Powell Chronicle on July 4, 1984.
       Through the joint efforts of park Service employee John Lancaster and others, a plaque similar to the one honoring Begay was commissioned.  The two plaques will be placed in a special interpretive display.

   According to Rogers, Mike lived to be nearly 105 years old.  He spent the later years of his life in the San Juan County Nursing Home.  His son Billy and daughter Pochief are current residents of White Mesa. 

Marsha Keele is a former resident of San Juan County who wrote for the San Juan Record.  Currently living in St. George. 

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