Indigenous Affairs

An Endangered Language

With the majority of Indigenous tribal languages in the United States in critical danger of dying out, what does it take to keep them from becoming extinct.

We Are the Water Missing Home

Indigenous communities fight against border wall construction near a sacred Sonoran Desert spring. (10:06)

The Bahidaj Harvest

For thousands of years the Tohono O’odham have lived in the Sonoran Desert and for much of that time harvested the Bahidaj, the fruit of the Saguaro.

Fight over Resolution Copper Mine drags on

Both sides expect the fight to continue

Tribes in the Colorado River basin say they're 'in the dark' as states discuss water conservation

The complaint comes as Colorado River water users are trying to come up with a new sharing plan.

Navajo Code Talker Samuel Sandoval dies

Three left from group.

"Chasing the Ghost Bear: On the Trail of America’s Lost Super Beast" with author Mike Stark.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Rodeo champion Sherry Cervi honored with Marana street names; and actor Jon Proudstar talks about "Reservation Dogs" as season 2 arrives.

Tohono O'odham Community College to receive federal grant for Internet access

The U.S. Department of Commerce awards nearly two million dollars

Navajo president signs pandemic aid priorities, $1B spend

The spending plan covers COVID-19 and infrastructure.

Indigenous students to get full University of Arizona tuition

University will pay tuition and fees for all who qualify.

Contreras Fire listed as 100% contained

Local management team will hand over control Saturday.

State health insurance program wrongly ended coverage for some Native children

AHCCCS said it is putting new procedures in place following auditor general's report.

Navajo President Jonathan Nez says he'll seek reelection

The primary election is in August.

Comcaac Nation in Sonora renews historic march to ancestral site

An Indigenous nation in Sonora held a historic gathering last year to demand water for their communities on the Sea of Cortez. Now, they’re meeting again. This time in honor of their ancestors.

White House report calls for stronger Native American voting protections

Native Americans face threats, mockery, language barriers, and outright disrespect at the polls, the White House report concludes.

U.S. Senate committee hears 2 bills on tribal water rights in Arizona

CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores said her tribe has already helped to stave off the effects of a historic drought by fallowing its fields and taking other measures.

U.S. Senate committee to hear testimony on tribal water rights

The chairwoman of the Colorado River Indian Tribes is in Washington, D.C., this week to testify for a bill that would allow her tribe to lease its water to other parts of Arizona.

Indian Health Service head nominated amid tough challenges

Roselyn Tso most recently served as director of the health service's Navajo region.

$1.7 billion in infrastructure act funds will go towards fulfilling settlements of Indian water rights claims

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced the funds in Phoenix this week.

For legal experts and activists, an unexpected win for Indigenous religious freedoms

Amber Ortega was facing charges for refusing to leave an area where workers were building the border wall. Her acquittal was hailed as an unexpected win for Native American religious freedoms.

A partnership blooms after UA dissertation highlights recruitment biases in higher ed

One aspect of the partnership is to support Sunnyside and Desert View high school students interested in college.

Indigenous woman arrested for blocking wall construction found not guilty

Amber Ortega's defense argued her actions should be protected by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

A survey for and by Indigenous peoples is asking for Native Americans to share their political priorities

The deadline for the Indigenous Futures Survey is March 1.

Baboquivari Unified School District moves to virtual learning for two weeks

The Tohono O'odham school district said it took the step to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

Tohono O'odham chairman tests positive for COVID-19

Tohono O'odham Nation Chairman Ned Norris Jr. plans to continue work as the chairman remotely while isolating.

Navajo council votes to send big checks to tribal members

The money comes from coronavirus relief funds.

Bill allows Indigenous students to wear cultural clothing at graduation

Advocates say after a year of protests over racial injustice, it's a meaningful change.