Indigenous Affairs

DOJ reviewing amendments to uranium exposure compensation after reauthorization in Trump-backed bill

After a yearlong lapse, uranium-impacted families—including many on the Navajo Nation—will once again be eligible for federal compensation, with expanded benefits through 2028.

Judge denies halt to Oak Flat transfer, Grants 60-day delay

A judge denied efforts to block the Oak Flat land swap but paused the transfer for 60 days, giving tribes time to challenge a pending environmental review.

Appeals court revives tribal lawsuit against SunZia transmission line

Judges say feds may have bypassed tribal consultation, violating historic preservation law.

SCOTUS declines to hear Oak Flat tribal religious rights case, making way for copper mining

The decision comes after the nation's high court re-listed the case 13 times.

'We still have no closure:' Deadly Border Patrol incidents leave families searching for justice

Customs and Border Protection is the nation's largest law enforcement agency. What happens when people are hurt or killed on their watch?

20 people, health care business and church charged in sober living scheme in Arizona

The charges against Happy House Behavioral Health include conspiracy, fraud, forgery, theft, and money laundering.

Stories about hope, renewal, and second chances.

Also on Arizona Spotlight:

Federal judge pauses Oak Flat land swap until a SCOTUS decision

The ruling comes two days after arguments were heard.

Apache Stronghold asks court to temporarily halt Oak Flat land swap

Apache Stronghold seeks to halt a land swap at Oak Flat, a sacred Apache site, as the court weighs religious rights and mining plans ahead of a possible SCOTUS review.

Tohono O’odham Nation: Head Start closure would "devastate" tribal families

Nation says cutting Head Start would threatening early education, language, and cultural programs for children.

Blending science and spirit: Navajo PhD student studies black bears with cultural reverence

University of Arizona PhD student Deandra Jones researches black bears in the Navajo Nation, combining traditional knowledge and science to guide respectful coexistence.

Trump's coal executive order draws mixed reactions from Navajo Nation leaders

President Donald Trump’s coal order splits Navajo leaders—some see jobs and revenue, others warn of health risks and clinging to a fading industry.

Through the 4-day Sunrise Dance, Apache girls transition into womanhood

A significant and highly spiritual event for the young lady and the Apache community.

San Carlos Apache Tribe demands state action after teen’s murder, Call for group home reform

The San Carlos Apache Tribe is calling for group home reforms, and pushes for a tribal alert system to protect missing children.

The Buzz revisits the legacy and impact of Land Grant Institutions

A look at how an 1862 act impacted Native lands and eventually led to UA's fossil fuel use despite climate pledges.

Federal government to close Bureau of Indian Affairs' Western Regional Office, alarming tribes

General Services Administration plans to close the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Western Region Regional Office in Phoenix, raising tribal concerns over service disruptions for 53 tribes, including 20 in Arizona.

Native communities in Arizona to receive $500,000 grant to combat opioid misuse

Grant will support prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts in tribal and urban Indian communities.

"Photographing with respect": How Tim H. Murphy creates unforgettable portraits of Indigenous dancers

Also on Arizona Spotlight: "Stories that Soar!" asks that we look for beauty beyond the screen; and an essay series "The Class of 2024" begins.

Federal court dismisses lawsuit challenging Grand Canyon National Monument

Court dismisses lawsuit from state legislative republicans challenging former president Joe Biden's Grand Canyon National Monument designation, ruling lawmakers lacked standing.

Navajo Nation President responds after concern tribal members could be detained by ICE

They fear racial profiling and a lack of adequate IDs could lead to confusion during possible raids.

Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego presses DHS nominee Kristi Noem on border funding, tribal sovereignty, and deportations

Noem addresses immigration policies, tribal collaboration and deportation priorities in confirmation hearing.

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly seeks commitment from EPA nominee to address legacy mines and PFAS issues in Arizona

Lee Zeldin agrees to support Kelly’s initiatives.

Pascua Yaqui Tribe breaks ground on culturally significant land for third casino

The new casino is expected to create upwards of 500 new jobs.

Arizona tribes receive nearly $750k for climate adaptation plans

The funding comes from the Bureau of Indian Affairs' annual tribal community resilience awards program.

Arrests at Phoenix courthouse by ICE officials, two-year anniversary of border patrol shooting

ICE officials make arrests at immigration court in Phoenix and the two-year anniversary of the fatal shooting of a Tohono O'odham man by border patrol agents. Plus, Daniel Hernandez releases CD7 run ad, and firefighters showing increased levels of PFAS.

Harrison Preston: From Dust to Art

Harrison Preston, a Wa:k O’odham artist, is a traditional basket weaver and potter whose work bridges the past and the present

Quinton Antone – Tohono O’odham Artistry

Quinton Antone is a multimedia artist of Tohono O’odham and Kiowa heritage.

Poetry in Parks – U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón Visits Tucson

In December of 2024 the 24th U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón visited Tucson, Arizona to dedicate a picnic table as part of her Poetry in Parks initiative.

Making Arizona: Tohono O’odham Water

The video presents a short history of land and water on the San Xavier District on the Tohono O’odham nation, highlighting the importance of the collective action taken by tribal members to return farming to the district.

Artist Maria Arvayo

Pascua Yaqui artist draws inspiration from the Sonoran Desert landscape.

Navajo Weavers

Sisters Barbara Teller Ornelas and Lynda Teller Pete are 5th-generation master Navajo weavers