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Indigenous Affairs

Follow AZPM for current coverage on Arizona's indigenous community and tribal governments. Video News
NEWS

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.
July 8, 2025

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.
June 9, 2025

Appeals court revives tribal lawsuit against SunZia transmission line

Judges say feds may have bypassed tribal consultation, violating historic preservation law.
May 29, 2025

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.
May 27, 2025

'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?
May 23, 2025

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.
May 20, 2025

Stories about hope, renewal, and second chances.

Also on Arizona Spotlight:
May 15, 2025

Federal judge pauses Oak Flat land swap until a SCOTUS decision

The ruling comes two days after arguments were heard.
May 9, 2025

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.
May 8, 2025

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.
April 28, 2025

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.
April 14, 2025

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.
April 9, 2025

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.
April 1, 2025

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.
March 25, 2025

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.
March 21, 2025

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.
March 8, 2025

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.
February 12, 2025

"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.
February 5, 2025

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.
January 28, 2025

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.
January 27, 2025

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.
January 17, 2025

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

The new casino is expected to create upwards of 500 new jobs.
January 13, 2025

Arizona tribes receive nearly $750k for climate adaptation plans

The funding comes from the Bureau of Indian Affairs' annual tribal community resilience awards program.
January 8, 2025
VIDEO

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.
May 23, 2025

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
July 10, 2025

Quinton Antone – Tohono O’odham Artistry

Quinton Antone is a multimedia artist of Tohono O’odham and Kiowa heritage.
July 4, 2025

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.
April 10, 2025

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.
October 9, 2024

Artist Maria Arvayo

Pascua Yaqui artist draws inspiration from the Sonoran Desert landscape.
November 15, 2023

Navajo Weavers

Sisters Barbara Teller Ornelas and Lynda Teller Pete are 5th-generation master Navajo weavers
November 7, 2023
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